The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation has issued a heartfelt invitation to the people of Istanbul to participate in the upcoming Mawlid Al Nabi celebration on Sunday, April 27th, at Bağcılar Square.

The event is expected to draw thousands in a vibrant display of devotion and unity centered around the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Ercan Vergili, the Marmara Region Coordinator for the foundation, spoke to Ilke News Agency about the preparations and significance of this year’s gathering. He emphasized that the annual event has grown into a well-established tradition in Türkiye, particularly in Istanbul, where open-air commemorations have been held for over a decade.

“Istanbul is once again preparing for the coming of the blessed Prophet,” said Vergili. “This movement began after the cartoon crisis in Denmark in 2005, followed by the 'Respect for the Prophet Rally' in 2006. Since then, we have been organizing these public programmes for nearly 13 years.”

Vergili noted that this year’s theme, “Resistance Leader Prophet Muhammad”, was chosen in solidarity with the people of Gaza, who continue to endure relentless aggression under the Zionist occupation regime.

“There is a jihad, a struggle in Gaza,” he stated. “There is an ongoing genocide. To draw attention to this, we selected this theme to highlight the Prophet’s enduring example of resistance against oppression.”

Prominent speakers at the event will include Mehmet Göktaş, the honorary president of the foundation, and Muhammed Emin Yıldırım, president of the Siyer Foundation. Both will deliver poignant messages linking the Prophet’s example to the contemporary plight of Palestinians, especially the suffering in Gaza.

Organizers have ramped up preparations ahead of the event. In addition to venue arrangements, widespread promotional efforts are underway across Istanbul. Billboards, posters, digital boards, and social media campaigns have been launched to ensure maximum awareness.

“We are visiting NGOs, opinion leaders, academics, and the media,” Vergili shared. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

He extended a warm invitation to all Istanbul residents who hold love for the Prophet Muhammad in their hearts.

“We are calling on all our brothers and sisters, all lovers of the Prophet, to join us in this sacred celebration. Together, we will send a strong message from Istanbul to the world.”

The Mawlid event is expected to feature speeches, hymns, and prayers, uniting the faithful in spiritual reflection and global solidarity. Organizers say they hope it will not only celebrate the Prophet’s birth but also serve as a moral rallying cry in support of the oppressed. (ILKHA)