By Mehdi Al-Nimir, KUNA,
Rome : Television screens have become the portal through which people in one place can keep up with what is happening elsewhere in the world, and the situation is no different for Muslim immigrants here who look at their screens in an attempt to capture the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.
Satellite technician Emad Hassan Ali told KUNA that many Arabs and Muslims living in Rome and Ostia viewed television as the primary source of entertainment, and looked forward to watching programs broadcast from back home at the end of a long working day.
He added that during the month of Ramadan, television becomes the object around which everyone at home gathered, many choosing to indulge their spiritual senses by watching religious programs.
Also, he noted that watching television drama and comedy series helped the 1.2 million Muslims in Italy stay in touch with their traditions and customs, and feel closer to home.
An increasing number of television series are played in the many Arabic channels during Ramadan.
The technician also told KUNA that his job allowed him to get better acquainted with Muslims and Arabs living here, and that he became accustomed to their likes and dislikes when it came to television programs.
All year round, men prefer to watch the news and political debate shows, and this features in their conversations, he explained, while women watch drama and entertainment shows. Music channels are popular among the younger generation.
Meanwhile, Rabab Al-Sayed, a housewife, told KUNA that the television has become the companion for many women who stayed at home all day waiting for their children to come home from school.
She said that cooking and interior design programs were interesting, adding that there were many programs that were enlightening and spread awareness on women and family issues of importance.