Holidays Around The World � Middle East Holidays

Proclamation of the UAE Commemorated in the United Arab Emirates

Noel — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:00:05 +0000

Proclamation of the UAE Date: December 2

Proclamation of the UAE in the United Arab Emirates is a public holiday.

December 2 is a very important date in UAE history because they claim it is the real birth of their country, which produced a unified federation.

History of the Proclamation of the UAE in the United Arab Emirates

The United Kingdom made a proclamation in 1968 to finish the accord relationships with seven of the Trucial Coast territories and to withdraw its military troops from the region. The Trucial Coast states in March 1968 met with Bahrain and Qatar to establish the Federation of Arab Emirates. However, Bahrain and Qatar separated from the federation in 1971. These states opted instead for separate independence. Six of the Trucial States which included Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Dubai, Sharjah, and Umm al Qaywayn decided on a central constitution for attaining independence as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on July 1971.

The United Kingdom ended all existing treaties with the Trucial Coast states on December 1, 1971. The following day, independence was finally declared. The seventh sheikhdom to join the UAE was Ras al Khaymah in February 1972. The first president of the UAE was Sheikh Zayid ibn Sultan Al Nuhayyan of Abu Dhab, a position he held until he died in 2004. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, became vice-president.

The prime minister was Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the heir to the sheikdom of Dubai. Sheikh Maktoum became ruler of Dubai and the vice-president and the prime minister of the UAE in 1990 after the death of his father. The UAE in 1971 adopted a temporary constitution that was designed to cease after five years. However, it wasn’t renewed until 1996 when a permanent constitution was finally ratified. In 1976, the powers and functions of the federal government were further centralized when the central government finally gained control over border control, defense, intelligence services, public security, and immigration.

United Arab Emirates’ Proclamation of the UAE Traditions, Customs and Activities

Dubai’s most ornate landmarks and modern shopping malls are opened to the public for a number of events in celebration of its National Day, the day in which the UAE achieved its independence from Britain. The activities include parachuting shows, various competitions, camel riding, demonstrations, and exhibitions. The holiday is celebrated for four days, with daily fireworks and parades.

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Independence Day Celebrated in Yemen

Noel — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:37 +0000

Independence Day: November 30

Independence Day is a public holiday in Yemen.

Yemen marks the South Yemen declaration of independence from the United Kingdom on November 30 every year. While North Yemen had been independent since November 1, 1918, it wasn’t until November 30, 1967 that South Yemen achieved full independence.

History of Independence Day in Yemen

The territory of today’s Yemen was known by the Romans as Arabia Felix, or “Happy Arabia”. Its strategic geographic position made it highly coveted; whoever controlled it controlled the lucrative spice trade that passed through it.

North Yemen had long been under the political influence and control of imans from the Zaidi. Those imans were Muslims that followed the teachings of the fifth iman, Zayd ibn Ali, and were prevalent during the Ottoman occupation in the 11th century. In 1832, the British occupied the port of Aden due to its important location near the Gulf of Aden and established it as a British colony, while most of the territories of South Yemen had agreements of alliance and protection with the British Empire.

In 1918, North Yemen became independent from the Ottoman Empire, and it later became a republic in 1962. On November 30, 1967, the British withdrew from Aden and the area became known as South Yemen, with Aden as capital. These two republics of North and South Yemen lived separately, and sometimes at war, until finally they were united on May 22, 1990.

Yemen’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

For most Yemenis this is a non-working day to attend prayers and be with the family. The president and government present celebratory speeches on this day, and there are official celebrations in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, that are televised nationwide. The streets are covered with Yemen’s flags, and there are military parades in the capital. Large celebratory gatherings of Yemenis throughout the country form in the streets of the main cities wearing the colors of the flag of Yemen: red, white, and black. Sometimes these gatherings end in protests and manifestations against the presence of Western non-Muslim nationals in the country.

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Independence Day Celebrated in Lebanon

Noel — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:48 +0000

Independence Day: November 22

Independence Day is a national holday in Lebanon.

