Iberian pilgrim routes from Santiago de Compostela to Mecca

In Christianity and Islam, pilgrimage is of essential importance. Travelling on a pilgrimage is one of the oldest spiritual practices of humankind. On the way to foreign lands, to a shrine or to other places of special power, the pilgrim seeks new experiences of faith, often connected with promises of salvation, with the expectation of miracles or even healing – both of very concrete physical ailments, but also in a mental, spiritual sense.

The Spanish word "camino" means "the way". In Spain, "el Camino" refers to the most important and best-known pilgrimage route not only of the Iberian Peninsula but of the Christian West in general: the so-called "Way of St. James" to Santiago di Compostela. This place is located in Galicia, and many pilgrimage routes throughout Europe have led and continue to lead there to this day, to the alleged tomb of the Apostle James.

Mecca - the most important city for Muslims, birthplace of the Prophet - is located in Saudi Arabia on Mount Hira. According to tradition, this is where Mohammed received the Koran. That is why Muslims all over the world direct their prayers towards Mecca. The birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed is the holiest city and the most important place of pilgrimage in Islam. Every year, 2.5 million believers make the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca to visit the Kaaba, a sanctuary which, according to Islamic tradition, was built in God's honour by Adam, the first human being. Every free, adult, and healthy Muslim, man or woman, who can afford it, is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime.

The Moroccan singer Samira Kadiri has specialised in these Iberian-Muslim pilgrimage songs of the Sufi tradition. The texts are by great Andalusian-Muslim masters such as Ibn Arabi (Turjman al Achwak), Sheikh Al Harrak, Sheikh Afif Tlemsani, Mohammed Rabadan, Poy Monzon and others.

Caminos is a mystical journey that invites musicians and audiences alike to experience the depth and grandeur of both Muslim Sufi chants and the mystical songs of Christian tradition.