M. Zeki AYGUR
Organized with the aim of raising awareness about halal food and healthy living amongthe general public, the Halal Lifestyle Events Festival drew significant interest fromvisitors on its first day. Filled with events, conferences, and workshops, the festival’sfirst day concluded with great enthusiasm.
Opening Ceremony Featured Quran Recitation and Official Speeches
The festival, which opened its doors in the morning, began with a soothing recitation of the Quran. Following the recitation, Dr. Hüseyin Kami Büyüközer, President of GİMDES, took the stage to deliver the opening address, delivering a powerful speechemphasizing the importance of halal living and spreading this awareness.
Following the opening ceremony, officials and dignitaries visited the booths of participating companies one by one. The companies were thanked for their valuablecontributions to the sector, and hopes were expressed that their support for the halalfood cause would continue to grow.
Excitement Over Halal Products at the Booths
The festival grounds were a scene of vibrant activity throughout the day. In the area thatdrew intense interest from visitors, HDM Sultangazi sold halal-certified döner. Participating companies both promoted and sold their halal-certified products at theirbooths. Additionally, various product giveaways were distributed to participantsthroughout the day, allowing them to experience the products firsthand.
Organizations/Companies Participating in the Festival:
• GİMDES
• World Halal Foundation (DHV)
• World Halal Madrasa (DHM)
• World Halal Council (WHC)
• Masterzey
• Lider Tuz
• Afia Food
• Evvahe Natural Cosmetics
• Moon Beavers Toys
• Meysu
• Spumy
• Saygın Herbal
• Norm Restaurant
• World Halal Markets (HDM) Sultangazi Branch
• Unsade
Painting Workshop for Children
Children, the future of our nation, were not forgotten at the festival. While familiesbrowsed the booths, a painting activity was organized in a specially prepared workshop area for children. The children had fun and also had the opportunity to socialize withtheir peers.
Educational Conferences: Boycotts, GMOs, and Heirloom Seeds
In the afternoon, the festival’s excitement shifted to the conference hall, where scientificand technical issues were discussed.
• Expert Mustafa Meral, in his presentation titled “Why Are We Boycotting?”, conveyed the religious dimensions of the boycott and its significance in our daily livesto the participants.
• Chemist Dr. Halim Aydın, in his presentation on “GMOs and Heirloom Seeds,” sharedsome striking insights. In particular, his scientific findings regarding how geneticmaterial transmitted through breast milk alters future generations and human naturewere followed with great attention by the audience in the hall. A detailed video of theprogram will be uploaded to the GİMDES YouTube channel.
The First Day Concluded Successfully
Following the conclusion of the conferences, activities at the festival grounds, productpresentations, and booth visits continued uninterrupted. By 6:00 PM, the first day of theHalal Living Events Festival concluded successfully with the high turnout that had beenanticipated.
The Festival Excitement Continues on Sunday! The Halal Lifestyle Events Festival willkeep its doors open on Sunday with the same excitement and rich content. The venue, open to the public from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, will feature booth visits and discountedproduct sales. Additionally, the weekend fun will reach its peak with the “CakeWorkshop for Kids” organized for our little guests in the afternoon. We invite everyonewho wishes to strengthen their awareness of halal food and spend a pleasant day withtheir families to join us at the festival grounds on Sunday as well.
The Halal Lifestyle Events Festival Successfully Concluded After Two Eventful Days
ISTANBUL – Organized under the auspices of GİMDES and the World HalalFoundation (DHV) at the Bağcılar Women and Family Culture and Arts Center on April 25–26, the Halal Lifestyle Events Festival drew significant interest from children on itssecond day as well.
In a calm, warm, and friendly atmosphere, participants had the opportunity to gatherand chat while also visiting booths where they could meet their household needsentirely through halal and natural means. Over the two days, programs designed forboth adults and children successfully instilled an awareness of halal living in participants of all ages.
Our Children Gained an Awareness of “Halal and Tayyib” While Having Fun
Our children, the guarantee of our future, were one of the festival’s key focal points. The events, organized entirely free of charge, did more than just provide a funenvironment; they taught our children the concepts of halal and haram in languageappropriate for their age.
● Saturday (Games and Coloring Workshop): On the festival’s first day, a workshop forchildren featured various competitions, cartoon coloring activities, and games, alongside basic information about “halal living.”
● Sunday (Cake Workshop): On the festival’s second day, the “Cake Workshop forChildren” took place in a joyful atmosphere. During this workshop, the children had theopportunity to prepare their favorite foods with their own hands using halal and healthy(tayyib) ingredients. While having fun and learning, the little ones grasped theimportance of halal ingredients by applying it firsthand as they enjoyed delicious foods. Dozens of children participated in the games, painting, and cake workshop, while theirparents accompanied them.
Accompanied by poems and hymns echoing through the event area, the childrenenjoyed an unforgettable weekend.
The Destination for Halal, Natural, and Trustworthy Shopping: Visitors had theopportunity to explore and purchase a wide range of products—from food to personalcare, children’s toys to basic household essentials—at the stalls set up in the festival area:
● Food and Beverage Delights: At the Masterzey booth, visitors were treated to freshlybaked, piping-hot pizzas, gözleme, and fresh phyllo dough, while the World HalalMarkets (HDM) Sultangazi booth sold halal-certified meat döner. Guests looking torelax and take a sweet break opted for Afia’s cakes and chocolates, as well as theexquisite chocolate and coffee varieties offered by Norm Restaurant. Meanwhile, Meysu shared its natural flavors with visitors through its complimentary treats.
● Natural and Personal Care Products: For those seeking natural products, the Lider Tuz booth showcased healing salt lamps and natural salts. Saygın Bitkisel drew attentionwith its natural tahini, molasses, and spices. The Evvahe and Spumy brands, featured in the personal care and cleaning section, garnered visitors’ approval with their natural-ingredient toothpastes, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
● Children’s Products and Basic Necessities: At the Moon Beavers booth, halal-certified toys and piggy banks suitable for both the mental and physical development of children were displayed. Visitors also safely purchased general household essentialsfrom the HDM booth.
Information Sessions on Halal Certification Processes Were Held
In addition to the shopping and event areas, “awareness-raising” activities—one of thefestival’s most important missions—continued uninterrupted. Experts on hand at theGİMDES, World Halal Foundation, and World Halal Madrasa booths answeredparticipants’ questions and provided detailed information on halal food consumptionand certification processes.
THANK YOU
We would like to sincerely thank our Halal and Tayyib Food volunteers, our valuedfamilies who never left us alone, and the children who brightened the festival with theirjoy, for their support during this meaningful festival, which lasted from 10:00 AM to6:00 PM and allowed us to experience the culture of halal living together over two days.