On November 22, Lebanon celebrates the anniversary of becoming an independent nation. Independence Day in Lebanon is a national holiday.

History of Independence day in Lebanon

Lebanon was under the administrative rule and political sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire from 1516 to 1918. The territory that is defined by the present-day boundaries came to be known as a state called “Grand Liban” (Greater Lebanon) by decree of General Gouraud, head of the French troops in the Levant in 1920. The state remained under French Mandate until November 26, 1941. A constitution adopted on May 25, 1926 established a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government, but that came into full effect only on November 22, 1943. This day in Lebanon’s history became its Independence Day. Lebanon then became a founding member of the League of Arab states as well as a member of the United Nations in 1945.

Independence Day in Lebanon – Traditions, Customs and Activities

Celebrated on November 22, Independence Day is considered to be one of the most important public holidays in the Lebanese calendar as it represents everything the people of Lebanon have suffered for. In the capital city of Beirut, it is celebrated with pomp and fervor with a grand parade being organized featuring military and Lebanese dignitaries. A visit to Beirut during Independence Day is not to be missed, providing an insight into the turbulent past of an important city in the country. This is best expressed by the words of Gibran Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese philosopher, who said, “Woe to the nation that sees the victor’s pomp as the perfection of virtue, and in whose eyes the ugliness of the conqueror is beauty.”

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Birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Celebrated in Oman

Noel — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:03 +0000

Sultan’s Birthday: November 19

Sultan’s Birthday is a public holiday in Oman.

On November 19, Oman celebrates its sultan’s birthday. The birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said coincides with Oman’s National Day and is celebrated as a public holiday in Oman.

History of the Sultan’s Birthday in Oman

Sultan Qaboos bin Said was born on November 19, 1940 in a place called Salalah. He attended a private university in England at the age of 16, and he joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst at the age of 20. After completing his studies at the academy, bin Said went on to serve in the British military where he “learned that discipline is not just something one imposes on others; it is something that one has, above all, to apply to oneself…”

After his father abdicated the throne, Qaboos bin Said became the fourteenth descendent to become the sultan. He changed the name of the country to Sultanate of Oman, wanting to give a stronger signal of political unity. Despite acting within the framework of an absolute monarchy, the sultan would go on to bring levels of reform and stability not seen in the country before.

The sultan was conferred with the International Peace Award in October 1998 by the National Council on US-Arab Relations, presented by former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

Oman’s Sultan’s Birthday Traditions, Customs and Activities

The birthday of Sultan Qaboos is celebrated in grand fashion in conjunction with the country’s national day in Oman and is a national holiday. Camel races are organized accompanied by traditional dancing. The entire capital city of Muscat is lit up with colorful lights, and the buildings look their elegant best during the nights. The night sky is lit up by dazzling fireworks, and cutouts of the sultan can be seen throughout the country. The venues of the celebrations are not fixed and keep changing year after year.

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National Day Celebrated in Oman

Noel — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:00:49 +0000

National Holiday: November 18

National Day is a public holiday in Oman.

The celebration of Oman’s National Day takes place every year on November 18 as a celebration of independence from the Portuguese in 1650. National Day coincides with Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s birthday, which occurs November 19, adding additional significance to the day.

History of National Day in Oman

In 749, the tribes of Oman chose an imam, a Muslim spiritual leader, marking its first ruler after the influx of Islam into the region. While outside forces from Iran and areas applied temporary pressure to the people of Oman, the people remained relatively independent until 1507.

The Portuguese demonstrated their formidable naval tactics and superior technology to take control of the ports of Muscat and Sohar, and then rest of the coast of Oman in 1507. The Portuguese saw the ports along the coast of Oman as valuable stopping and trading points in their Indian spice trade routes.

This lucrative trading activity raised the eyes of both Britain and Dutch. Unsatisfied with the Portuguese exploitation of resources in Oman, the Al-Ya’ribi clan wooed the British East India Company in 1646. Under an agreed treaty, British merchants were guaranteed legal and religious rights while operating in the Oman’s domain, effectively weakening the influence of Portugal in the region.

