Traditionally, the zar ritual -- found in variations across parts of North Africa and the Middle East -- would last several days and include animal sacrifices — Khaled DESOUKI A stage, lights, a ...

There are many accounts of the traditional Egyptian Zar, or exorcism ritual, with its frenzied movements and captivating music. Yet, it still remains an intriguing subject for foreigners and Egyptians ...

It looks like a concert of Egyptian folk music — a stage, lights and a mesmerized audience — but Umm Sameh is singing to heal the sick by driving out the demons that possess them. The music and dance ...

Why is Christian Science in our name? Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that. The Church publishes the Monitor ...

Cairo (AFP) – A stage, lights, a mesmerised audience: it looks like an Egyptian folkloric concert but Umm Sameh is singing to heal the sick by driving out the demons that possess them. The music and ...

CAIRO - A stage, lights, a mesmerised audience: it looks like an Egyptian folkloric concert but Umm Sameh is singing to heal the sick by driving out the demons that possess them. The music and dance ...

'Zar' has historically been derided by devout Muslims as a pagan practice A stage, lights, a mesmerised audience: it looks like an Egyptian folkloric concert but Umm Sameh is singing to heal the sick ...

"If someone feels sick and the doctors can't find a treatment, we can hold a ceremony," she told AFP. "But here, we're performing a light piece of folklore, so people can discover it, understand it ...