Mahya tradition kept alive in Göynüklü Village
The traditional Mahya ceremony was celebrated with great enthusiasm and participation on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Göynüklü village, located in the İnhanlı Municipality of Xanthi’s (İskeçe) plain region. The annual event once again demonstrated the community’s strong attachment to its cultural and spiritual heritage.
The program began with the recitation of a Mevlid-i Şerif (Prophet’s birthday prayer) at the village mosque, followed by prayers. During his address, İskeçe Mufti Mustafa Trampa emphasized that preserving traditions strengthens the spirit of unity and solidarity within the community.
Several prominent figures also addressed the participants, including Ozan Ahmetoğlu (President of the Administrative Board of the İskeçe Minority Middle and High School), Hüseyin Baltacı (President of the Western Thrace Turkish Graduates Association – BTAYTD), Ömer Muzafferoğlu (President of the Plain Culture, Solidarity and Brotherhood Association), and İskeçe MP Burhan Baran.
Speaking last, Turkish Consul General in Gümülcine Aykut Ünal congratulated all those who contributed to organizing the event and expressed his pleasure at being among the local Turkish minority community.
Among the attendees were Turkish Consul General Aykut Ünal, Mufti Mustafa Trampa, MP Burhan Baran, Deputy Mayor of İnhanlı Cem Salihoğlu, BTAYTD President Hüseyin Baltacı, School Board President Ozan Ahmetoğlu, DEB Party Vice President Bahri Belço, and numerous guests from neighboring villages.
After the mosque program, guests gathered at the Mahya field, where they were served traditional meat pilaf and ayran. The event continued with a visit to the local shrine (türbe), where prayers were offered. Later, visitors met with villagers at the local coffeehouse, strengthening community ties through conversation and fellowship.
The Turkish Consulate General in Komotini shared a post on social media stating:
“We were pleased to meet our compatriots at the traditional Mahya event in Göynüklü, Xanthi. Congratulations to everyone who contributed.”
Mufti Mustafa Trampa also commented on the event, writing:
“We participated in the Mahya ceremony in Göynüklü village with the belief that we must protect our traditions and our unity in the İskeçe plain. We are grateful to the Mahya committee, the trustees, and all the villagers who contributed.”
The Mahya celebration in Göynüklü once again showcased the rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual values of the Turkish Muslim Minority of Western Thrace.
