The Zouhriyin Figure between Myth and Superstition: An Anthropological Study of Cultural Heritage and Popular Beliefs in the Tarhuna Region

Abstract

This study explores the symbolic and ritual roles of the "Zuhari" figure in popular practices in Tarhuna, focusing on deconstructing associated myths and narratives and linking them to broader socio-cultural transformations. The Zuhari is perceived not as a biological individual, but as a ritual symbol mediating between the visible and invisible realms. Oral accounts reveal a recurring narrative pattern involving bodily signs, ritual acts, and mystical revelations, with societal views ranging from reverence to exploitation. The methodology employed in the study was  qualitative and anthropological which included participant observation with symbolic structural analysis to uncover dualities such as sacred/profane and child/sacrifice. The data was collected through interviews with elderly people, analysis of oral and digital content, and rare audiovisual documentation. The study’ findings revealed that the Zuhari possess a symbolic aura despite its transition into digital media, where it is reimagined through memes and videos. The findings also indicate that even though the physical rituals may be declining, symbolic and narrative rituals remain vibrant. Moreover, the Zuhari figure continues to be embedded within networks of spiritual and cultural context—as a mediator, a ritual object, or a perceived threat—reflecting the community’s enduring need to navigate uncertainty through symbolic figures.