MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - This year's Ramadan presents a different atmosphere in Mosul, Iraq. In a city long damaged by war, tarawih prayers, children's singing, night storytellers, Ramadan markets, traditional games and charity activities are back to life. For residents, this is a sign that social life and the city's old memories are slowly recovering.
Launching Al Jazeera, Monday, March 16, on the first night of Ramadan, shortly after the Magrib call to prayer, the traditional song "Majina ya Majina" was heard again in the old villages of Mosul. Children wear traditional clothes and walk in the streets singing Ramadan songs, reviving a habit that the city's residents have long known.
Mosul is a major city in northern Iraq. The city was once controlled by ISIL for about three years, from 2014 to 2017, before being recaptured by the Iraqi government. Therefore, the return of the Ramadan tradition in this city has a deeper meaning for its citizens.
Al Jazeera reported that tarawih prayers are now being held again at the Grand Mosque of al-Nuri and its leaning minaret, al-Hadba, for the first time in almost nine years. The mosque was heavily damaged in 2017, at the peak of the battle against ISIL, who had once controlled Mosul.
It's not just worship that has returned. Traditional storytellers or hakawati are back on Ramadan nights to tell old stories of Mosul. In the Old City, musaharati are still walking around before dawn to wake up sahur residents. Traditional siniya games are still played, keeping the atmosphere of Ramadan familiar in the city that continues to recover.
Bab al-Saray market is crowded. Dates are the most sought-after items for breaking the fast, while raisin juice is back in stock as a typical Ramadan drink. At the same time, social activities are also growing, ranging from paying off the debts of poor people, distributing food packages, to preparing free Iftar.
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