Place Aissawa

Place Aissawa

Situated in the heart of Tangier's Medina, Place Aissawa is a vibrant square that serves as a cultural and spiritual hub for the city. This area is renowned for its association with the Aissawa brotherhood, a prominent Sufi order in Morocco. The brotherhood is celebrated for its unique musical rituals, which are believed to bring blessings and healing to participants.

The Aissawa's ceremonies, known as "lila," are typically organized at the request of women and are held in private homes. These rituals involve mystical recitations of Sufi litanies, the singing of spiritual poems, exorcisms, and collective dances. Participants often experience ecstatic emotional demonstrations, including crying and tears, as they seek to make contact with the divine through these practices. (wiki-gateway.eudic.net)

In the early 1990s, the Aissawa brotherhood underwent a process of professionalization, which affected both the musicians and their market. This change was facilitated by favorable attitudes toward moonlighting and the underground economy. As a result, Aissawa orchestras began to perform at various public events, including weddings, festivals, and commercial recordings. This commercialization led to the diffusion of Sufi music and songs, contributing to social integration. However, it also resulted in the loss of original Sufi doctrines due to severe competition between musicians, which in turn degraded the social link between disciples. (en.wikipedia.org)

The Aissawa brotherhood's influence extends beyond Morocco, with members establishing social integration through the commercial diffusion of Sufi music, songs, psalms, and related trades. This phenomenon has led to the appearance of new aesthetic standards through more commercial adaptations of mystical psalms, but it has also caused the loss of original Sufi doctrines due to severe competition between musicians, which in turn degrades the social link between disciples. (en.wikipedia.org)

Today, Place Aissawa remains a focal point for the Aissawa brotherhood's activities, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of Morocco. The square is often bustling with locals and tourists alike, drawn by the area's historical significance and the opportunity to experience the unique musical rituals that have been a part of Tangier's heritage for centuries.