Yalımlı Mahya brings Western Thrace Turks together

The traditional Mahya gathering in Yalımlı village, part of Yassıköy Municipality in Western Thrace, brought together hundreds of members of the Turkish minority in a celebration marked by religious devotion, cultural traditions and community solidarity.

Held annually by the residents of Yalımlı, the event attracted participants from across the Rhodope region as well as İskeçe, with hundreds of people gathering around the same tables for the traditional communal meal.

Organized with the initiative of young people from Yalımlı and the support of the local community, the Mahya event once again served as an important occasion for members of the Western Thrace Turkish minority to come together and strengthen social ties.

The religious program began at Yalımlı Mosque with the recitation of an Ashr-i Sharif before the noon prayer. The program continued with hymns and the Mevlid-i Sharif, recited by Yalımlı Mosque religious official İsmet Hüseyin and religious officials affiliated with the Elected Mufti's Office of Gümülcine.

The prayer following the Mevlid-i Sharif was led by Fehim Ahmet, Deputy Mufti of Gümülcine. Elected Mufti of Gümülcine İbrahim Şerif then addressed the participants, highlighting the importance of the traditional Mahya gathering and thanking the residents of Yalımlı and everyone who contributed to the organization.

Consul General Ünal joins Yalımlı gathering
The traditional Mahya event was attended by elected representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish minority, as well as Aykut Ünal, Consul General of Türkiye in Gümülcine.

Addressing the gathering, Ünal announced that he would continue serving in Western Thrace for another year. He thanked the people of Yalımlı and everyone involved in organizing the event, emphasizing the significance of bringing hundreds of members of the community together around the same table.

Following the speeches, participants performed the noon prayer together after the call to prayer.

After the religious program concluded, the people of Yalımlı served guests a traditional meal of meat and rice accompanied by ayran.

The gathering ended in a warm atmosphere, with members of the community sharing food, conversation and fellowship, underscoring the continuing role of traditional religious and cultural events in bringing Western Thrace Turks together.