Hakawati

Hakawati, from the Arabic word *hakā*, meaning “to tell,” refers to a traditional storyteller who narrates tales, legends, folklore, and personal anecdotes in a performative style. The role is particularly prominent among Arabic, Mediterranean, and some African cultures, where the storyteller serves as a living repository of communal memory and moral instruction.

The art of hakawati likely emerged from ancient oral traditions, where storytellers traveled between villages, sharing heroic epics, cautionary tales, and humorous anecdotes. Over time, the hakawati developed signature techniques: rhythmic phrasing, rhetorical flourishes, and interactive engagement with listeners, often employing repetition and call‑and‑response patterns. These methods reinforce narrative cohesion and keep audiences involved.

Historically, hakawati narrated both literary works—such as the stories of *Arabian Nights* or *One Thousand and One Nights*—and oral histories, preserving genealogies, tribal lore, and civic values. In the Ottoman Empire, hakawatis hosted gatherings in coffeehouses, where they employed humor and satire to comment on politics and social issues. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, some hakawatis became renowned figures, celebrated in newspapers and touring across the Middle East and North Africa.

Modern continuations of hakawati play a significant role in contemporary cultural festivals, educational programs, and media. Many artists use the storytelling format to reinforce community identity, address contemporary social topics, or teach language and cultural heritage. Digital platforms have enabled hakawatis to broadcast performances online, expanding reach beyond traditional audiences. Likewise, the storytelling form inspired components of modern narrative cinema and television in the region, particularly in the portrayal of epic quests and moral dilemmas.

In short, hakawati is an enduring oral tradition that bridges past and present, blending entertainment with cultural transmission. The storyteller’s craft preserves collective narratives while adapting them to evolving social contexts, ensuring that the telling remains a vibrant and dynamic element of cultural life.