#discogs app

In 2008, I was hired to facilitate the exploration, assessment and documentation of Jewish sites in Syria and was granted access to the ancient synagogues and Jewish properties of Aleppo.

I returned to Aleppo in 2010 to finish the first phase of the long-term preservation project. Unfortunately, to my surprise, nothing was prepared for my visit and Syrian security was not notified of my trip. I no longer had access to the Jewish sites, and people I had worked with for years were reluctant to help me, whispering concerns for my safety. Security officials frequently came to my hotel for impromptu meetings and to reiterate that I was free to go anywhere and do anything in Syria except enter the areas I was sent to document.

Because my access to Jewish sites was revoked, I decided to record as much religious music as I could find and connect with the Islamic community. I went to mosques, photographed prayer rituals and spoke with Imams. The beauty of Muslim prayer inspired me to find and record the lesser-known Sufi practices.

Sufism is commonly thought of as the mystical side of Islam. To the less familiar, the most recognizable practitioners include the whirling Dervishes of Turkey and the thirteenth century poet Rumi. As it turned out, my friend Bassel's great-grandfather used to be the leader, or Sheikh, of the famed Zawiyah Hilaliyah Sufi lodge in Aleppo. Bassel knew a recently formed group of men working to preserve Aleppo's old musical traditions. He got permission for me to attend one of their sessions. A few days later, I found myself inside the courtyard of a 500-year-old house recording music that has been passed down for twice that long.

Recording this album was a moving experience. I returned home with a new perspective on Islam and a deeper connection to Syria. I spent many sleepless nights rocking my then four-month-old daughter to sleep listening and chanting along with Fassei Al Jalal.

Nawa performed in public a handful of times before Syria erupted into civil war. The group's displaced members are now scattered throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Jason Hamacher, Lost Origin Productions

Title: Ancient Sufi Invocations & Forgotten Songs From Aleppo Artist: Nawa

Tracklist:

Fasel Al Jalal 

Mowashah Dhabya Wadi Al Naqah

Fasel Al Sawi

Fasel Kesmet Al Sawi

Mowashah Al Refku Be Maftoon

Mowshah Habbatha Al Dugah

Credits:

Artwork – Khaled Akil

Artwork [Map] – Ryan Frederiksen

Edited By [Copy] – Jess Kamen

Layout, Design – Ryan Frederiksen

Lead Vocals – Mouhammed Muslimani

Leader [Founder], Vocals, Daf – Ibrahim Muslimani

Liner Notes – Jason Hamacher

Mastered By – Josh Bonati

Mixed By – J. Robbins

Oud, Vocals – Tarek Al Sayed Yehya

Recorded By – Jason Hamacher

Translated By – Bana Jadouh, Khaled Akil

Vocals – Bashar Al Sayed, Ibrahim Jaber, Khaled Al Hafez, Mouhammed Amino, Mouhammed Hloubi

Vocals, Bass Guitar – Fawaz Baker