Small brass bell-shaped drum used to wake people before sahur, the last meal before fasting begins for Ramadan. This tradition dates to the Ottoman period and continues to this day in some areas. A Ramadan drummer, known as the Musaharati or Abu Tabla, walks through neighborhoods before dawn to wake Muslims up for the suhur meal. Using a traditional drum and melodic poetry, he helps communities prepare for their daily fast. The custom dates back centuries, originating in Ottoman times and spreading across many Arab, Turkish, and Muslim-majority countries. Around 1 to 2 hours before the dawn prayer (fajar), the drummer navigates the narrow streets, beating a drum and residents would wake up to the sound, turning on their lights and coming to their windows to follow along and appreciate the drummer, who receives tips and gifts from neighbours as the holiday progresses.
mmr-00600 > Ramadan drum, Brass, [s.d.]
This item is not currently exhibited, but you can see many more related exhibits on the four floors of the CVAR.
