In the Libyan town of Tajoura, a unique tradition comes to life each year during Ramadan. Residents gather to prepare and serve a beloved local dish known as bazin, which plays a significant role in their iftar meals—the time when Muslims break their fast from dawn until dusk.
Bazin is a nutritious dish made primarily from barley flour, which is mixed into a dough and often served alongside a rich stew that ideally includes mutton and various vegetables. Unfortunately, due to ongoing challenges in Libya, including widespread violence and supply shortages, the availability of these ingredients has fluctuated. When mutton is hard to come by, a simple tomato sauce is used instead.
This preparation is more than just cooking; it reflects a strong sense of community. People of all ages come together to contribute in various ways, whether by making the bazin, distributing it to those in need, or donating necessary ingredients. Men in the community typically take on the role of preparing the bread in makeshift kitchens, using long sticks to mix large pots of dough.
Once the dough is ready, volunteers shape it into sizable portions resembling giant dumplings and either bake or steam them. Afterward, other community members distribute the bazin to those lined up outside, eagerly awaiting their share to take home for their evening meals.
Ramadan is a profoundly spiritual time that includes reflections on faith and practices of charity. In Tajoura, it symbolizes community unity and the cherished tradition of sharing bazin, a dish that ties their culture and faith together.
