Young people keep mahya tradition alive in Sinikova
Residents and young people of Sinikova, a village in Mustafçova Municipality, gathered on October 4 to preserve the community’s longstanding mahya tradition, despite the village’s declining population due to extensive internal and external migration.
The annual religious and cultural event brought together residents of Sinikova as well as members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority originally from the village who now live in İskeçe and surrounding villages. The participation of young people in organising the event was particularly notable, with organisers emphasising solidarity and the importance of keeping their ancestral village connected and active.
MUFTI TRAMPA LEADS MEVLIT PRAYER
The programme at Sinikova Mosque included a mevlit, with the prayer led by Mustafa Trampa, Mufti of İskeçe and chairman of the Advisory Board of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.
Addressing the congregation, Trampa congratulated the villagers, particularly the younger generation, for their efforts to maintain the traditional mahya gathering.
He stressed the importance of preserving history, culture, religion, customs and traditions for members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, while highlighting the role of young people in passing these values on to future generations.
YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE
Ozan Ahmetoğlu, chairman of the School Board of the İskeçe Minority Secondary School and High School, also delivered a welcoming address at the event.
The gathering attracted participants from neighbouring villages, while former Mustafçova Mayor Cemil Kabza also attended. İskeçe MP Hüseyin Zeybek joined the programme later in the day.
Guests were served traditional meat pilaf and ayran following the religious programme.
Sinikova’s young people and residents said they aim to continue the mahya tradition in the coming years. The event once again highlighted the community’s efforts to preserve the village’s religious and cultural heritage while strengthening ties between current residents and those who have moved elsewhere.
