Miraç Kandili – Muhammed Rises to Heaven
The word miraç in Arabic translates as ladder, to go up or rise. Muslims believe that on the night of Miraç Kandili the Prophet Muhammed was taken from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and from there passed into heaven via Sidretul Munteha, which even the Angel Gabriel could not enter. Sidretul Munteha is a tree that marks the end of the seventh and final of the heavens conceived of in Islam. Every heaven is believed to be composed of a specific material, and a different prophet resides in each one. The seventh one is made up of a divine light incomprehensible to mortals.
The legend of Mirac Kandili
According to legend, the Prophet was offered three cups to drink from, one of wine, one of honey and one of milk. He chose to drink the milk, a tradition which continues throughout Anatolia on the night of Miraç Kandili. Milk is drunk and offered, sometimes along with dessert. In Konya, the night is called Milk Night. After the Prophet Muhammed was accepted by Allah he prayed five times.
In short, Miraç Kandili is understood as the night the Prophet ascended into the presence of Allah. At this time Allah is bountiful and bestows believers with gifts, miracles and good deeds.
Learn about the other kandil in the Muslim calendar here or share the journey that led me to call Turkey home in Istanbul Dreams: Waiting for the Tulips to Bloom. You can also buy copies directly from me in Istanbul or at Mephisto, Homer or Minoa bookstores.
Planning to come to Istanbul or Turkey? Here are my helpful tips.
Before you even buy your plane ticket, check whether you need an EVISA to enter Turkey. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off, including how to buy one from the government website so you don’t pay extra. Once you land, you’ll need to head to your hotel. I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use MELON TAXI AIRPORT TRANSFERS.
Naturally you’ll want to stay connected and eSIM are the way to go, wherever you travel. I recommend Truely, an eSIM provider working with local telcos. You can buy it before or after you arrive in Turkey, a convenience other esim providers no longer offer and can opt for 1 to as many days as you need, instead of being limited to 7, 15 or 30 days. Plus you can reload as you need. Truely eSIM are straightforward to install and activate but if you have any problems their responsive Whatsapp customer service is available 24/7.
Use my code: insideoutinistanbul and get 5% off when you order through the Truely website.
Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage. If you’re travelling alone, check out this post on useful solo travel tips Turkey for women (and men).
Now that all the serious stuff is out of the way, it’s time to have fun on CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS. Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with my guidebook Istanbul 50 Unsung Places. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint.
Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find dozens of ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city and evening Bosphorus cruises. If you prefer a more personal touch, I also offer bespoke author walks.
Then, back home, read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.
However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.
