PM Davutoğlu emphasizes importance of diversity in Christmas message

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has commemorated Christmas, which is being celebrated by Turkey's Christian citizens, in a statement released on the Prime Ministerial official website on Wednesday.

"Different faith groups have celebrated their special days and festivals and shared the joy and happiness in these lands. Our greatest desire is to celebrate and live these traditions, which beautify community life and enriches bonding between people, going forward, also" said Davutoğlu in the statement.

In the statement, Davutoğlu mentioned that cultural and faith based diversities in Turkey bring enrichment to Turkey's societal life.

"I would like to celebrate Christmas of Turkey's Christian citizens, and also world Christians with my deepest wishes", Davutoğlu added.

Christmas is celebrated annually and observed commonly on December 25, as a religious and cultural celebration among those belonging to Christian faith. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Christian community in Turkey, although previously neglected, has been part of the government's agenda on refining relations with minorities living in Turkey.

Turkey has invested vastly in the restoration of churches and religious building which had previously been confiscated, and returned them to minority foundations.

Authorities have also made calls to Christian and Jewish citizens of Turkey who had left the country previously due to discriminations against them.

Similarly, Christian community leaders, and other culture and faith based minority groups, have taken part in joint efforts to restore the sour relations and support the governments shift regarding to minority rights.