Asmara - November 27 2009

 

Today the Muslim feast Eid-Al-Adha is celebrated by the Muslims. Around 7:00 I am at the Bahti Meskerem Square to witness their celebration in Asmara.

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is one of the three Muslim National Holidays in Eritrea (The two others are Id Al-Fetir and Mewlid Al-Nabi). The Muslims commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son.

The celebrations start with a colorful flag parade of represented Muslim organizations in Asmara.

Tens of thousands of the faithful Muslims, ministers, administrators and PFDJ officials gather at the Bahti Meskerem Square to say their prayers.

Men are sitting on one side, women and children on the other side. I introduce myself at the entrance, and ask if it is okay to make pictures. "You will picture from the outside" is the answer. Actually I expected such an answer, as it is clear that I am a non Islamic tourist.

A few minutes later, one of the men of the organization, higher in rank, comes to me. "Please come inside. Don't be afraid and follow the camera man." I am touched, by the sudden invitation. Carefully and with respect, I follow the cameraman, until I am in front of the people, with my back towards the shopping mall behind me. From here I witness the prayers.

A man comes to me, and invites me to move closer to the Mufti, Sheik Al-Amin, so I feel more like a guest than an intruder. With some reserve I witness and picture the ceremony, touched by so much unexpected hospitality.

Of course it was impossible for me to understand the words of the Mufti, so here is the quote from the Eritrean Profile:

Sheik Al-Amin conveyed congratulations to the Eritrean people inside the country and abroad and stressed the need to extend a helping hand to needy compatriots and the offspring of martyrs. He further called on the Eritrean people to reinforce the cherished values of unity and harmony, and thereby back up the nation-building process. The Mufti further expressed conviction that the Eritrean people would as ever emerge victorious in meeting all challenges. (Eritrean Profile, Saturday 28th of November, 2009).

After an hour, the ceremony itself ends, but the holiday continues. I thank the two men that invited me in with a firm handshake. The people return to their homes to celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families, and I walk back in the direction of the Cinema Roma.

But in front of the Damera Bar, I am invited to have coffee or tea by Abdul Aziz and his friends. He saw me in the ceremony, and is interested in my background. We have coffee with some pastry and chat for half an hour with the three men. For the second time today I am touched by the hospitality, totally disregarding faith or background.

Gabriela, the maid of Zewdi and Gebrehiwot, made some delicious Minestrone soup, with lots of vermicelli and fresh vegetables.

In the afternoon I stroll the streets of Asmara, hoping to find something exiting (for a tourist). But the feast of Eid al-Adha continues inside the houses of the Muslim population of Asmara.

  

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Sheik Al-Amin - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha - Bahti Meskerem Square Asmara Eritrea.

Drinking coffee with Abdul Aziz and his friends - Asmara Eritrea.

Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin Mosque - Peace Street Asmara Eritrea.