Mahya: Writing in Ramadan nights

Mahya is an illuminated writing or depiction arrangement set up between two minarets, especially during Ramadan. Over time, traditional oil lamps have been replaced by different lighting tools. It is a tradition that gives visibility to a common sense of season in the city.

For the writing to be seen from a distance at night, choosing the words alone is not enough; the placement of the letters and the arrangement of the light points are also necessary. In this respect, mahya is a study that adapts a text to an architectural space and a night view. The space between the two minarets turns into a temporary narrative surface.

A greeting, a good wish, or a different depiction can be seen in a mahya. The change in the technique used also affects the appearance of the tradition. However, focusing solely on the lighting tool may cause one to overlook how people in the city welcome it and its relationship with the sense of shared time.

When looking at a mahya, it is useful to remember that the writing is set up to be read from a distance, not up close. The darkness of the night, the silhouette of the structure, and the choice of words create an effect together. This tradition shows that cultural heritage lives not only in permanent stone structures but also in practices re-established at certain times.