What is bab al?

Bab al, also known as Bab Al-Hara, is a popular Syrian television series that premiered in 2006. The series was created by Marwan Ghazawi and is set during the 1920s in Damascus, Syria. The show revolves around the lives of a group of individuals living in a neighborhood called Bab Al-Hara. The title of the show translates to "The Neighborhood's Gate" in English.

Bab Al-Hara is known for its depiction of Syrian culture and history during the French Mandate period. The show features traditional Syrian costumes, dialogue, and customs that have garnered a large following in the Middle East and around the world.

The show ran for ten seasons, with the first seven seasons taking place during the French Mandate period and the last three taking place during World War II. Bab Al-Hara has been credited with reviving the popularity of Syrian television series and has been compared to other popular Middle Eastern television series such as El-Harib Al-Aswad and Al-Shafqah.

Some of the notable actors of the series include Abbas al-Noury, Samer al-Masri, and Sabah al-Jazairi. The show's soundtrack, composed by Issam Rajji, has also become a popular aspect of the show.

In recent years, Bab Al-Hara has faced criticism for its portrayal of women and for glorifying patriarchal values. Nonetheless, the show remains a cultural phenomenon in the Middle East and has inspired numerous spinoffs and adaptations.