" Z a r "

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Image Title: " Z a r "

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By: Khaled Mursi Hammoud
Copyright ©2007

View Photo Gallery of Khaled Mursi Hammoud click HERE

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Photographer	Khaled Mursi Hammoud {Karma:54005}
Project	#25 Characters	Camera Model	Nikon D100
Categories	People Journalism Travel	Film Format	Digital RAW
Portfolio		Lens	Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4D AF
Uploaded	10/24/2007	Film / Memory Type	SanDisk 2 GB
		ISO / Film Speed
Views	586	Shutter	1/60
Favorites	0	Aperture	f/3.5
Critiques	8	Rating	Pending / 0 Ratings
Location	City - Cairo State - Country - Egypt
About	The "Zar" is a Ceremony that is used to cure mental illness through contact with the possessing spirits which cause maladies. Though there are several methods for dealing with psychological disturbance, the Zar is the last resort which is supposed to have powerful therapeutic effect for several kinds of ailments. It should be noted that this ceremony is not widely practiced in Egypt. The Zar ceremony is most prominent in southern Egypt and is practiced further south into the Sudan, though in fact it may be performed anywhere in Egypt. This is a region that was least exposed to the many invaders from Greece, Rome and the Middle East, and the ceremony can be considered as a holdover from older African religions when older women were frequently priestesses. Regardless of the fact that Zar is a trance religious ceremony that uses drumming and dancing to cure an illness thought to be caused by a demon, it is technically prohibited by Islam as a pagan practice. However it continues to be an essential part of the Egyptian culture. It provides a unique form of relief to women in strict patriarchal societies.

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There are 8 Comments in 1 Pages
1

sherif el gohary {K:419} 12/22/2007

hi Dr.Khaled

bardo ro7t ZAR.I have nothing to say but we need to see more photos.

regards

Abid Muhammad {K:2613} 11/1/2007

very good sir,.................
very informative picture...
culturel essential.

Khaled Mursi Hammoud {K:54005} 10/25/2007

Hi Marian,
Actually it was do difficult to convince those preparing the ceremony that it's just a hobby and that I'm not either an officer or a Journalist (not to mention that I presented my personal ID card too).
Actually, the ladies; the sick ones; didn't want me to be arround still and that's why they had to cover their heads so as not to be known.
Thanx dear Marian for your comment and concern.
Regards and take care,
Khaled.

Marian Man

{K:80636} 10/25/2007

very impressive about dear Khaled!!!!
and as Alison wrote I too wonder how you were allowed to photograph it!!!!
all the best
Marian

Khaled Mursi Hammoud {K:54005} 10/25/2007

Hi Olga,
You're just right, the lady with the covered head is the one attending the ceremony for cure.
Actually they don't cover their heads but coz I was capturing some photos; and this is not welcomed at all; so she covered her head so as not to be known.
Thanx for your comment and support.
God bless you,
Khaled.

Olga Vareli

{K:22477} 10/25/2007

so interesting comment my frind, on the photo, I mean, it is so enlightening, still I feel a bit sorry for the women who live in strict patriarchical families, how can they survive in such severe strictness?My love, Olga. :)
ps.The woman with the covered head is the one that is going to be cured?

Dave Stacey

{K:150877} 10/25/2007

A very interesting "about", Khaled, and as well an interesting look into this old practice and custom in your photograph. Well done in being able to record this and pass it on.
Dave.

Alison DuFlon {K:36566} 10/24/2007

A facinating history, I hope this one worked to help the person. Sometimes these methods are much more powerful. I am surprised that you were allowed to photograph it. Alison

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