Bab Al-Hara

Bab al-Hara (Arabic for "The Neighborhood's Gate" "باب الحارة") is one of the most popular television series in the Arab world, watched by tens of millions of people from "poverty-stricken Gaza to the opulent cities of the Persian Gulf." The series chronicles the daily happenings and family dramas in a neighborhood in Damascus, Syria in the inter-war period under French rule when the local population yearned for independence. The appeal is cross-generational, and viewers include Muslims, Christians, Druze and Jews from Arab countries.

More On Bab Al Hara

Bab al Hara is one of numerous series that reflects a very miniature image of the life in the old city of Damascus. Every Neighborhood or 'Hara' has its own 'Mukhtar', a chosen older man held in high regards and respected by everyone for wisdom and reverence. 'Mukhtar' is chosen based on his history of good deeds and bravery and how he stood the test of time and how he acted in the hour of peril and at time of need. The 'Mukhtar' gathers a number of men around him who are known for their bravery, dependability, and wisdom to run his errands and help him at the hour of need. These members along with the 'Mukhtar' constitute a small nucleus that runs the 'Hara' and decides what is good for it and for its people. The members are always asked for their opinion in every matter that has to do with the 'Hara'. The wealthier members donate money to the 'Hara' by giving it to the 'Mukhtar' and then they all decide the fate of the money whether is should be for renovation purposes, to be distributed among the less fortunate, or to be kept for difficult times. This hierarchical division however might be misleading for the reader since it might give the impression that the 'Mukhtar' and the members are isolated diplomats, or are from a different social class. However, such idea is to be dismissed due to the fact that 'social class' did not exist back then. Religion 'Islam' made all people equal. The only thing that differentiates the members from others is that they are the older generation in the 'Hara' and they had enough experience in life that makes them able to see things better, and on top of all they are individuals known for their generosity, devotion and altruism. Members also have steady incomes from having a shop or a business that they run, like the Barber shop, Bakery, iron smith, farmer, grocery store , merchant, etcetra.

'Mukhtar' and members are obligated to help whoever is in need--the poor, sick, or weak; they also work to bring justice amongst people. This motivation springs from a deep feeling or responsibility and a sense of brotherhood and love imposed by religion and inheritance. If ever existed in the world, such social systems are very rare. Societies based on trust and bravery and manhood and altruism, where a man's word was all that he had, and the good deed was all that counted.

This Image does not exist in Damascus anymore the way it once did, although these old days are acclaimed to be the best that the old city has ever witnessed, and this chapter in the history of Damascus is still revered and remembered by the people of Damascus for its heritage is still kept alive among them.

External links

• "For some, Ramadan means fasting, cleansing and TV drama." CNN. 10 September 2008.