Sidon (southern Lebanon) – Anatolia: The religious and heritage atmosphere is mixed in the city of Sidon (southern Lebanon), where its mosques are filled with worshipers, and its markets are teeming with expats and tourists looking for the joy of the blessed month of Ramadan.
As every year, Sidon’s streets and squares are decorated with colors, and Ramadan activities vary through holding craft and artistic exhibitions, musical evenings, and Mawlawi dance performed by “dervishes”.
Thus, the southern city has been able to maintain its heritage and cultural status for decades, especially during the month of Ramadan, as it attracts citizens from all over the country, wishing to revive the atmosphere of the holy month.
The city located on the Mediterranean coast, about 40 km south of the capital Beirut, is still distinguished by its splendor and its traditional architectural character, and by popular traditions that distinguish it from other Lebanese cities.
The Ottoman architecture is one of the most prominent features of the city. During the Ottoman era (1516-1918) palaces, shops, schools, places of worship, hotels, hospitals, and ancient baths were built in the city.
Even today, thousands of Lebanese live in historic homes, most of which date back to the Ottoman era, as well as markets that contain shops, restaurants, and shops for handicrafts, in addition to museums and inns.
Revival of the ten nights
A few days after Eid al-Fitr, the mosques of the city of Sidon are witnessing a heavy turnout of worshipers seeking to revive the last ten nights of Ramadan, by praying and praying at night until dawn.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baqari said, “The mosques of Madinah are full during the blessed month of Ramadan at all prayers, especially Isha and Tarawih prayers.”
He added: “In the last ten days of Ramadan, the city witnesses the Qiyaam prayer in the middle of the night until dawn, and the mosques are crowded with crowds of believers.” The city also witnessed the “Laylat al-Qadr” march as a tradition that has existed for decades, as a scout march roamed all the city’s streets, according to the spokesman. In light of the deteriorating economic and living conditions, the city is trying to withstand in solidarity and solidarity in the face of this reality that the country has been experiencing for more than two years.
The role of charities
Al-Baqari said: “Solidarity among the people of Medina eases the impact of the economic crisis on many families,” referring to the role of “charities and social institutions in this regard, as well as Zakat funds in Ramadan.”
Since late 2019, Lebanon has been hit by an economic crisis, the worst in its history, which has led to a financial and living collapse, a significant increase in poverty rates, as well as a shortage of fuel, medicine and other basic commodities.
“Sidon is a Ramadan city par excellence,” said Ali Al-Saudi, the owner of a cafe in the city, praising its good economic and security situation compared to other cities.
He added: “Sidon receives citizens from all Lebanese regions (…) people come here with smiles on their faces,” noting that “the city is essential on the tourism map in Lebanon.”
“Sidon is the most beautiful city in Ramadan.” With these words, Hajj Fadl Saleh described Sidon, pointing to the positive atmosphere that brings joy to the hearts of citizens.
He said, “Sidon is one of the safest cities in Lebanon. People flock to it from all regions of Lebanon. We hope that God will protect and take care of it, and that it will remain a shining star.”
Al-Mukhtar Abdul Rahman Al-Rifai stresses that the deteriorating economic situation in the country did not prevent people from enjoying the joy of Ramadan in Sidon.
He added, “We invite everyone to visit the city to experience this beautiful atmosphere (…) People rejoice as soon as they come here and witness the festive atmosphere and Ramadan traditions.”