On November 18, 1650, Imam Sultan Bin Saif and others led an uprising that effectively expelled Portugal from Oman and its ports. As independence has been a staple since, Oman is generally recognized as being the longest continually independent Arab state in modern history.

Oman’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Today, people celebrate both Oman’s independence from the Portuguese and the sultan’s birthday on November 18. Fireworks displays, images of the sultan, and Oman’s flag can be seen during celebrations that focus on the progress the current sultan, Qaboos bin Said, has made for the people of Oman.

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Correction Movement Day Celebrated in Syria

Noel — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:00:33 +0000

Correction Movement Day Date: November 16

Correction Movement Day is a public holiday in Syria.

Correction Movement Day is a holiday that is celebrated in Syria as a day of remembrance, pride, joy, and strength of the Syrian culture.

History of Correction Movement Day

Syria—officially the Syrian Arab Republic—is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest. Syria has a very dry and hot climate, and winters are very mild with very little snowfall.

The country is a middle-income country with an economy based on agriculture, oil, industry, and tourism. Syria has faced some serious problems and challenges with its attempt to expand and grow because of its poor performing economic public sector and high rates of unemployment tied to a high population growth rate. Unfortunately, these problems go back to the beginning of Syria’s government.

In 1516, Syria fell to the Ottoman Turks and remained a part of their empire for many centuries. During this time, Syria experienced great economic, social, and political hardship. But, in 1918, the Arab armies overthrew the Turks and ended their long leadership.

Later in 1918, Syria was declared an independent kingdom under King Faisal I, son of Sharif Hussein. However, France and Britain had another agenda. In an agreement known as the Sykes-Picot agreement, France and Britain decided to divide the Middle East into French and British ‘spheres of influence’, and Syria was officially placed under French mandate in 1923. The French did get the country under their control.

The Syrians opposed this change and revolted against the mandate in 1925. Several battles took place in the Jabal al-Arab region and in Damascus. There was much damage done in an attempt for the Syrians to re-gain control. Finally in 1936, France decided to give Syria partial independence according to the Franco-Syrian treaty signed in Paris, but French troops remained in the country and continued to influence the Syrian policies. During World War II, Syria witnessed military confrontations between French troops that were allied with the Germans, and Free French troops that were allied with the British. In 1941, the British army, along with the Free French troop allies, dominated the country and promised full independence after the end of the war.

War, destruction, and invasions occurred for many years after the French gained control primarily because the French did not keep their promises and were causing more destruction than being helpful in Syria. There were many demonstrations held and Syria’s National Government was even overthrown in an effort to gain stability within the country. But it wasn’t until Hafez al-Assad led the Correction Movement that finally brought long-lasting stability to Syria. Hafez al-Assad was the defense minister at the time, but was elected president in 1971. His vision for the country started to get the nation ready to fight for its occupied land, and he gained control of the Parliament. Because this movement helped Syria re-gain control of its its country, it is observed as Correction Movement Day, a day of pride and hope.

Syria Correction Movement Day Public Traditions, Customs, and Activities

Correction Movement Day is celebrated with songs and joy. The holiday is celebrated on November 16th of every year as a day of pride, hope, and joy for the country. It is a national hoilday that is celebrated by the entire Syrian culture.

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The Beginning of Hajj Commemorated in Saudi Arabia

Noel — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:09 +0000

Beginning of Hajj: November 14

The beginning of Hajj is a public holiday in Saudi Arabia.

Hajj is a famous pilgrimage to Mecca, and every Muslim that has the physical ability and money to do it must do it at least once in their lives. It is the 5th pillar of Islam faith, and it starts on the 7th day of the Dhu al Hijjah, which is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The Hajj takes 7 days and finishes by the 13th day of the same month. The dates on the Gregorian calendar change from year to year, and on 2009 it will be from November 25 to December 1.

