Memkova hosts first mahya gathering in 35 years
A traditional mahya gathering was held in Memkova, a village near the Bulgarian border in the İskeçe region of Western Thrace, for the first time in 35 years, according to local residents. The event brought members of the local community together around a shared meal after decades apart.
Memkova, home to approximately 50 families and a population largely made up of elderly residents, welcomed a large crowd for the long-awaited gathering.
Villagers and visitors who now live in different parts of Greece and abroad reunited in their hometown, sharing messages of solidarity, community and togetherness.
Mevlid ceremony and prayers at the village mosque
As part of the event, a mevlid ceremony was held at the village mosque, where hundreds of people gathered for the noon prayer.
Before the prayer, İskeçe Mufti and chairman of the Advisory Board of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Mustafa Trampa addressed participants. Flowers were also presented to attendees.
The gathering continued with a communal meal prepared by local volunteers.
60 volunteers prepare the gathering
Around 60 volunteers helped organize the event.
Following the noon prayer, guests were served approximately 60 large cauldrons of rice and meat, along with ayran and dessert.
Participants later spent time together over coffee, taking the opportunity to reconnect after many years apart.
Strong turnout from Western Thrace
The event was attended by İskeçe Mufti Mustafa Trampa, İskeçe MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran, Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt, and regional council members Salih Yörük, Fatih İsmailko and İbrahim Amuçka.
İskeçe Turkish Union President Kerem Abdurahimoğlu, FEP Party Deputy Chairman Bahri Belço, İskeçe Minority Middle School-High School Board President Ozan Ahmetoğlu, former mayors Cemil Kabza and Rıdvan Delihüseyin, as well as numerous guests and members of the local community, also attended.
A reunion shaped by longing for home
Known for its natural beauty and traditional architecture, Memkova experienced one of its busiest days in years as people returned for the mahya gathering.
Organized through the contributions and personal efforts of Memkova residents, the event highlighted not only religious traditions but also nostalgia for home, solidarity and community ties.
The organizers thanked everyone who attended and contributed to the gathering.
Sacrificial animals prepared ahead of the event
The sacrificial animals for Sunday's gathering were slaughtered on Saturday following prayers.
The sacrificial prayer was led by Ahmet Hraloğlu, deputy mufti of İskeçe.
Hraloğlu said he attended the prayer on behalf of the Mufti's Office with participation from Ilıca and surrounding villages, and thanked the Memkova trustees, young people and volunteers who contributed to organizing the event.
After 35 years, the mahya gathering once again brought Memkova's residents and those who have moved away together around the same table, reviving a long-standing tradition and strengthening ties with their hometown.
