From Storyteller's Chair to TV Screen: The Historical Roots of Passion for Ramadan Drama
The article explores the historical connection between Ramadan and the tradition of storytelling, highlighting how this has evolved into popular television dramas.
The article delves into the rich history of storytelling during Ramadan, a tradition that has been prevalent for centuries. It notes how the long nights and communal gatherings inherent to the holy month created an ideal environment for the flourishing of oral narratives. Specific emphasis is placed on the popular series 'Bab Al-Hara', which rekindles the image of the traditional storyteller, or ‘hakawati’, portrayed by the character Abu Adel, who captivates patrons in a Damascus café with tales of legendary figures like Al-Zahir Baybars and Antarah ibn Shaddad.
Furthermore, the discussion reveals that these storytelling sessions were not merely forms of entertainment but were also significant cultural tools for imparting values, reinforcing cultural identity, and preserving collective memory. The article mentions how, after Iftar and the Tarawih prayers, citizens in bustling Arab cities like Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad would convene to engage with narrators—the hakawati, or 'qassakhon' as known in Iraq—during these evening sessions of shared narrative experience, thus enriching their connection to their cultural heritage.
Lastly, it examines why the popularity of these oral narratives peaked during Ramadan. The combination of extended hours of wakefulness and the daily gatherings provided the perfect backdrop for oral storytelling, leading to a cultural tradition that has transitioned from a communal practice in local cafes to a widespread phenomenon on television today, marking both an evolution and a continuity of a cherished cultural legacy.