The Night of Wishes was observed across Turkey with broad public participation
Citizens of Turkey gathered in mosques nationwide on the occasion of “Laylat al-Raghaib – the Night of Wishes,” which symbolizes the beginning of the “three months of blessing and mercy” in the Islamic calendar.
In Istanbul, the mosques of Eyüp Sultan, Sultanahmet, Süleymaniye, Fatih, and Grand Çamlıca witnessed large congregations of worshippers. The programs included recitations from the Holy Qur’an, Mevlid-i Sharif, and religious hymns. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, offerings of food and drinks such as salep and traditional sweets were distributed among the people, while the spiritual atmosphere of the night was enriched with collective prayers and chants.
In Ankara, Beştepe Millet Mosque and Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque hosted special programs. The Religious Choir of the Presidency of Religious Affairs participated in the ceremonies, and collective prayers were recited after the ‘Isha prayer. In Kayseri, Niğde, Yozgat, and Kırşehir, historic mosques such as Hunat and Çapanoğlu were filled with worshippers. Provincial muftis delivered sermons on the significance of Laylat al-Raghaib – the Night of Wishes and the three months of blessing and mercy, emphasizing the importance of prayer and worship during this period.
In other cities, including Bursa, Balıkesir, Mersin, Edirne, and Diyarbakır, similar programs were held. In many mosques, after the prayers, religious and local institutions distributed various food offerings to the people.
