UTRECHT, Netherlands

Muslim families and residents of Utrecht city in the Netherlands gathered Friday at "Mosque Square" to enjoy an iftar or fast-breaking meal.

The event was held on a street near Ulu Mosque and was attended by around 1,400 people.

They included Selcuk Ozturk, an ethnic Turkish lawmaker of the Denk (Think) Party, and representatives of Utrecht's police department, prosecutor's office and municipality.

Due to strong demand, another fast-breaking event will be organized on Saturday.

Fasting, which is observed from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and great religious devotion.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas