In the heart of Istanbul, on top of the towering minarets that dot the city’s skyline, a 68-year-old craftsman diligently practices the art of Mahya, a unique Turkish tradition that has illuminated the Muslim holy month of Ramadan for generations. Mahya involves stringing religious messages and designs between minarets, serving as a visual spectacle and conveying spiritual messages.
For over 50 years, this master of Mahya has been creating intricate designs that light up the night sky during Ramadan, encouraging faith and charity among observers. However, with no apprentice in sight to carry on this ancient tradition, the future of Mahya hangs in the balance.
The art of Mahya is believed to be at least 400 years old, originating during the time of the Ottoman Sultans and initially prepared with oil candles. It transitioned to lightbulbs during the mentorship of the last Ottoman Mahya, who passed the mantle to the current craftsman.
While many mosques in Turkey now use LED lighting for Ramadan decorations, only nine historical Ottoman mosques still benefit from the traditional Mahya craft. The craftsman meticulously plans and executes the installation of Mahya, which involves writing appropriate texts into a template, organizing bulbs, and setting up a mechanism between minarets to display the messages.
Despite his dedication to preserving this art form, the craftsman expresses concerns about the future of Mahya. He hopes that this 400-year-old Ottoman art, a Turkish invention, will continue to thrive and is willing to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation if they are interested.
As the sacred month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, marking a period of religious reflection and community gatherings for Muslims worldwide, the future of Mahya remains uncertain. Yet, the commitment of the craftsman to keep this tradition alive and uplift spirits with his messages shines brightly against the backdrop of uncertainty.
