Zar musicians and healers perform ritual in Cairo - in pictures

The Zar trans religious ceremony, which uses drumming and dancing to cure an illness thought to be caused by demons, is most prominent in southern Egypt

Zar musicians and healers perform their ritual in Cairo. All photos by AFP

The Zar trans religious ceremony uses drumming and dancing to cure an illness thought to be caused by a demon.

Zar musicians and healers perform their ritual in Cairo late on April 27, 2022. - The Zar trans religious ceremony, which uses drumming and dancing to cure an illness thought to be caused by a demon, is most prominent in southern Egypt and is practiced further south into the Sudan, though in fact it may be performed anywhere in Egypt. Islam as a pagan practice prohibits the ritual, a type of a healing cult, but it continues to be part of Egypt's popular culture. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)

Islam prohibits the ritual, but it continues to be part of Egypt's popular culture.

Zar musicians and healers in Cairo.

People watch the performance.

People watch the performance.

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