Can Ramadan's Night Caller Tradition Survive?

It is predawn in Cairo. One man walks the streets of his neighbourhood, banging a drum and calling into the darkness.

Dressed in traditional garments, the mesaharati (night caller) travels through the city, waking people for their suhoor meal before the beginning of a day-long fast. Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Mohammad will chant the same traditional religious phrases every day before morning prayers.
We come and praise you

in the month of Ramadan,

may Allah bless your children

Although the practice of night calling now takes place in several Arab countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, many believe that it originated in Egypt’s capital city, where Mohammad continues the tradition today. While the wake-up call’s popularity may have faded, Mohammad and his fellow mesaharatis don’t plan on stopping any time soon, as their work brings neighbourhoods together during one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.