Скачать или смотреть Ramadan traditions observed during holy month

(23 May 2019) LEAD IN:
The city of Mosul is alive as people celebrate a whole host of traditions during the holy month of Ramadan.
Locals play traditional games, hold large Iftars and swim in the Tigris River.

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The Old Bridge otherwise known as the 'Iron Bridge' offers a cool respite from Mosul's sweltering heat during Ramadan.
Linking the two sides of the Tigris river, locals gather and jump into the tepid waters below.
Yusouf Abdulqadir lives in the Old City of Mosul and comes here every year with his friends to swim and stay cool.
"When we fasting every year, we gather here with all our friends, neighbours and come to the water. We are from al Maydan (Neighbourhood) in the Old City, which means we are very close to the water. The heat and the hot weather bring us here to cool down until the sunset call (for prayer) "
During Ramadan, there is an increased appetite for all kinds of fruits, vegetables, juices and sweet treats.
In East Mosul, the sweet smells of freshly prepared juice attract customers to this market stall.
In the back, the store workers are making grape juice - a traditional part of Iftar - when the fast breaks at sunset.
Juice-maker and shop owner, Mohammed has been making grape juice since the '60s.
"We inherited it from our grandparents. Every Ramadan, each Mosul family must have the grape juice on their Ramadan table."
Walking along the bazaar you will find a store selling traditional Ramadan sweets made from nuts and honey.
Haji Raad owner of a pickle shop says, "Mosul is famous for several foods and pickles is one of them. Pickles are considered an essential item during the meal time in the month of Ramadan because it is an aperitif."
With several different kinds on display, there are a lot of pickles to choose from.
These hot ovens cook the renowned Iraqi tandoor bread to perfection.
As the sun sets in West Mosul, Iftar preparations begin.
Giant pots of rice and chicken are served to students living at this male dormitory in al-Mansour district.
Often large and free Iftars like this one are put on during the holy month due to the hikes in food prices.
After the students enjoy a Mawlid - a celebration to honour the prophet Mohammed through song and poetry.
Dr Yasin Mohammed, lecturer and mawlid singer explains, "this is the heritage of Mosul people. We are here to revitalize the heritage and the folklore of the people of Mosul."
"Even if I talk from the Sharia (Islamic rules and guidelines) perspective, we find that this is rooted in the honourable prophetic biography when the beloved Mustafa (another name for prophet Mohammed) migrated from Makah to Medina he was received by daff tambourines and anthems."
Player gather in the streets for a game of Mheibes, which translates to 'ring'.
In two teams, players take turns hiding rings in their fists.
Local resident, Faris says "the taste of Ramadan is in Mheibes game."
With only two chances to guess the ring-holder, the opposition must choose carefully.
Looking for any changes in facial expression - he picks team members.
In 2014, when IS militants took over the city of Mosul, Ramadan traditions were outlawed.
Almost two years since the extremists were forced out of the city, Mheibes is a symbol of return to normality for the residents of Mosul.

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