Najran Traditions
Najran Tradition
Folk Arts
Folk arts reflect the tastes, customs, and traditions of communities. These arts vary and their performance and names differ in Najran. Some of these arts rely solely on melody, while others depend on both melody and rhythm. They are performed on many occasions, including weddings, circumcisions, holidays, and more. The most prominent include:
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Al-Zamel (الزامل): One of the folk arts performed on all occasions, not limited to celebrations, but also including events like mediating conflicts between tribes or individuals. This type is performed without rhythms, where a group of people, upon arriving at the event, recites two lines of poetry that explain the reason for their visit through a certain melody. The arriving group is then received by another group, which responds with two lines of poetry using the same melody. The verses usually express welcome or readiness to fulfill the request of the visiting group if the occasion involves resolving a conflict. Sometimes, a simple welcome without poetic response is sufficient. The importance of this art lies in being the starting point of any occasion, regardless of its type.
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Al-Razfa (الرزفة): This style is also performed without rhythms by a group of people divided into two rows, taking turns to recite lines of poetry. Each row moves in a dancing motion toward the other row at times, and backward at other times, with two individuals occasionally performing dances in the center.
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Al-Marafe’ or Drum Game (المرافع أو لعبة الطبول): This is one of the most popular styles in the region, combining melody and rhythm. It is performed by a group dancing in the same manner as the Razfa, reciting poetic lines in different melodies, accompanied by various dance rhythms using drum beats.
Traditional Foods
The people of Najran have traditional foods, some similar to other regions and some unique to the area. Najran families still adhere to their authentic customs and traditions. Visitors to the region can experience these heritage dishes, which have distinct flavors known only to those who taste them. Some of these foods include:
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Al-Wafed (الوفد): Made from barley (or wheat), some bread is placed in a pot and pressed by hand until it forms a ball. It is then placed in a basket called Matrah and served with a pot of broth. This dish is widely served on many occasions and is referred to collectively as “Wafed with broth.”
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Bar and Ghee (البر والسمن): Prepared like Al-Wafed, then placed in a pot with a hole in the center filled with ghee. Sometimes honey or date syrup (Rubb) is added. It is served as a breakfast meal.
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Al-Raqsh (الرقش): Made from barley bread placed in a pot, over which broth is poured. It remains a popular dish to this day.
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Al-Hamisa (الحميسة): Meat is cut into small pieces and cooked, then left to dry. Salt is added, and it is stored to be used as needed. Nowadays, it is commonly used during Eid al-Adha.
Other traditional Najran dishes that still adorn local tables include Al-Fid, Al-Lakiya, Al-Rabeeka, and Al-Rubb.