History of Hajj

The Hajj was created from an ancient pilgrimage that was performed before the 7th century when Muhammad was alive. The existence of the pilgrimage is owed to the story of Abraham, his wife Hajar, and their son Ishmael.

There was a time when God, Allah, told Abraham to leave his wife and son in the desert alone. Abraham did as God told him and left them in the desert. While he was gone Ismael was thirsty, so his mother started to look for water. Desperate in the search for water, Hajar ran back and forth between the mountains of As-Safa and Al-Marwa, looking for a source. At the end of her seventh trip on Al-Marwa, Hajar heard a mysterious voice. She responded, asking if aid was able to be given. Before her, an angel scraped away the dirt with his wing, and from there water sprung out for them to drink.

Afterwards, a pilgrimage was made by the faithful to honor this story and the faith displayed by Abraham and Hajar. Before Muhammad, several tribes would make this pilgrimage and perform the Umrah, a ritual that follows the steps of Hajar. In AD 632, Muhammad took his followers on a pilgrimage to Mecca, marking the first Hajj performed by Muslims, the only one with Muhammad. The Hajj then became one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and now it traditionally starts with the Umrah.

Beginning of Hajj Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the first day of the Hajj, pilgrims must perform the Umrah, the first of the Hajj’s Tawaf, by walking seven times around the Holy Kaaba. The Kaaba is a large stone building and Islam’s holiest building, built by Abraham himself and his son Ishmael, according to the Holy Qur’an. Eating isn’t allowed at this time, and only water can be drank. Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times as Hagar walked back and forth seven times looking for water. The first four times are done at a hurried pace while the last three are at a more comfortable pace.

After this, pilgrims offer two Rakaat prayers at the Place of Abraham. On the same day that Hajj begins, pilgrims still have to perform the Sa’i, running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, again following the steps of Hajar as she looked for water for Ishmael.

The well from which Hagar got water is called the Zamzam, and pilgrims performing the rituals on the first day of the Hajj have to drink water from this well. All pilgrims have to wear the Ihram, a white seamless garment that indicates a state of pureness and readiness to perform the Hajj.

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Iran remembers Martyrdom of Iman Ali

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:44:34 +0000

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali: October 25

Iran Observes the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Iman Ali.

This day commemorates the anniversary Imam Ali’s martyrdom at Kufa Mosque. Ali is remembered as the first Imam and Ali was also the first successor of Prophet Muhammad.

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali History

Ali ibn Abi Talib was fourth caliph of Islam and also the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Ali was born in Mecca, he was the son of Prophet Muhammad’s uncle. Ali was the first to be converted to Islam and one of the most devoted followers of the Prophet Muhammad. He married Fatima, Muhammad’s daughter, who bore him two sons named Hasan and Husayn. When Prophet Muhammad died in 632, Ali claimed the right to succeed the Prophet. However, in the caliphate, Abu Bakr, Umar I, and Uthman ibn Affan preceded him. He only became caliph in 656.

Ali’s was forced to deal with a rebellion led by Aisha in the first year of his reign. Aisha, Muhammad’s third wife had bitterly opposed Ali’s claim of succession. In late 656, the rebellion was finally suppressed but disputes over Ali’s right to the caliphate lingered. Muawiyah I, rejected to recognize Ali as the caliph and instead he claimed the caliphate for himself. This row persisted until 661, when a member of the Kharijite sect assassinated Ali at Al Kūfah. As a result, Muawiyah I was became the acknowledged caliph.

Those loyal to Ali’s and his opponents continued to stir the Muslim world. The dissension between the Ali’s supporters and his critics led to the split in Islam. The two major opposing groups in Islam are the Shias, who were the adherents of Ali and the Sunnis who are orthodox Muslims.

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the anniversary of Imam Ali’s martyrdom, Ayatollah Khamenei of the Islamic Revolution leads the Friday prayers in Tehran.

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Israel observes Simchat Torah

Noel — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:04:01 +0000

Israel Simchat Torah: September 30-31

Israel celebrates Simchat Torah as a two day holiday.

