2. About Sudan
• Sudan is a country of variation and a symbol
of how different cultures can blend together
in perfect harmony to create such a colorful
mixture .We _as people whom this beloved
country had embraced for generations_ in a
humble attempt to return the favor present
you this project ,article(call it what you want)
hopping that afterwards you would see
Sudan as beautiful and flawless as we see it .
3. Food and drinks
• Sudanese people are very hospitable. Meals are eaten around a large,
communal tray on which various meat, vegetable, salad, and sauce
dishes are placed. These are eaten with the right hand, using flat bread
or a stiff millet porridge known as asida or kisra.
The strong Sudanese coffee is served from a special tin ‘jug’ with a long
spout, known as a jabana. The coffee is sweet and often spiced with
ginger or cinnamon, and is drunk from tiny cups or glasses. Fruit teas and
herbal teas such as kakaday (hibiscus tea) are also popular.
Most people seem to have a very sweet tooth, piling several teaspoons
of sugar into their cups of tea, and enjoying sugary desserts.
Peanuts, known as Ful-Sudani, are a popular snack, and can be made
into delicious macaroons.
5. Music
.
Popular music has had a rather great history in recent years, with many
artists becoming exiles after the government stamped down on their
freedom to perform. Lyrics are all-important in Sudanese music, with
new words often made up on the spot for a special occasion such as a
wedding. Traditional instruments include tom-toms, rababas (viol-like
stringed instruments with a hide-covered body), and “the oud” (a lute).
“Wd Al’ameen “ one of Sudan’s famous singers.
6. Young people in Sudan
• Young people in Sudan represent the majority of the society, therefore in
Sudan one can find a lot of choices or places to hang out in , another
ways for youth to spend their time is playing games, read books , watch
TV , play sports like pool and football which is very common here and
they even built football courts near neighbor hoods with all the facilities
such as lights , seats and artificial grass , and there are many other
activities. Children usually go to parks with their families at weekends
and holidays , when young people specially teenagers tend to go to
parties and cafes to hang around with their friends
They also spend their time by going in picnics with their families and
friends or hang out .One of the most famous places to hang out in is Nile
street. Young people always go there when they're bored and it's for free
, they can drink coffee or tea made from a lady called tea lady "Sit
Alshai" and its very tasty , or they can chat and enjoy the beautiful view
and weather and they also play different games like chess and cards .
Besides Nile Street there are many places to go to such as restaurants ,
amusement parks , ranches and lots of other places.
8. Shopping
• Indeed shopping is one of the most interesting activity in Sudan , where
the variety of the different types of goods and brands provides to the
customer the ability to choose according to his affordability and
requirements .
Here is a review and photos for several famous shopping places in the
capital Khartoum.
Souq Omdurman :-
The market of OMDURMAN is one of the greatest of it's kind in Sudan .
Where you can find anything if u have the ability to tolerate standing for
hours of shopping outdoors in a temperatures above 47 degrees Celsius .
The market includes different types of stores and goods such us clothes
, souvenirs , handmade crafts staff etc . In geographical terms , the
market is located in the east side of KARARI street and continues till the
west side of ALSHANQEETI street , this market reflects both culture and
traditions , which made from it a unique sing in the SUDAN generally and
OMDURMAN city particularly where there is a harmony between the
different races and religions , representing a model worthy of
admiration.
• The local market :-
located in the southern side of KHARTOUM CITY . The market includes a
huge part for cloth with skilled designers to satisfy your own interest an
style, also it contains stores for decorations, furniture and curtains. most
importantly it has a very valuable prices and yet with a good quality.
9. The local market :-
located in the southern side of KHARTOUM CITY . The market includes a huge
part for cloth with skilled designers to satisfy your own interest an style, also it
contains stores for decorations, furniture and curtains. most importantly it has a
very valuable prices and yet with a good quality.
Alsouq Alarabi :-
the ARABIC MARKET , located in the downtown area of Khartoum , although the
place is very crowded due to the transportation station near by it but it's a good
destination for most of the public to do their shopping for their different needs ,
it also contains a big market specially for selling gold and jewelries.
Affraa shopping center:-
This is the first shopping mall in Sudan. It is a Turkish venture . Previously there
were few shops that could even rate as supermarkets in the western sense. Most
shops were small groceries or specialized businesses, with the emphasis on small.
The choice of products was limited. Now here was everything under one roof
and thus shopping has become a lot easier. also one of the Popular shopping
areas are: Gamhouria Avenue, Street 15, New Extension, Khartoum II, Riyadh,
The other main shopping areas of Khartoum are located on Gamhouria Avenue
and New Extension Street No. 15. you can find Gold and silver jewelry, beads and
local handicrafts. Everything is incredibly cheap.
10.
11. Transportation
• In Khartoum there are three main big cities : Khartoum , Omdurman and Bahry,
Every city is connected with the other by a bridge .For people to move from one
city to another by road they use their private cars but if they haven't gotten any
cars the use other transportations known as "Al-Mwasalat" locally. There are
many different vehicles we use for transportations and we'll talk about some of
them. One of the vehicles is called "Raksha" and in Indian "Tuk Tuk " , its a small
unique car with three wheels , it is known with its noisy voice and funny shape.
