Turkiye mosques illuminated with messages promoting family values during Ramadan

In celebration of Turkiye’s “Year of the Family” initiative, mosques across the country lit up with mahya—traditional illuminated banners—during the second half of Ramadan, promoting the importance of family, Daily Sabah reports.

The Ministry of Family and Social Services announced that messages such as “Family is the foundation of society,” “Our family, our future,” and “Our paradise on earth: Family” were displayed in all 81 provinces. Other messages included the saying: “Allah’s mercy, the Prophet’s tradition, the best among you is the one who treats their family well.”

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Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas shared a video of the mahyas on social media, saying: “Ramadan is a time when our ancient values and traditions are renewed. During this blessed month, we have combined our centuries-old tradition of mahyas with messages about the most precious cornerstone of society: family… May this beautiful centuries-old tradition, carried out as part of the ‘Year of Family,’ illuminate not only our cities but also our hearts. We are one big family.”

Mahyas, an Ottoman tradition, are typically strung between mosque minarets during the holy month of Ramadan to convey spiritual or social messages.

The “Year of the Family,” announced in January by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aims to reinforce traditional family values amid growing demographic challenges such as declining birth rates. Led by the Ministry, the initiative includes financial support schemes, education and health programmes, and incentives to encourage marriage and child-rearing, with the goal of building a stronger, more cohesive society.

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