Al-Owda in Syria’s Raqqa…tribal tradition that remains amid urbanization
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The city of Raqqa is characterized by a great diversity of clans in the countryside and the city, and each clan knows a person to follow and take advice from, who is often called a sheikh.
Every tribal sheikh knows that there is a council called al-Owda (hosting Room), a daily meeting place in where dozens of people talk to each other, in which social ties are strengthened, and differences and problems that occur between clans are resolved.
Ramadan al-Rahal, the sheikh of the al-Ali clan of the al-Walda tribe, said that in the tribal community in general, and northeastern Syria in particular, al-Owda has great role and importance, where all the clans gather, discuss matters of war and peace, and all social and political issues related to the region.
The formation of al-Owda
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the city of Raqqa was formed by a group of Arab families who came from Iraq and Turkey, so the elders of these families built many guest rooms, or so-called guesthouses (al-Owda).
Al-Owda are large and ancient antique rooms, and a meeting place for residents, as it is characterized by its wide area of 40 to 50 meters by 12 meters. Its wide doors symbolize the reception and welcoming of guests. It is furnished with carpets and pillows and serves home-brewed Arabic coffee, which symbolizes hospitality.
“The history of al-Owda goes back to the time of the Ottoman occupation, through which decisions are taken and consensus is made on a single word among all tribes, he added.
Thus, the political role of al-Owda has been present since the days of the Ottomans and the French, where clan and tribal leaders communicate with each other and hold agreement to repel the attacks of the occupier, according to some historians of Raqqa.
Al-Rahal pointed out that in al-Owda, through the sheikhs and dignitaries of the clans, the resolution of issues and disputes between the residents of the region is reached, such as issues of revenge, reconciliations, and land disputes, as it played a major role in relieving the courts and the judiciary because it is through them that most inter-clan conflicts are resolved.
ISIS era
Al-Rahhal pointed out that during the control of the Islamic State (ISIS) over the region, al-Owda failed to perform its duty. “ISIS wanted to conceal and hide this heritage, which is a heritage inherited from the ancestors. ISIS also tried to lure the sheikhs to their side, but their attempts were unsuccessful.”
“Al-Owda is a tribe gathering place through which decisions are taken, political and social dialogues and meetings are held to unify ranks among the tribes of the region through their sheikhs, as it is the first auxiliary of the Autonomous Administration.
It is noteworthy that al-Owda has a religious and educational role as well, as it was built in the direction of the qiblah [the direction of Mecca, to which Muslims turn at prayer], before the spread of mosques. Eid prayers, Tarawih prayers, and congregational prayers were held in al-Owda.
In this regard, al-Owda has a great role in the tribal society, and its influence on decision-making and not on violating it.