almatar Travel and Tourism has announced its sponsorship of the new Ramadan program, “The Journey”, in collaboration with Thmanyah Publishing and Distribution. This sponsorship reflects almatar ‘s commitment to supporting rich, specialized Arabic travel content.
About the Program
“The Journey with Anas Iskandar” is a documentary series produced by Thmanyah, where Anas Iskandar embarks on a journey to eight Arab countries during Ramadan. The series explores street life, traditions, customs, and stories from the local communities of Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
Featured Destinations and Highlights
Morocco
- Marrakech: Visited Jemaa El-Fna Square, sampled local Ramadan dishes, met the former royal chef, and listened to storytellers.
- Fes: Explored the ancient city, learned about Zellige craftsmanship, and joined a Moroccan family for an evening of music and Ramadan traditions.
- Chefchaouen: Experienced the serene atmosphere of the Blue City, away from the tourist hustle.
Egypt
- Cairo: Wandered through popular neighborhoods, helped craft traditional Ramadan lanterns, and joined the world’s largest iftar table.
- Upper Egypt: Immersed in rural life, tasted local delicacies like “Aish El Shams” and molokhia, and discovered unique Ramadan customs.
Sudan
- Khartoum: Explored traditions like “Sit Al-Shai” gatherings, experienced traditional Sudanese coffee, and participated in communal iftar.
Algeria
- Algiers: Strolled through the Casbah, admired Zellige art, visited the Martyrs’ Memorial, and enjoyed an iftar with a local family.
Jordan
- Madaba and Amman: Explored Madaba’s mosaic art, visited iconic sites such as the Roman Theater and Al-Husseini Mosque in Amman, and tasted Mansaf and knafeh.
Oman
- Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar: Visited the traditional Nizwa market, participated in the “Ramadan Al-Habta” market, and learned about rosewater production in the Green Mountain.
Saudi Arabia
- Jazan: Celebrated Eid traditions, explored the Khawlani dialect, and enjoyed a Ramadan iftar atop the Black Mountain.
Showcasing Ramadan Cultures
In each episode, Anas delves into the host country’s culture, spotlighting Ramadan traditions, local dishes, and community activities. For instance:
- In Morocco, he explored Jemaa El-Fna Square and enjoyed its vibrant atmosphere during Ramadan.
- In Egypt, he experienced rural life in Upper Egypt, tasted unique dishes, and joined in local Ramadan festivities.
- In Sudan, he participated in coffee ceremonies and observed the distinctive “Sit Al-Shai” gatherings.
How to Watch
The program is available on Thmanyah’s platform, as well as their YouTube channel, where viewers can enjoy full episodes. For more details and to watch the series, visit Thmanyah’s website or YouTube channel.