Community Spirit in Tajoura: Preparing Bazin for Ramadan

Tajoura, a Libyan town near Tripoli, unites annually during Ramadan to prepare bazin, a traditional dish for iftar. Made from barley flour, it is often served with stew or tomato sauce if meat is scarce. The process involves community cooperation, showcasing their resilience and commitment to tradition even amidst ongoing challenges.

During Ramadan, the town of Tajoura, located near Tripoli, unites to prepare their cherished dish, bazin. This meal is enjoyed during iftar, the evening feast that marks the end of daily fasting. Bazin is typically made from unleavened barley flour and paired with a hearty stew, often containing vegetables and mutton. Due to recent turmoil in Libya, simpler alternatives, such as tomato sauce, are commonly used when meats are unavailable.

The preparation of bazin is a communal effort, with residents from all age groups contributing. Men typically gather in a communal kitchen, where they mix barley flour and water using long wooden sticks to create the dough. After mixing, the dough is kneaded and shaped into large lumps resembling dumplings before baking or steaming. Volunteers distribute the finished bazin to people waiting outside, eager to bring it home for their iftar meals.

Ramadan embodies intense prayers, charity, and spiritual reflection, and for the residents of Tajoura, it solidifies their bond through the shared experience of preparing and enjoying bazin together.

In summary, the preparation and sharing of bazin in Tajoura during Ramadan exemplifies community unity and support. Despite the challenges faced over recent years, the town continues to embrace its traditions by coming together in a communal environment to prepare this beloved dish for iftar. Bazin not only serves as a meal but also strengthens the community’s social fabric during this holy month.

Original Source: www.sfchronicle.com