Another vehicle is called "Amjad" .It is also a small car with four wheels but its
bigger than Al "Raksha" and more comfortable but its more expensive . Other
transportations like taxis and buses, Every bus driver has someone to help him
called "Al-Komsare" and this guy collects money from passengers. "Raksha ",
"Amjad" and taxis aren't allowed to move between different states , but big and
small buses are the main transports between states .You will always find a funny
quote in the back of every transportation and that's a very unique thing in
Sudan. We can consider the bus station is a small society , it gathers people from
different parts of Sudan and the chances you would meet someone you know
there are a lot.
We can consider the buses and stations as a small society. Inside the bus you may
find a two or group of people discussing about something like: policy , soccer ,
….. Etc , and then you find out none of them know each other and that shows
how kind Sudanese are . Animals are used in rural areas ,there is also “Al –Karo”
which is carrige pulled by a donkey or a horse. Transportations has been and will
continue to be a very important part of our lives because without it life would be
a lot difficult.
12.
13. National holidays
• There are two great Muslim religious holidays celebrated in Sudan - Eid AL-Fitr
(comes after the holy month of Ramadan), and Eid Al-A'adha.The most common
greeting in Arabic used on holidays is" Kul sana wa inta tayeb or Kul sana wa inta
be kheir", means may each year find you well and prosperous, or one can simply
say “Eid Mabrouk”. Ramadan Bairam is more commonly referred to in Sudan as
Eid Ramadan or Eid al Fitr (the feast of the breaking of the fast) and Eid al
saghayyir (the little feast). This holiday takes place at the end of the Muslim
month of fasting, Ramadan. Ramadan lasts for a full lunar month, 29-30 days. All
Muslims except travelers, pregnant women, sick people and children under 13
years of age are required to obtain from ingesting anything: food, water or any
drinks, from just before sunrise until sunset.
Fasting is obviously a hardship, especially if Ramadan takes place during the
really hot dry months of April, May or June. It is also a time for short tempers
and for dispirited efficiency. Non-Muslims should not eat, drink or smoke in the
presence of a Muslim during daylight hours. It is, however, not a punishable
offense in Sudan. When making calls during Ramadan, some Sudanese hosts may
insist that their American guests partake of some tea or some other refreshment.
The best rule of thumb is to decline, but some Sudanese hosts will insist while
seeing others drinking or eating. The nights of Ramadan are characterized by a
holiday mood accompanied by huge meals, especially the “fatour” (breakfast)
which begins as soon as the “Mou’azzin”, a cannon shot has announced sunset
and end of fasting,
14. Continue…..
• Eid Al-Fitr begins on the first day following the night in which the new
moon has been sighted, thus marking the end of the month of Ramadan.
The holiday extends from three to four days. It is an occasion of great
feasting and visiting of friends and neighbors. Household help (even non-
Muslims) will expect leave with pay and a gratuity.
Eid Al-A'adha, more commonly called Eid al Kabier (the big festival) takes
place on the tenth Muslim month of Zu al Hajj (the month of the
pilgrimage to Mecca). In Sudan, every family who can will slaughter a
ram. This festival lasts for four to five days and is an occasion for feasting
and visiting relatives and friends, including an occasional American. Once
again, household help will expect two or more days of leave and gratuity.
Moulid Al Nabi (The Prophet’s Birthday). The celebration of the Prophet
Mohamed’s birthday, has become an accepted popular holiday. The
Prophet’s Birthday takes place about ninety days after Eid Al Kabier.
There are public celebrations at "Sajjana Square "in Khartoum, "Al
Khalifa Mosque" in Omdurman and in the town square - south of Mazad
in Khartoum North, where much of the major Muslim religious sects set
up their tents. Thousands of people assemble at the public square
closest to their home to enjoy entertainment, greet friends and partake
of sweets and refreshments.
15.
16. Superstitions
• Sudan is considered as a very superstitious society thus a countless number of
beliefs were generated throughout the years ,some related to animals ,food ,
marriage and other social statuses ,others related to actual activities .Here are
some of the well known superstitions in Sudan:
One of the common beliefs globally_ is that when a person sees a black cat or
crow(or other black animals ) it means that something bad is about to happen to
him . Also seeing a white dove or spilling milk (and other white drinks) means
that whomever did it is to be expecting something good.
When your slippers are put accidently over each other then it means you are
travelling sometime soon ,and when your slippers are turned upside down you
are to fight or argue with someone soon.
When two people say the same thing at the exact same moment it is believed
that the first one who touches anything wooden he or she is to be married first.
When too much ants and bugs are seen all over the house then its owner is to
move away soon.
When you are sitting in the dining table and your favorite food is placed before
you it is believed that your mother in law will be nice to you.
When a pregnant woman eats too much of a certain food it is said that the baby
will grow up in dislike or hatred for it. This is as previously mentioned _only a
glint of the superstitions side of our culture ,we tried to include all different
aspects of it ,only enough to prove the fact that we are a superstitious society .
17. Sudanese people lifestyle is unique . It is very
entertaining yet very hard , but we are all
proud to be living this lifestyle.
Finally we can say there is no place in the
world that will embrace us like Sudan , it’s the
country that we grew up in. We all love this
country deeply , no matter what we will
always be standing up wiping our tears
proudly when we’re singing our national
anthem .
