Sultanahmet Mosque, one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, is set to host special Hatimli Teravih prayers for the first time this Ramadan. This extraordinary event will feature the participation of 35 distinguished Hafiz leading the prayers, making it a historic moment for the mosque and its congregation.
The Hatimli Teravih prayer, traditionally held after the night prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, consists of 20 rakats and is performed as optional worship. While this practice is common across many locations, the implementation of the Hatimli format at Sultanahmet Mosque marks its debut, generating excitement among the local community and visitors alike.
This unique prayer will be conducted every day of Ramadan, with five Hafiz leading the congregation each day. Each Hafiz will recite one page of the Qur'an during their designated rakats, culminating with the recitation of two pages on the last night of Ramadan due to its 29-day duration.
Recai Albayrak, who previously served as the mosque's mufti for 25 years, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Sultanahmet for this special undertaking. "I had this longing within me. With the reopening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque, I felt it was suitable to realize this event here. It would be wonderful to offer this at the mosque built as its counterpart," Albayrak said, highlighting the historical importance of this moment.
Albayrak is inviting Istanbul residents to take part in the Hatimli Teravih prayers, accentuating the benefits of attending live prayers. "People enjoy watching our hafiz and scholars on various media outlets. But for Ramadan, you have the chance to experience the recitations of 35 Hafiz live. They will lead the Hatimli Teravih, and attendees will listen to the entirety of the Qur'an, fulfilling their religious duties and reaping the associated rewards," he explained.
The format for the Teravih prayer includes specific steps. Initially, worshippers express their intention to join the prayer either with the imam or individually. The prayers begin with the takbir and continue with recitations from the Qur'an, culminating with the final greetings, or salam.
During the prayers, each Hafiz’s passionate recitation fosters a collective atmosphere of devotion. Participants are expected to experience not only the spirituality inherent to the rituals but also the communal aspect of worshiping together within such sacred surroundings.
Those participating will enjoy the harmonious rendition of the Qur'an's passages as recited by the Hafiz, making each night of prayer special. Albayrak's call to the public aims to maximize attendance and create memorable experiences worthy of this holy period.
For those who have sought to attend this historic coming together of faith and community, Sultanahmet Mosque stands ready to welcome them. This Ramadan will undoubtedly be unique as the community participates together under the guidance of these 35 esteemed Hafiz. The excitement surrounding the Hatimli Teravih prayers underlines the mosque's role as not only a house of worship but also as a gathering place for cultural and religious enrichment.
With prayers commencing from the first day of Ramadan, the Sultanahmet Mosque is set to make history during this blessed month. Albayrak's reflections tell of the deep-rooted traditions of Istanbul's mosques— both their religious significance and cultural heritage — reaffirming the community's commitment to perseverance and unity during these prayers.
The Sultanahmet Mosque and its first Hatimli Teravih prayers welcome the past and present, inviting all to witness the miracles of faith united within their historic walls. This unique congregation promises not only to offer prayers but also to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within the community.