Turkish Jews light the menorah during first public celebration of Hanukkah in republic's history

Turkey's Jewish citizens have lit the menorah during the first public celebration of Hanukkah in the republic's history, which was held in Istanbul's Ortaköy district with the attendance of state officials. 

The celebrations began at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13 in Istanbul's historical Ortaköy Square by the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait, where traditional Hanukkah songs were sang while a giant menorah was lit on a stage.

The event was organized by the Be?ikta? Municipality and the district mayor from the Republican People's Party (CHP) Murat Hazinedar wished for the Hanukkah candles to "enlighten the world," before lighting the menorah with Chief Rabbi ?zak Haleva. 

The head of Turkey's Jewish Community, Ishak Ibrahimzadeh, also delivered a speech emphasizing national unity and extended his "heartfelt thanks" to Turkey, according to reports by Daily Sabah.

In addition to participants from different religious backgrounds, Turkish and foreign state officials also stood with Jewish citizens in celebrating their holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights. 

Officials from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Istanbul Governor's Office, Foreign Ministry and office of the mufti in Istanbul attended the event, alongside the consul generals of the United States, Spain and Israel. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu also issued statements on Dec. 7 marking the Turkish Jewish community's Hanukkah. 

Erdo?an underscored that Turkey had become an important regional player because it was part of a civilization that accepted social, cultural and political differences as richness, while emphasizing the need to respect freedom of religion. 

"With these thoughts, I...