Hundreds of Siwan people form a circle (zikr) of peace and forgiveness, marking the annual "Siyaha" Peace Festival of Siwa Oasis.

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For three days around October's full moon, Mount Dakrur is the scene of the Siyaha festival which is called Asihaite in the local Berber language. Thousands of Siwans gather to celebrate the date harvest, renewing friendships and settling any quarrels that broke out over the previous year. During the festival all Siwans, no matter what their financial or social standing, eat together at a huge feast after the noon prayer each day. The festival is intertwined with Sufism, and each evening, hundreds of men join together in a circle (zikr) of peace and forgiveness.

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Size: 6000px × 4000px
Location: Siwa Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt
Photo credit: © Dimitris Aspiotis / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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