Mohammed Ali Al-Sheikh has dedicated 70 years to his role as the oldest muezzin in Damascus, continuing a family tradition of calling to prayer from the Umayyad Mosque.
In the heart of the ancient Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, where narrow alleys intersect with layers of historical civilization, the sweet sound of Mohammed Ali Al-Sheikh's call to prayer resonates beyond the immediate surroundings, touching the hearts of listeners. His voice rises above the hustle and bustle of market vendors and the hurried footsteps of passersby, settling in the homes of the city's residents as if he were a member of the family. Al-Sheikh, honored as the oldest living muezzin in the city, has inherited this treasured tradition from his father and has upheld it for an impressive 70 years, earning him the title 'Sheikh of Muezzins'.
Al-Sheikh's pivotal role serves to protect a unique religious tradition in Damascus known as the 'Call of the Choir', a distinctive sound that no Damascene ear can mistake, resonating deeply within the cultural fabric of the community. This tradition is not merely a job; it is a vocation passed down through generations, much like the ancient houses of the city. The inheriting of the muezzin role is rooted in family lineage, where entire families bear the title of muezzin as a preserved legacy, cherished like memories and narratives passed down through the ages.
Born in 1932 to a father who served over sixty years as a muezzin in the Umayyad Mosque, Mohammed Ali Al-Sheikh embodies a living history of religious heritage in Damascus. As one of the last tangible links to this poignant tradition, he represents not just the voice of a community calling to prayer but also the continuation of a socio-religious legacy that shapes the identity of the citizens of Damascus, reminding them of their cultural and spiritual roots in an ever-changing modern world.
