The final of the “Hayat Namazla Güzeldir” (Life is Beautiful with Prayer) program, organized by the Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı (Prophet Lovers Foundation) to encourage children to develop a love of prayer and strengthen their connection with the mosque, was held in Diyarbakır with the participation of thousands of children and their families.

The event on Sept. 27 brought together children aged 7–12 who had completed a period of religious education covering prayer, ablution, basic Islamic knowledge and the exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad. According to the foundation, the program is organized annually across Türkiye with the aim of introducing children to prayer and Islamic values through an age-appropriate combination of religious education, social activities and entertainment.

Children march from historic Grand Mosque

The final program began in front of Diyarbakır’s historic Grand Mosque, where thousands of children wearing T-shirts bearing the words “Hayat Namazla Güzeldir” gathered with their families.

Carrying banners and prayer-themed placards, the children formed a procession and marched toward the Kurşunlu Mosque Complex, chanting “Hayat Namazla Güzeldir.” The colorful procession turned the streets around the historic city center into a scene of religious and family-oriented celebration.

The event reflected the foundation’s emphasis on making religious education attractive and accessible to children by combining lessons on worship and morality with communal activities and entertainment.

Religious education combined with entertainment

The program at the Kurşunlu Mosque Complex was hosted by Cihad Kaplan and featured ilahis performed collectively by the children.

The Surdan Sahneler Theater Group also performed popular traditional Turkish characters, including Hacivat and Karagöz, Keloğlan and Nasreddin Hoca. Through humorous and child-friendly performances, messages concerning basic religious knowledge and good moral conduct were conveyed to the young audience.

The foundation’s nationwide program includes instruction on the importance of prayer, basic religious knowledge, the life and example of the Prophet Muhammad and good character. Its organizers also incorporate games, competitions, sports, workshops, stage performances and other activities to make the learning process engaging for children.

Children perform prayer together

One of the central moments of the gathering came with the recitation of the ikindi (afternoon) adhan.

The children who had completed the prayer and ablution training performed the afternoon prayer together with the congregation at the mosque. Organizers presented the communal prayer as the culmination of the educational program, emphasizing the importance of helping children experience worship collectively and develop a lasting bond with the mosque.

Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı board member Yakup Kaya said the main objective of the initiative was to instill awareness of prayer in children.

“We are holding this event with the participation of thousands of children in Diyarbakır. Thousands of children previously received religious education. They learned how to perform prayer, how to perform ablution and about good morality,” Kaya said. He added that the program seeks to bring prayer into children's lives and encourage them to continue observing it throughout their lives.

A festive finale for children and families

Following the afternoon prayer, the program continued with games and recreational activities. Specially prepared game courses gave the children an opportunity to enjoy themselves with their friends and families after completing the educational phase of the initiative.

The foundation has described the wider program as an effort to bring children together with the Qur’an, prayer, good character and the mosque while allowing them to spend their summer period learning and enjoying wholesome activities. The 2026 program was conducted during August and September, with an approximately 15-day educational period in participating locations.

The Diyarbakır finale thus brought together religious education, communal worship, traditional children's entertainment and family participation, with organizers emphasizing the importance of raising a generation that grows up with prayer, faith, good character and a strong connection to the mosque.

The event was among the latest large-scale activities organized by Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı in Diyarbakır to promote religious education and Islamic values among children. Similar “Hayat Namazla Güzeldir” programs were also held in other parts of Diyarbakır, including Bismil, during September. (ILKHA)