Community Spirit During Ramadan: The Making of Bazin in Tajoura

In Tajoura, Libya, the community unites annually during Ramadan to prepare bazin, a cherished dish served for iftar. Made from barley flour and accompanied by stew or tomato sauce, the preparation involves residents of all ages contributing to the communal effort, reflecting the values of charity and spirituality inherent in the holy month.

In the Libyan town of Tajoura, located just east of Tripoli, the arrival of Ramadan witnesses a heartfelt community effort to prepare and share the beloved dish known as bazin. This traditional meal serves as the perfect addition to iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims break their fast from dawn until dusk during the holy month.

Bazin is a hearty dish made from unleavened barley flour, typically accompanied by a flavorful stew consisting of vegetables and mutton. However, due to the persistent violence and unrest in Libya over the past decade and a half, access to mutton may be limited, making a simple tomato sauce an acceptable alternative.

The preparation of bazin is a collaborative endeavor, with community members of all ages participating eagerly. Men usually volunteer to create the bread in a communal kitchen, utilizing long wooden sticks to combine the barley flour and water in large pots to form the dough.

Once the dough is prepared, volunteers knead it into sizable clumps resembling giant dumplings, which are then either baked or steamed. When ready, the bazin is distributed to those in line outside, who patiently await their share to take home for iftar. Ramadan is characterized by deep reflection, charity, and spirituality, and in Tajoura, it is also synonymous with the joy of sharing bazin.

The annual communal preparation of bazin in Tajoura illustrates the strong sense of community and tradition during Ramadan. Despite challenges posed by ongoing unrest, the residents come together to ensure that their cherished meal is prepared and distributed, highlighting the importance of charity and collective spirit during this holy month.

Original Source: www.sfchronicle.com