Are Ramadan's endless queues for desserts and sweets finally over? Not quite. Eid Al-Fitr or the 'small feast' as Egyptians refer to it, starts a few days before its official date. Streets are transformed into a hunting ground for new clothes, at least one big plate of cookies for every coffee table, and the terrible noise of firecrackers in the background.
Eid cookies were more of a Fatimid tradition, according to Ahmed Mahfouz's book Khabaya Al-Qahera (Secrets of Cairo/Dar El-Shorouk 2008). First published in 1958, the book portrays the social history of Cairo, explaining that Eid cookies had a government body dedicated to baking them and distributing them among the public.
Eid Al-Fitr 1955
Dar El-Fetra, where 100 bakers were working hard. On the first day of Eid, people would march in celebration until they reached Bab El-Nasr. Then following Eid morning prayers, the state would distribute the cookies. Little has changed since then, well only the hands that bake.
Eid Al-Fitr 1963
Over the centuries, many private bakeries opened their doors to hand-made cookies set neatly in black metal trays, balanced on top of women's heads, waiting for their turn to be baked. However, making and shaping the cookies is a celebration in itself. Women mix flour with water, butter, and the famous Kahk extract (cookie scent), among funny stories and giggles as they work in the family kitchen.
Eid Al-Fitr 1943
Eid Al-Fitr 1944
Maybe the baking time is no longer in fashion, as many people buy ready-made cookies; but the fact remains: Nothing beats the joy and warmth that fresh cookies bring on Eid morning.
Eid Al-Fitr 1941
Happy Eid people!
Photos Courtesy of Ahram Digital Archive
*This story was first published in Ahram Online on 4 July 2016.
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