By Ruba al-Hayek
Al-Nawfara Cafe in Damascus is more than just a spot to enjoy food and drinks while visiting the old city, it is a cultural landmark, a heritage site and a tourist destination near the Umayyad Mosque. The cafe’s name, Nawfara, comes from the Arabic word for fountain, as a fountain once stood near the establishment. Over time, Al-Nawfara became a cherished destination for history lovers and curious visitors eager to experience the city’s past.
Today, Al-Nawfara is the oldest cafe in Damascus and the only one that still preserves the profession of the storyteller known as the Hakawati. In the past, the Hakawati was a source of both entertainment and knowledge, drawing people together in a unique social gathering. Al-Nawfara commits to reserving this tradition, ensuring that the art of storytelling remains an integral part of Syrian culture and heritage.
Al-Nawfara is famous for its historic architecture, its black stone paved courtyard, and its location near the Umayyad Mosque. Cafe owner Mohammad told +963 that the establishment still maintains its general structure, warm hospitality, as well as its straw chairs and small circular wooden tables. Despite the hardships the country has endured, visitors have continued to gather at Al-Nawfara, finding solace within its walls and immersing themselves in its timeless stories.
Al-Nawfara’s Story
Mohammad al-Rbat shared that his family has owned the Cafe for 150 years, though its history extends much further. He continued that as owners, they have worked tirelessly to preserve its architecture and heritage through the decades.
He emphasized that has been a gathering for people from walks of life, which made the place an important landmark in Damascus, especially with their keenness to maintain the profession of Hakawati as a communal statue cherished by the people. The success of the Hakawati’s storytelling, he explained, depends not only on the tales themselves but also on the Hakawati’s style and creativity to captivate the audience, turning each performance into an interactive and immersive experience.
The Hakawati
Ahmad al-Laham, the current Hakwati at Al-Nawfara, has been deeply passionate about his job since his youth. He was a frequent visitor to the cafe and he first embraced storytelling as a hobby before before turning it into a profession. Ahmad has since excelled in his profession and is known for his rhetoric and captivating narration talent. He essentially presents two epic tales that each last for months, and they’re “Antara” and “al Malek al-Zaher”.
Ramadan Rituals
When it comes to Ramadan, the cafe’s tradition, remains unchanged. According to Mohammad, visitors continue to arrive after the Iftar, around 8:30 p.m. where the Hakawati continues to tell his stories all week long, except for Friday. During this month, the visitors get to enjoy the story of Antara which lasts from six to eight months. Mohammad al-Rbat emphasized that the cafe’s unique charm, rituals, and atmosphere remain consistent throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience this cherished Damascene tradition in its most authentic form, a legacy that endures every season.
