The centuries-old tradition of hanging illuminated inscriptions, known as mahyas, has returned to imperial mosques in Istanbul, Türkiye, ahead of Ramadan. A mahya reading “Ramadan is the Month of the Quran” was displayed on the Süleymaniye Mosque, creating striking views over the Bosphorus.
The tradition, dating back to the 16th-century Ottoman era, is maintained by the General Directorate of Foundations, with handcrafted mahyas installed on major mosques in Istanbul, Edirne, and Bursa. Mahya master Kahraman Yıldız said this year’s theme focuses on “Ramadan, mosque, and life,” with multiple inscriptions to be displayed throughout the holy month.
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