From Aleppo, Syria, Sana Mamelly is a Nutrition and Dietetics student at the American University of Beirut who has been living in Lebanon for the past three years. She has returned to Aleppo for Ramadan this year. Though this is her first experience writing publicly, Sana is fascinated by both English and Arabic literature, including plays and novels, and is inspired by how writers can use such forms of art to tell stories and connect readers, bringing them closer to each other's thoughts and experiences.
I get up around 11 a.m. The power is off, meaning that the TV and Internet are off-limits. I helplessly head toward the kitchen, always buzzing at this time. At 1 p.m., after the Duhr prayers are called, we gather for a jamaa prayer. I read a few verses of the Quran, as we do after each prayer to have it completed by the time Ramadan ends. The generators turn on at 2 p.m., so we entertain ourselves with TV shows.
After the Asr prayer, I leave to pick up fresh maarouk, a must for the post-iftar gathering. I realize how friendly people still are, that the agonizing unrest hasn’t change this about them, nor has the heat or the long fasting hours. I rush back home at 6 p.m. in time for our favorite Islamic shows. We spend the remaining hours until Iftar listening contentedly. I hear the voice of the licorice-man, passing by with his cart, calling for cold licorice.
It is 8 p.m., and we’re gathered around the iftar table with our relatives. Together, we say the prayer and break our fast with water and dates as part of the sunnah. The table is generously filled with food, from sambusak and kibbeh to mehshi kousa and kabab bil banjan. As for the beverages, which are present on any Syrian iftar table; there is licorice, tamarind and amar-eldeen. With the chorus of clinking spoons and plates, and occasional sounds of rockets in the background, we continue our iftar with normal chatter and laughter.
We get up stuffed after having eaten only a little, but we spare energy for a jamaa Maghreb prayer. We spend the rest of the evening enjoying conversations and TV with its never-ending shows. The tea is a crucial part of the gathering. After Taraweeh at 10 p.m., we gather for the treats we’ve all been waiting Ramadan for: maarouk and mshabak. We eat as we watch this Syrian show, which we end our night with. We get up at 2:30 a.m. for a snack, consisting of soup, fruits, and dates, and drink plenty of water before the Fajr prayer. The generators turn off, cueing us to sleep.
As Aleppo becomes dark and quiet, I hear our neighbor recite the Quran so beautifully. I realize how cool it is outside, like a blessing. I look at how beautiful Aleppo is and feel happy to be back here during Ramadan. There is no place I would rather be in.