Ramadan and Kandil Nights at Eyup Sultan: Peak of Spiritual Atmosphere

Eyüp Sultan Mosque possesses a spiritual atmosphere every day of the year, yet this atmosphere reaches its peak during the month of Ramadan and holy nights (kandil nights). Thousands of believers flock to Eyüp Sultan during these blessed times in pursuit of worship, prayer, and spiritual purification.

Eyüp Sultan During Ramadan

When the month of Ramadan arrives, Eyüpsultan takes on an entirely different atmosphere. Streets are decorated, and mahya lights are strung between the mosque's minarets. The mahya inscriptions reading 'Welcome, O Month of Ramadan' create one of the most beautiful sights of Istanbul nights.

From the first day of Ramadan, Eyüp Sultan Mosque becomes full at every prayer time. A constant flow of worship continues from the morning prayer to tarawih. The number of congregants reciting the Holy Quran especially increases visibly after the afternoon prayer.

Iftar Time: The Blessing of Sharing

Breaking the fast at Eyüp Sultan is one of the most beautiful experiences of Ramadan. Charitable organizations and foundations around the mosque set up iftar tables for hundreds of people every day. At these tables, rich and poor, young and old sit together without distinction.

When the call to prayer is recited, thousands of people in the courtyard and surroundings break their fast simultaneously. The spiritual magnitude of this moment is of a depth that those who haven't experienced it cannot comprehend. Fasting kept together, iftar opened together, and prayer made together... This is the most tangible form of ummah consciousness.

After iftar, the surrounding tea houses and confectioners come alive as well. Conversations are had over traditional Ramadan desserts such as gullac, rice pudding, and baklava.

Tarawih Prayer: Unity in Congregation

Performing the tarawih prayer at Eyüp Sultan Mosque is one of the most special acts of worship in Ramadan. The mosque fills to overflowing during tarawih; even the courtyard is opened to the congregation.

The Quran recitation by the imams, the twenty rakats of prayer performed together with the congregation, and the supplications between sets form a spiritual journey that lasts for hours yet never feels tiring. Eyüp Sultan's hafizes complete the entire Quran recitation through the tarawih throughout Ramadan.

There are many who continue night worship after tarawih. Especially in the last ten days of Ramadan, those who enliven the night seeking Laylat al-Qadr find deep tranquility in Eyüp Sultan's spiritual atmosphere.

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night Better Than a Thousand Months

The 27th night of Ramadan is observed as Laylat al-Qadr. This night is the most crowded and most emotional night at Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Thousands of believers flock to the mosque to spend this night, which is 'better than a thousand months,' in worship.

Special sermons and prayers are delivered on Laylat al-Qadr. The Laylat al-Qadr prayer recited by the imam echoes in the dome of the mosque accompanied by the tears of the congregation and rising ameen voices. These moments are spiritual peaks that one can never forget in a lifetime.

Holy Nights (Kandil Nights)

Outside of Ramadan as well, Eyüp Sultan Mosque takes on a special atmosphere during kandil nights:

Mawlid Kandil: On the Mawlid Kandil, the night celebrating the birth of the Prophet (pbuh), the mosque is decorated, the Mawlid al-Sharif is recited, and special sermons are delivered. This night is when the love for the Prophet is experienced most intensely.

Ragaib Kandil: On Ragaib Night, which marks the beginning of the Three Sacred Months, believers come to Eyüp Sultan for repentance and prayer. This night is the spiritual beginning of preparation for Ramadan.

Miraj Kandil: This night, commemorating the Prophet's miracle of the Miraj, holds special significance as the night when the five daily prayers were ordained.

Barat Kandil: On Barat Kandil, the night of absolution from sins, the density of the congregation increases markedly. Prayers for forgiveness and mercy are offered.

Spending Ramadan at Eyüp Sultan Mosque or observing a kandil night there is one of the deepest experiences of spiritual life. During these blessed times, the mosque becomes as if a bridge between this world and the hereafter. These moments when thousands of believers worship together, prayers rise to the heavens, and hearts are filled with peace represent the most vibrant form of Eyüp Sultan's spiritual heritage.