Kandil

Origins and history

The tradition of Kandil began in the sixteenth century during the reign of the Ottoman ruler Sultan Selim II. Supported by the Shaykh al-Islam, the empire's chief jurisconsult at the time, the sultan decided it was appropriate to light up minarets on mosques for these occasions. The name itself comes from the Arabic word qindil, meaning an oil lamp or candelabra. Although these holy nights play a less significant role than the major Bayram festivals, they remain an important part of religious life.

The five holy nights

Five separate nights make up the Kandil observances. Mevlid Kandili marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, while Regaip Kandili is associated with divine mercy and the giving of aid and donations. Miraç Kandili commemorates the ascent of Muhammad to heaven. Berat Kandili, falling in mid-Sha'ban, focuses on seeking forgiveness for sins and the determining of destiny for the year ahead. Lastly, Kadir Gecesi marks the Night of Power, commemorating the initial revelation of the Quran.

Observance and food

On each Kandil, mosques illuminate their minarets to signal the arrival of the sacred evening to the local community. Worshippers come together for dedicated prayer services and spiritual reflection. Beyond the mosque, the observance extends into everyday life through traditional foods. In Turkey, vendors and shops sell kandil simidi, a smaller variety of simit bread, which people purchase and share with relatives, friends, and neighbours across the neighbourhood.

How Kandil is kept

During each Kandil night, minarets on mosques are illuminated to mark the sacred occasion. Worshippers gather to recite special prayers and take part in religious devotion related to the life of the Prophet Muhammad and key events in the Islamic faith. In Turkey, people also buy and share small rings of kandil simidi bread with their neighbours and family.

When and where

Kandil is observed across five distinct holy nights scattered throughout the Islamic calendar year. Each night corresponds to a specific sacred event, from the birth of Muhammad to the revelation of the Quran.

The tradition is observed in Turkey as well as among Muslim communities across the Balkans, rooted in the shared heritage of the Ottoman Empire where the custom was first introduced.

What Kandil means

The illuminating of minarets with oil lamps honours key milestones in Islamic history. Each night carries distinct spiritual significance, encompassing divine mercy and charity on Regaip Kandili, heavenly ascent on Miraç Kandili, forgiveness and destiny on Berat Kandili, and divine revelation on Kadir Gecesi.

Questions people ask about Kandil

See also

Eid al-FitrThe feast that ends Ramadan, opened with morning prayers, sweets and visits homeRamadan in TurkeyA holy month of fasting, prayer, and community meals, observed across Turkey with unique local customs.Mevlevi OrderA Sufi tradition from Konya known for its whirling ceremony and devotion to Rumi's teachings.SamaA Sufi rite of listening, music and turning, kept by Mevlevi and other Sufi orders

Good reading and sources

• Kandil on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.