During Ramadan, Tajoura, Libya, unites to prepare the traditional dish bazin, often enjoyed at iftar. Made from barley flour and served with stew, it exemplifies community effort and resilience amid ongoing challenges. This cherished tradition fosters spirituality and charity among residents.
Each year, during the holy month of Ramadan, the residents of Tajoura, near Tripoli, Libya, gather to create and share a cherished dish known as bazin. This savory meal, traditionally composed of unleavened barley flour, is often enjoyed at iftar, the evening meal marking the end of the daily fast during Ramadan.
Bazin is typically served with a hearty stew filled with vegetables and mutton, though many have resorted to a simple tomato sauce due to ongoing challenges related to conflict in Libya. The preparation of this beloved dish is a collaborative effort among community members of all ages, who participate in various roles, from preparing the bread to distributing it to those in need.
Men in Tajoura usually take the lead in crafting the bread at a communal kitchen, where they use long wooden sticks to mix barley flour and water in large containers to form the dough. Once it is kneaded into large clumps that resemble substantial dumplings, volunteers ensure that the finished bazin is handed out to a line of eager recipients waiting to take it home for iftar.
Ramadan signifies a period of deep spiritual connection, prayer, and charity, embodying the spirit of community and sharing. In Tajoura, this essence is wonderfully represented through the beloved dish of bazin.
This article includes a photo gallery curated by Yousef Murad and Amr Nabil in Cairo.
The annual preparation of bazin in Tajoura highlights the strong sense of community, collaboration, and resilience of its residents during Ramadan. Despite the challenges faced in recent years, the tradition of making and sharing this favorite dish fosters unity, charity, and a celebration of cultural heritage among the people of Tajoura.
Original Source: www.sfchronicle.com
