Al-Hakwati in old Aleppo…Present heritage with stories of the past

In one of the old Aleppo lanes, the storyteller takes up his wooden chair in the cafe “Dar Halbia” of the old Arab House, to tell stories of genuine folklore, adding to the   Ramadan’s rituals an atmosphere that bears the fragrance of the past with interesting tales about heroes who were once  examples of courage, heroism, and good morals.

Abdul Hai Kaddour, owner of Dar Halabia Cafe, said that he chose to have the storyteller in the cafe, during the holy month, to tell its visitors the stories of folklore and its heroes in an atmosphere of nostalgia, as he attracts  their attention with his  voice that rises and falls in harmony  with the events and the enthusiasm of his story.

Qaddur adds that he seeks to revive the intangible heritage and attract the young generation to hear about the heroism of Antara and Abu Zeid al-Hilali and the values of magnanimity and Arab morality.

 Ramadan ambience manifests itself in the cafe at this time. The old fountain mediates its space, copper old collectibles adorn its walls, and colorful Ramadan lanterns illuminate its night.

The storyteller Ghazwan Bostaji explained that the ancient city of Aleppo is considered an open-air museum despite the urban development it is witnessing. The people of the city insist on reviving the traditional rituals of the holy month, especially the storyteller who embodies one of the essential elements of the intangible heritage by telling stories that express the meanings and rituals of the holy month.

Cafe-goers also enjoy wonderful artistic performances that include playing the oud for a group of Qudud and muwashah, as well as many activities aimed at reviving the ancient Aleppine heritage.

They noted that they used to go to the cafe to experience the Ramadan atmosphere with its rituals and special folk character, especially the Hakwati and the artistic performances that express the city’s heritage. “The cafe is a model for the ancient Arab house in terms of embracing social customs that express spirituality and the values of the holy month, ” they affirmed.

Amal Farhat