Muslims in Tunisia celebrate Eid al-Fitr

World
Europe

By CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi

Muslims across the world are marking Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. In Tunisia on Sunday, worshipers walked to one of the oldest mosques in the capital city Tunis, and prayed for peace in the North African country.

Local resident Houssem Mohamed said: “On the Eid morning, after dawn, we meet at the gate of the old town, then we walk together chanting prayers and calling on people to join the march for peace. It’s a religious and a cultural event.”

People come from many countries and cities to attend this traditional gathering, known as a Kharja.

The Eid moon was sighted in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Tunisia and other Gulf countries, signalling the start of Eid al-Fitr. /Reuters Photo

“I live abroad. I used to watch this event on social networks. This year, I came to take part in this extraordinary walk in traditional clothes. This tradition is unique. It only happens in the capital city Tunis,” said Walid Rahman, a Tunis resident.

‘After walking across the city center and inviting people to join the celebration, worshipers then headed to the Sahab Ettabaa Mosque for Eid al-Fitr prayers.

The Sahab Ettabaa Mosque is an architectural marvel, renowned not just in Tunisia but also the rest of the Islamic world.

A 200-year-old mosque, it was built by a Tunisian architect and symbolizes the diversity of Tunisia – its mixed architectural style shows not only Tunisian and European elements but also has Arabic, Mediterranean and African influences.

Culinary traditions: A vendor displays traditional sweets in Tunis. /Reuters Photo

After prayers at the mosque, people listen carefully to the Imam, who urges worshipers to pardon, to forgive and to visit their relatives on Eid al-Fitr.

Abderrahmane Boukhari, a Tunis resident, says: “We do not sleep on the eve of Eid. We have fun until the morning then we go to pray. We spend the day with our friends and families. It’s the best occasion for people to come closer together. It’s time to forgive others. This is our religion.”

8653km