STORY: Damascus revives ancient "Takrizeh" tradition ahead of Ramadan
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 25, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 27, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:56
LOCATION: Damascus
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Takrizeh activities
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SAHAR AL-HAFFAR, Syrian citizen
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOU'IDAH WAHBI, Syrian citizen
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): ADNAN TANBAKJI, Organizer
5. various of the Takrizeh activities

STORYLINE:

Syrians are reviving the centuries-old pre-Ramadan tradition of Takrizeh, a festive outdoor gathering that takes place under the shaded courtyards of the National Museum in Damascus.

Despite the economic difficulties following years of war, the eighth annual Takrizeh event drew together families, friends and cultural heritage lovers to celebrate this cherished custom. 

Historically, Takrizeh has been a farewell to the Islamic month of Sha'ban and a welcoming of Ramadan. Families would embark on a day-long excursion to Al-Rabwa, Ghouta, Dummar, Ain Al-Fijehto, and other sites on the scenic outskirts of Damascus. Here, people would share meals, play traditional games, and recite folkloric songs.

At the gathering, women prepare traditional Ramadan dishes such as mujaddara (lentils and rice), grilled meat, and assorted pastries while men and children play cards or popular board games like backgammon.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SAHAR AL-HAFFAR, Syrian citizen
"Takrizeh is a wonderful gathering for all Syrians. We hope that goodness spreads not only during Ramadan but throughout the year, and that the world and Syria remain safe and prosperous."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOU'IDAH WAHBI, Syrian citizen
"The Syrian community is accustomed to these traditions like shadow puppetry and the traditional Damascene parade. We have returned to experiencing these old traditions and it's a beautiful atmosphere at the National Museum."

For many Syrians, the Takrizeh is more than just a picnic -- it is a symbol of unity, generosity, and cultural continuity.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): ADNAN TANBAKJI, Organizer
"Takrizeh means a lot to us. When we practice its rituals, we promote tolerance, love, and peace. We wish our country well-being and stability. We desperately need this unity, which strengthens us and helps us spread the cultural awareness that we have inherited. These are noble and honorable traditions."

While some historians believe that Takrizeh is an ancient Syrian term, others note that there have been attempts to modernize the tradition and call it "Kazdoura" (a short stroll). However, Takrizeh has always been more than just a brief walk. Rather, it's a longer excursion that traditionally extends beyond Damascus city limits.

The revival of Takrizeh signals a determination to preserve cultural identity, even amid the hardships that Syrians have faced. With Ramadan approaching, the tradition continues to unite families, strengthen social bonds, and celebrate the rich heritage of Damascus -- one gathering at a time.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Damascus.
(XHTV)