Our story with Institut Du Monde Arabe began when a European delegation attended one of our performances in Al-Adem Palace in Damascus.

Following the performance, the Institute requested that we perform two concerts in March as part of its cultural exchange agreement with Rawafed. Our group, “Rabitat Shabab Al Fan Al Aseel” represents the three most prominent bands for spiritual chanting in Damascus, and it was started by me, Sheikh Motasim Billah Al Asali and Adnan Al Hallak. The three bands, which gained fame presenting Sufi poetry and Muwashahat, all share a common goal of revitalising spiritual anthem traditions in Damascus. Previously, they had each performed in a number of Arab and foreign countries, and put on several concerts throughout Damascus (Al Zawiya Al Saadiyya,Muhiye Al Din Bin Arabi Mosque, Snan Agha Mosque, and others.)

This is the first time that the three most prominent bands for spiritual chanting in Damascus consolidate and work together as one group, and the IMA performances were our  first (in and out of Syria).  Personally however, this was not my first experience with IMA (last year, and with the support of Rawafed, I performed with my own band there.) I think these types of partnerships are really indicative of the intense interest and encouragement to spread and present various types of traditional Syrian performance- an important part of our heritage.

“Rabitat Shabab Al Fan Al Aseel” is made up of 13 members (3 leaders, 4 chorus, 2 rhythm player, 3 whirling dervishes, 1 Nay (flute) player. I think the concert we put on was special because we preformed the call for prayers that are traditionally used in the famed Al Amawi Mosque in Damascus, and some from the Qur’an. We also performed a collection of Sufi, Zawaya and Muwashahat grounded in Damascene traditions, and Sufi and spiritual poetry with the whirling dervishes.

More than 400 people attended each concert, and people’s interaction with us was fantastic.  Honestly, when we ended each performance, we couldn’t speak because of the intense clapping and appreciation from the audience. We were also so touched by the hospitality and kindness of the organisers at IMA who made us feel very comfortable. I remember one of the staff saying to me “we’ve never seen such a large attendance and such enthusiasm from audience at IMA– we are really proud to have you.”

I consider our performances at IMA this year amongst my richest experiences, especially because we were able to present our work to an audience that was thirsty to learn about our heritage, and because it opened up new horizons for reaching this audience. The experience also showed us how we can better present ourselves to the outside world.  Our participation in IMA has become its own annual tradition, and we look forward to returning next year.

By Sheikh Abdelrahman Abdel Mula