STORY: Syrians revitalize Ramadan traditions with Iftar banquet at iconic mosque in Aleppo
SHOOTING TIME: March 30, 2024
DATELINE: March 31, 2024
LENGTH: 00:00:00
LOCATION: ALEPPO, Syria
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the mass Iftar dinner
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): YASSER MAHMALAT, Director of Old Aleppo Minaret
3. various of the Iftar dinner  
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): YASSER MAHMALAT, Director of Old Aleppo Minaret 
5. various of the Iftar dinner 
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MAHER SHIEHA, Aleppo resident
7. SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): MOHAMMED ALABI, Aleppo resident

STORYLINE:

Over 1,200 people gathered Saturday at Aleppo's recently renovated Grand Umayyad Mosque for a communal Iftar dinner, marking the first such gathering in 12 years.

Organized by the Syria Trust for Development and local charities, the event aimed to revive the Ramadan spirit in the historic city, known as a cultural hub in Syria.

The mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to house the remains of Zechariah, saw long lines of tables set up in its spacious yard to accommodate the guests.

Yasser Mahmalat, director of the Old Aleppo Minaret, a center established by the Syrian Trust for Development to help revive ancient Aleppo, emphasized the significance of the gathering in bringing together various segments of Aleppo society.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): YASSER MAHMALAT, Director of Old Aleppo Minaret
"This marks the first communal Iftar at the Grand Umayyad Mosque since 2012. After 12 years, this significant gathering includes diverse segments of Aleppo society, along with the workers and craftsmen and their families who have been involved in the mosque's restoration."

Mahmalat spoke of the spiritual connection between the mosque's stone walls and the people gathered here.

SOUNDBITE 2 (ARABIC): YASSER MAHMALAT, Director of Old Aleppo Minaret 
"The crucial aim is to revive the spirit of this place. While the Umayyad Mosque holds spiritual significance, its true essence is realized only when people gather here. Today, this spiritual connection between stones and humans is rekindled as people come together in this sacred space."

Aleppo resident Maher Shieha expressed nostalgia for pre-war days as he revisited the mosque after its restoration. 

SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MAHER SHIEHA, Aleppo resident
"This Iftar took us back to pre-war times, reminiscent of the bustling days of Taraweeh prayers at the grand mosque. The situation has steadily improved, evoking cherished memories."

Another resident, Mohammed Alabi, highlighted the unity of Aleppo's people amidst the city's ongoing recovery.

SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): MOHAMMED ALABI, Aleppo resident
"While all of Syria has endured suffering, Aleppo has faced significant hardship due to the crisis. However, with its people united, the city is gradually returning to its former glory. God willing, it will reclaim its former status." 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Aleppo, Syria.
(XHTV)