What Are Kadir Regiments?

One of the most magnificent traditions during the Ottoman Empire was the Kadir Alayı, a ceremonial procession in which the sultan left the palace on Kadir Night, accompanied by a grand ceremony, to attend a mosque. According to Islamic belief, this blessed night marks the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an and is considered more virtuous than a thousand months; the processions held on this night reflected both the grandeur of the state and the spiritual fervor of the people.

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Kadir Alayı Ceremonies in the Ottoman Period

Kadir Alayı began when the sultan, after the iftar meal, proceeded with state officials and palace staff to a designated mosque. Key details of this tradition include:

• Route and Preparations: The routes for the procession were repaired in advance; both sides of the road were illuminated with lanterns, oil lamps, and torches. Special seating arrangements were set up along the route to allow the public to view this visual spectacle.
• Preferred Mosques: In the early period, sultans typically went to Ayasofya Camii. However, after the palace moved to the Beşiktaş district in the 19th century, imperial mosques such as Dolmabahçe, Nusretiye, Yıldız, and Hamidiye also became centers of the ceremony.

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• Worship and Music: The Tarawih and Kadir prayers performed in the mosque were conducted according to the “Enderun Usulü,” with each unit recited in a different melodic mode. Between prayers, muezzins chanted special hymns composed for Kadir Night.
• Celebrations: During the ceremony, the sky was illuminated by fireworks, military bands played marches, and the public was offered various treats.

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Revival of Kadir Alayı in Modern Times

This historic tradition, which was on the verge of being forgotten, is now being revived through institutions such as the Istanbul Muftiate and the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs. Contemporary celebrations include the following events:

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• Historical March: Processions begin at Topkapı Sarayı and conclude at Ayasofya Meydanı, accompanied by a mehter takımı.
• Public Participation: These marches, with strong participation from youth and volunteers, attract considerable interest from tourists in the area.

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• Treats and Programs: Participants are offered traditional delicacies such as Ottoman jam, cotton candy, baklava, and Turkish delight. The program concludes with Tarawih prayers following recitations of the Qur’an and collective supplications.