In Baghdad’s new Ramadan rhythm, calls to pray and keep COVID-19 away

Baghdad, a city of nearly ten million residents, is running on an unusual rhythm this Ramadan since Iraq imposed an overnight curfew to curb the spreading coronavirus. A few hours before dawn, the wailing voice of Sayyed Mozahem rings out across a small neighbourhood in old Baghdad, amplified by his portable microphone. Mozahem is the neighbourhood “musaharati”, responsible during Ramadan for reminding Muslims to have their final meal before a…