A Magical Night in the Heart of the Medina during Ramadan: Between Exploration and Music at Rachidiya

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Hello steemians,

The medina of Tunis, with its centuries-old alleys and its mystical atmosphere, takes on a very particular flavor during Ramadan, far from the daytime hustle and bustle, it is transformed, bathed in a golden light, animated by the comings and goings of the faithful, night owls and art lovers spirit.

As soon as I entered through one of the imposing studded wooden doors, typical of Tunisian architecture, I let myself be captivated by the charm of the cobbled streets, bathed in the subdued light of the street lamps. The medina, at this time of day, is a world apart. The shops are closed, but life goes on. Groups of friends chat over mint tea, artisans close their shops while restaurants and cafes remain crowded with those who extend the Ramadan festivities.

A magical atmosphere reigned under the arcades decorated with hanging colorful lanterns, casting dancing shadows on the whitewashed walls, every corner seemed to tell a story. Traditional doors in vibrant colors - yellow, blue, green - punctuated my route, giving the medina a touch that is both poetic and mysterious.

After a long walk through the cobbled alleys, my route led me to the door of the Rachidiya, a Tunisian music institution located in the heart of the medina which was founded in 1934, it is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Tunisian musical heritage, in particular malouf, this Andalusian musical genre which constitutes an integral part of the cultural identity of the country.

The entrance to the Rachidiya is free, with its large, bright yellow doors and black and white arch, opened onto a room where music was already in full swing. Through the wrought iron gate, I could see a captivated audience seated on wooden chairs, listening fervently to the musicians.

As soon as I entered, the atmosphere grabbed me, the room, built in a traditional style with its stone columns and its red brick vaults, resonated with the sound of the instruments, the qanun, the oud, the nay and the percussions created a captivating harmony, the main singer, dressed in traditional attire, sang a nouba, a long musical poem, transporting the audience on a journey out of time.

The audience was made up of music lovers, art students, but also curious people who came to enjoy this unique experience, some closed their eyes, lulled by the melody, while others discreetly hummed the words, the musicians, with impressive dexterity, juggled between frantic rhythms and suspended moments of sweetness, embodying the soul of Tunisian music.

After this magical moment at Rachidiya, I ventured again into the silent streets of the medina, the city seemed to have fallen asleep, but a few souls were still wandering, taking advantage of the nighttime calm, I stopped in front of a wall decorated with a modern fresco, lit by an ancient lantern, symbol of the dialogue between the past and the present.