This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
As the 12th day of the third month of the Islamic calendar approaches, Sunni Muslims worldwide prepare to celebrate the Prophet Mohammed's birthday. This year, the occasion falls on Saturday, November 9.
According to tradition, the Al Mawlid Al Nabawi celebrations originated in Egypt during the Fatimid dynasty, which ruled the country over 1,000 years ago.
On the streets of Islamic Cairo, a historic district filled with mosques, tombs, and caravanserais, vendors are busy preparing traditional sweets. Decorated sugar dolls, horse-shaped candies, and nut-filled treats are on display, drawing the attention of playful children.
"We love to share this happy mood," said a stall-holder, adorned with glitter and colored paper, as she worked on a candy doll.
For 56-year-old Abdou, a carpenter by profession, decorating candies has become an annual tradition. He has been coming to the celebrations for the past 35 years.
"These sweets are available for the poor and the rich alike," Abdou said, highlighting the inclusivity of the festivities.
As the faithful look forward to the celebrations, Cairo's dessert makers are preparing a variety of mouthwatering sweets made from peanuts, sesame seeds, coconuts, and pistachios.
"I have been coming here annually for the past 35 years because I love decorating the candies," Abdou said.
"I have been working at this shop since I was 12 years old," said 25-year-old Sayed, who was stirring a boiling sugary mix with a large wooden spatula.
"We go back to making chocolates and regular candies after the festivities," Sayed added, highlighting the shop's year-round offerings.