On the Hebrew calendar, the autumnal holiday of Sukkot is immediately followed by the Shemini Atzeret. Shemini Atzeret is a two-day holiday and the festivities for the Simchat Torah are observed on the second day. The first day of the two day holiday is called “Shemini Atzeret” and the second day is called “Simchat Torah”. According to Halaka, both days are officially Shemini Atzeret, and the liturgy reflects this.

Israel Simchat Torah History

European Jewish communities during the 9th century designated a special reading from the Prophets to be read on this day. Some time in the 14th century, upon the completion of Deuteronomy, the reading of Genesis was added immediately. The removal of all the Torah scrolls from the ark, and the singing of a separate hymn for each scroll became a general practice in the southern European communities. The wealthier members of the northern European communities would give a dinner for friends and acquaintances after the reading of the Deuteronomy. It became a common practice by the end of the 15 century for the children to tear down and burn the sukkahs during Simchat Torah. Rabbis later permitted dancing in the synagogue on this festival.

The practice of taking out the scrolls and filing fervently around the bimah on the night of the 23nd of Tishri became customary in the 16th century. After the procession on the same night, a number of passages from the Torah were read. The male members of a congregation read the passage from Deut. 33:1-29 as many times as they deemed necessary. This practice is still followed today in Orthodox synagogues.

Israel Simchat Torah Traditions, Customs and Activities

It is during the evening and morning services that the main celebration of Simchat Torah takes place. This is the only time of the year for many Orthodox and Conservative congregations in which the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and read during the night. The final parashah of Deuteronomy and the first parashah of Genesis are read in the synagogue in the morning. When the ark is opened, the worshippers stand-up to dance and sing with all the Torah scrolls in a merry celebration. This act often lasts for several hours.

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Israel celebrates Yom Kippur

Noel — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:47:53 +0000

Yom Kippur Date: October 7

Yom Kippur is a public holiday in Israel.

The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement” and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year. This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends. Yom Kippur is the most important, the most sacred of any day in the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. In Israel, it is a day when the world stands still. Cars are not allowed on the road. Only the sound of children laughing as they ride their bicycles, the voices of prayer coming from the Beit Knesset. For 24 hours all places of entertainment, all local cable TV does not exist. One day totally free of car horns, telephone calls, email and polluted air.

Israel Yom Kippur History

The Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War, also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, was fought from October 6 to October 26, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states backing Egypt and Syria. The war began with a joint surprise attack against Israel by Egypt and Syria on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. Egypt and Syria respectively crossed the cease-fire lines in the Sinai and the Golan Heights, which had been captured and occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War. The war had far-reaching implications for many nations.

The Arab World, which had been humiliated by the lopsided defeat of the Egyptian-Syrian-Jordanian alliance during the Six-Day War, felt psychologically vindicated by its achievements during the initial phases of the conflict. This vindication paved the way for the peace process that followed, as well as liberalizations such as Egypt’s infitah policy. The Camp David Accords, which came soon after, led to normalized relations between Egypt and Israel—the first time any Arab country had recognized the Israeli state. Egypt, which had already been drifting away from the Soviet Union, then left the Soviet sphere of influence entirely.

Israel Yom Kippur Customs and Activities

It is a time to enumerate one’s misdeeds and contemplate one’s faults. The Jew is expected, on this day, to pray for forgiveness for sins between man and God and correct his wrongful actions against his fellow man. The major precepts of Yom Kippur – lengthy devotional services and a 25-hour fast – are observed even by much of the otherwise secular population. The level of public solemnity on Yom Kippur surpasses that of any other festival, including Rosh Hashanah. The country comes to a complete halt for 25 hours on this day; places of entertainment are closed, there is no television and radio broadcasts (not even the news), public transport is suspended, and even the roads are completely closed. Yom Kippur in Israel has special meaning due to memories of the 1973 war, a surprise attack launched by Egypt and Syria against Israel on that very day.

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