Mahya tradition revived in Sinikova after many years

On Sunday, October 13, thousands of people gathered in Sinikova Cami Mahallesi to participate in the mahya ceremony. The event, organized by the village imam Hakan Karaali and the mosque’s trustees, included the distribution of meat pilaf and ayran to the attendees.

Following a mevlit (religious recitation) at the village mosque, the prayer was led by Mustafa Kamo, representing the İskeçe Muftiate. After the prayer, İskeçe Muftiate preacher Rıdvan Topçu delivered a speech, emphasizing unity and togetherness. Topçu highlighted that the national, spiritual, historical, and cultural values of the Turkish community in Western Thrace are under attack and can only be defended through unity and solidarity.

Topçu also led the noon prayer after his speech. Attendees were then treated to meat pilaf and ayran.

The mahya ceremony saw the participation of İskeçe Deputy Governor İrfan Hacıgene, Yassıköy Mayor Caner İmam, deputy mayors and council members of Mustafçova Municipality, and former Mustafçova Mayor Cemil Kabza.

Reflecting on the event, Osman O MİLLET stated:
"Sinikova was once one of the largest villages in the Balkan region. Sadly, it’s becoming deserted. Only a few families remain in the old village, with many moving to İskeçe and other nearby areas. However, no one forgets their roots in Sinikova. This is a good thing. Today, thanks to this mahya ceremony, people who hadn’t seen each other in years were brought together. We organized this event for the good of our village, and we will continue to keep this tradition alive. We thank all the guests and congratulate the villagers, especially the youth, for making this possible."