Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, currently visiting in his hometown of Imbros, welcomed Ahmet Davutoğlu, former Prime Minister of Turkey and founder and leader of the Future Party, at his residence on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Davutoğlu, accompanied by his daughter and associates, had expressed a keen interest in visiting the Patriarch.
During the visit, the Patriarch hosted a breakfast in honor of Davutoğlu and his delegation. The gathering provided an opportunity for a warm and engaging discussion on current and relevant issues.
During the visit, particular attention was given to key issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including the reopening of the Halki Theological School. The discussion also touched on the current state of Greek-Turkish relations.
Former Prime Minister Davutoğlu reminisced about his previous visits to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2012, during his tenure as Foreign Minister of Turkey, and to the Athens Imbrian Association in 2013.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of books and other gifts between the Patriarch and his guest.
The breakfast was attended by Metropolitan Kirillos of Imbros and Tenedos, who had previously welcomed the distinguished guest in the central square of the village of Agioi Theodoroi.
Following the breakfast, the group toured the village on foot, visiting a small museum dedicated to the life and ministry of the Patriarch. During the visit, the Patriarch personally guided Davutoğlu through the exhibits.
In the museum’s visitors’ book, Davutoğlu expressed his honor at having visited the Patriarch, recalling their previous meetings. He also thanked the Patriarch for his hospitality and expressed his hope that the various religious traditions in the country continue to coexist in harmony and mutual understanding.
They then visited the café that belonged to the Patriarch’s late father, as well as a neighboring café.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
