Nour al-Ahmad
Raqqa – Years of displacement did not strip a family from Raqqa of their roots, nor did distance diminish their deep connection to the Euphrates and its culture. From carefully preserved artifacts to stones gathered from the riverbanks, they recreated a living model of Arab civilization—one at risk of fading from the present.
Tradition meets modernity
The guesthouse of Umm-Muhannad’s family was built with their own hands, inspired by ancient Arab architecture. Designed in a circular shape topped with a dome, it was constructed from handpicked stones from the Euphrates, their natural hues forming a striking mosaic effect. Inside, the walls, windows, and entrance are paneled with wood, while carpets and modern seating furnish the floor—striking a balance between authenticity and contemporary style.
The interior is adorned with cultural heirlooms that capture Raqqa’s deep-rooted heritage: swords, daggers, lanterns, water flasks, and a collection of ornate coffee pots and cups. Such items, long associated with Arab guesthouses and the homes of tribal leaders, preserve collective memory while linking past traditions to future generations.
Reconciliation space
Beyond their cultural role, guesthouses have historically served as centers of reconciliation. Tribal elders and community leaders bring disputing parties together under one roof, working to negotiate peace and reach fair, collective solutions. Participants traditionally wear Arab attire, a mark of respect for the occasion and its customs.
The process follows symbolic rituals, the most notable being the serving of bitter coffee—sipped only after a dispute is resolved, signifying closure and the turning of a new page. The party found at fault must then host a communal dinner, inviting not only attendees but also members of neighboring tribes. Another enduring tradition is the slaughter of a sheep outside the guesthouse, symbolizing the end of bloodshed and the restoration of peace.