The Turkish Mahya

When Ramadan arrives in Turkey, decorations are not limited to lights and lanterns. The sky itself glows with illuminated messages stretching between the minarets of grand mosques, known as mahya. These radiant words are not mere ornaments; they carry messages of faith and spirituality, whispering to hearts that Ramadan has arrived, bringing blessings and mercy.

Today, despite technological advancements, mahya retains its old charm, standing as a testament to Turkey’s deep connection with its Islamic heritage. In this article, we will delve into the history of this luminous art, exploring how it began, how it has endured to this day, and the messages it conveys across time.

What is Mahya?

Mahya is the art of decorating mosques with illuminated phrases hung between minarets during Ramadan, used to convey religious and spiritual messages that reflect the essence of the holy month. This tradition is an essential part of the Ramadan visual identity in Turkey, where major mosques are adorned with phrases like "Blessed Ramadan," "There is no god but Allah," and "Welcome, Ramadan," turning the sky into a luminous canvas carrying messages of peace and blessings.

The word mahya originates from Persian, meaning "light of the face" or "moon," which reflects the essence of this art that relies on lights to add a touch of beauty to mosques.

The History of Mahya: From Oil Lamps to Modern Lights

The First Appearance of Mahya

The tradition of mahya dates back to the Ottoman era, first appearing in the 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. Historical sources indicate that the first mahya was executed at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (known as the Blue Mosque) in Istanbul, where oil lamps were hung between the minarets to form religious phrases celebrating Ramadan.

Development in the Ottoman Era

Over time, mahya became a well-established tradition in the Ottoman Empire, with its designs evolving to include Quranic verses, prayers, and welcoming messages for Ramadan. These oil lamps were lit at night, and the messages changed throughout the month to reflect their spirituality.

The Shift to Electric Lights

In the early 20th century, with the advent of electricity, mahya underwent a significant transformation, replacing oil lamps with electric lights. This made the messages clearer, easier to change, and more creatively designed. This development contributed to the spread of mahya across various Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Bursa, and Edirne, where grand mosques are adorned with these illuminated messages during Ramadan.

The Continuation of Mahya in the Modern Era

Today, mahya remains a prominent Ramadan tradition in Turkey, decorating historic mosques like Süleymaniye Mosque, Fatih Mosque, and Hagia Sophia Mosque with luminous phrases welcoming the holy month and encouraging Islamic values.

Despite the passage of time, Mahya continues to stand as a witness to Ottoman and Islamic heritage. It remains one of the most magnificent traditional arts, bridging the past and present and evoking feelings of spirituality and joy in Muslims' hearts when they see it during Ramadan nights.

Mahya Phrases: Illuminated Messages Adorning Ramadan Nights

The illuminated messages displayed in Turkish mosques during Ramadan feature a variety of phrases, including:

Welcoming Ramadan:

• "Hoş Geldin Ya Şehri Ramazan" – "Welcome, O month of Ramadan"
• "On Bir Ayın Sultanı" – "The Sultan of the Eleven Months" (signifying the uniqueness of Ramadan)

Religious and Prayerful Phrases:

• "La İlahe İllallah" – "There is no god but Allah"
• "Ya Rahman Ya Rahim" – "O Merciful, O Compassionate"
• "İman, Sabır, Şükür" – "Faith, Patience, Gratitude"

Encouraging Good Deeds:

• "Oruç Tut, Sıhhat Bul" – "Fast and find health"
• "Sadaka Kapıyı Açar" – "Charity opens doors"
• "İyilik Yap, Karşılık Bekleme" – "Do good without expecting anything in return"

Reflecting Contemporary Issues:

• "Maske, Mesafe, Temizlik" – "Mask, Distance, Hygiene" (during the COVID-19 pandemic)
• "Birlikte Güçlüyüz" – "Together we are strong"

The Importance of Mahya in Turkish Culture

Mahya is a distinctive element of the Turkish Ramadan landscape, embodying the spirit of celebration through lights that carry messages of faith and moral guidance. This centuries-old tradition has never been merely decorative; it has been a means of spreading Islamic values in a visually captivating way, making it an integral part of Turkey’s collective memory.

Beyond its religious role, mahya fosters social bonds, as people gather to admire the illuminated messages that change daily, enhancing a sense of community and appreciation for tradition. Its presence in historic mosques also makes it a tourist attraction, drawing visitors during Ramadan to admire its beauty and capture memorable photographs.

To read more articles about Ramadan in Turkey, you can visit the following article: Turkish Iftar Table In Ramadan

Efforts to Preserve Mahya: Balancing Official Support and Technological Advancement

Numerous initiatives have been undertaken to ensure mahya remains a vital part of Turkey’s Ramadan heritage. Key efforts include:

1. Support from Religious and Cultural Institutions
   Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) collaborates with municipalities to fund mahya projects in major mosques, ensuring its continuity as a Ramadan symbol.
2. Harnessing Technology to Sustain the Tradition
   The implementation of mahya has been modernized with LED lights and digital lighting technologies, making it more energy-efficient and sustainable while maintaining its traditional aesthetic.
3. Training New Artisans
   Workshops and training programs are organized to teach new artisans the skills required to create mahya, helping pass this art down to future generations.
4. Promoting Mahya as a Cultural and Tourist Attraction
   Turkey aims to promote mahya globally by integrating it into cultural events associated with Ramadan and making it a key feature of Ottoman mosque tours.

Conclusion

On Ramadan nights, as lights stretch between mosque minarets, mahya is not just a visual art—it is a language of light that tells a centuries-old story of Islamic heritage and Ottoman traditions. It is a message of faith that speaks to the hearts, reflecting the deep connection between religion and art in Turkish culture.

With every passing Ramadan, mahya continues to shine, illuminating not only the minarets but also the hearts of Muslims who see it as a symbol of faith, unity, and timeless beauty.