Ramadan traditions in Ahwaz: From qarqiaan to heritage feasts

The holy month of Ramadan in the occupied Arab state of Ahwaz is shaped by a unique blend of authentic Arab traditions and Ahwazi cultural heritage. Ahwazi families maintain distinctive customs that begin with welcoming the blessed month and continue until its farewell.

Ahwazi Ramadan Rituals
The Ramadan rituals of the Ahwazi people reflect their deep national and social identity. This is evident from preparing homes for the holy month to the celebration of Qarqiaan, which the Ahwazi Cultural Heritage Organization has recognized as part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage.

In the second half of Sha’ban, the cities of Ahwaz bustle with activity, as residents believe that cleaning homes and mosques symbolizes spiritual purification.
Abu Hassan, a local elder, says: “We clean our homes as we cleanse our hearts of grudges, preparing to welcome the honored guest of God.”

Volunteers paint mosque walls and decorate streets with flags and Ramadan ornaments, while women race to prepare food supplies, especially dates and legumes.

Iftar Table: A Culinary Heritage Display
Ahwazi iftar tables become a showcase of historical recipes passed down through generations. Dishes like Majboos and Harees take center stage, alongside the traditional Al-Adeed soup, which is cooked with a secret blend of spices.

A resident of Ahwaz city describes the iftar rituals, beginning with a sip of hot water known as Kandaq and a small portion of soup or dates after the call to prayer.
Umm Mohammed, a 60-year-old woman preparing the traditional dish Al-Muhammar, says:“These meals are not just food; they are the memories of our ancestors that we preserve through the years.”

Qarqiaan: When Children Become Ambassadors of Joy
Children’s excitement reaches its peak in the middle of Ramadan, when neighborhoods transform into lively scenes of the Qarqiaan tradition.

Dressed in colorful outfits and carrying embroidered cloth bags, children knock on doors while singing traditional chants such as:
“Qarqiaan and Qarqiaan… May God grant you a child.”

Umm Ali, a 35-year-old mother handing out sweets, explains: “This tradition teaches children the value of giving without expecting anything in return.”

Echoes of Ancestral Songs
The folk songs sung by the children carry profound cultural meanings. The word Qarqiaan itself originates from an old Arabic dialect meaning “knocking on doors.”

Elders take pride in passing down these heritage chants that contain prayers for goodness and blessings, often accompanied by rhythmic music played on traditional drums.

The Ramadan Festival of Tustar: Celebrating Ahwazi Arab Identity
One of the most significant cultural events in Ahwaz is the annual Ramadan Festival in Tustar, one of the major cities of the region. This festival attracts large crowds from across Ahwaz and aims to revive Arab heritage.

The Tustar Ramadan Festival features a variety of activities showcasing authentic Ahwazi Arab culture, including Arabic poetry, folk performances, and traditional handicrafts.

These celebrations play a crucial role in strengthening Ahwazi Arab identity and affirming the region’s belonging to the broader Arab world.