The dawn of Ramadan in Qatar always brings with it traditional practices and cultural elements. One of the many commemorative customs is the cannon shooting also known as Midfaa Iftar. It was traditionally used to announce the commencement of Ramadan with two cannon shots. This is followed by a daily single boom to announce the closure of the fast for the day for the rest of the month. This was deemed as the best-suited way to declare the end of a fast in a pre-loudspeaker era.
🌙 Catch the traditional Ramadan cannon across iconic spots in Qatar!
— ILoveQatar - Live (@ILQLive) March 11, 2024
📍Souq Waqif - Eastern Square (in front of Fanar)
📍Lusail Boulevard
📍Old Doha Port
📍Katara Cultural Village
📍Souq Wakrah - Western Square
💭 Did you know before loudspeakers & digital devices came into… pic.twitter.com/X25j8wPWvW
If you’ve been wondering where you can spot and experience the cannon shooting; the ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is here to tell you where to go.
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Souq Waqif is known for being the culture hub; the one-stop shop that spells out all things Qatar. Adding to their crown of traditional elements is the strategic placement of the cannon shooting at Souq Waqif.
It is an experience of its own, as you get to witness the flare against the backdrop of the distinct Fanar Mosque minaret amongst a flock of pigeons that flutter away at the sound of it. While you can live the moment and engulf the call to prayer along with this aesthetic visual, you would want to keep your camera on standby too if you would like to capture some of the best glimpses of this golden hour moment.
Location: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif
Old Doha Port is one of the spots where you can experience the Ramadan cannon. Experience the tradition of marking the breaking of the fast while overlooking Doha's spectacular skyline.
Location: Parking area infront of the Arabic Dhow Cruise, Old Doha Port
Katara gives life to the vision of modern-day Qatar and its dedication to art and culture yet traces back to traditional roots. Being a family-favourite spot, you could experience the Midfaa Iftar here opposite the sea. You can get the little ones excited with the goodie boxes handed out by Katara.
Location: Katara's Southern Area parking space that is opposite the beach
Lusail Boulevard has made its mark in Doha as one of the most ideal destinations for celebrations and festivities. The spot will be hosting its first Ramadan celebrations, out of which the Iftar cannon is one of the most anticipated.
Head over to this ultramodern space to experience the age-old practice.
Location: Lusail Boulevard
The newest spot to experience the cannon firing is at Msheireb Downtown Doha. As per Msheireb Properties, the traditional Ramadan cannon will be fired at the Eid Prayer Ground every day of Ramadan before the Maghrib call to prayer.
Location: Eid Prayer Ground, Msheireb Downtown Doha
Paying tribute to the good old times, Souq Wakrah is another gathering spot to experience the Midfaa Iftar. A sound that echoes to neighbouring households encouraging the cherishing of tradition.
Would be ideal to pack a beachside Iftar picnic to break your fast or just snack on post the call to prayer.
Location: Western Square, Al Wakrah Souq
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Written by Fareeha Imtiaz, updated by Binu Cherian
Have you visited any of these spots to witness Ramadan Cannon? Which of these locations would you like to go to first? Let us know in the comments section. And don't forget to like and share this article- it keeps us going!
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