A spiritual atmosphere filled parks and public spaces across Diyarbakır on Monday evening as the Invitation and Youth Movement organized Mawlid al-Nabi programs at 16 different locations to commemorate the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Marking the 1,500th anniversary of the Prophet’s birth according to the Hijri calendar, the organization moved its traditional Mawlid programs from mosques into parks and other public areas, bringing the message of love for the Prophet and the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred occasion closer to communities across the city.

Programs were organized at various locations in Diyarbakır’s four central districts, with particularly strong participation reported in Bağlar. The gatherings brought together residents seeking to commemorate the birth of the Prophet through Qur’an recitations, Mawlid readings, religious talks, hymns and qasidas.

Mawlid celebrations across Diyarbakır

In Bağlar district, programs were held at several locations, including Lezgin Avcı Street in 5 Nisan Neighborhood, the Hayber Mosque complex in Mevlana Halit Neighborhood, the area next to Kuba Mosque in Kaynartepe Neighborhood, Tandır Park on Barış Street in Şeyh Şamil Neighborhood, Yeni Hal Park on Çevlik Street in Bağcılar Neighborhood and in front of Oğlaklı Cooperative Mosque.

In Yenişehir, Mawlid gatherings were held at Millet Garden on İstasyon Street, Cezeri Park in Fabrika Neighborhood and 56th Street in Gürdoğan Neighborhood.

The celebrations also reached Sur district, a historic part of Diyarbakır renowned for its Islamic heritage and association with numerous Companions of the Prophet. Programs were held at the Hazreti Süleyman complex and behind Parlı Safa (Palo) Mosque on Melik Ahmet Street.

Residents of Kayapınar also participated in Mawlid programs at several parks and public spaces, including Şevket Beysanoğlu, Roboski, Tema, Polatlar and Winston.

Qur’an, Mawlid and reminders from the Prophet’s life

The gatherings featured recitations from the Holy Qur’an, Mawlid readings and talks highlighting lessons and examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Religious hymns and qasidas praising the Prophet were also performed, creating an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual reflection.

At some venues, awards were presented to participants who achieved high rankings in the Siyer competition organized by the Prophet Lovers Foundation. Other programs featured demonstrations by students who had recently begun learning to read the Qur’an.

The events concluded with collective prayers, as participants prayed for peace, unity, guidance and blessings for the Muslim community.

A tradition of love for the Prophet

Diyarbakır has long been a major center for Mawlid celebrations, with large-scale events traditionally held in April according to the Gregorian calendar drawing hundreds of thousands of people.

The latest programs once again brought the love and remembrance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) into the city’s neighborhoods, allowing families and communities to commemorate the occasion together in public spaces.

Organizers said the programs aimed not only to commemorate the Prophet’s birth but also to strengthen love for him, encourage familiarity with his exemplary life and teachings, and pass Islamic values and the spirit of the Mawlid to younger generations. (ILKHA)