First Impressions: Fairuz on the Radio
Fairuz not only lived and thrived through radio, but she also grew out of it. Her career in the 50’s can tell us a bit about why radio stations are not as relevant as they once were.
Daftar Digest
We select the best from the Arab world each month, and put it in your inbox.
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Curated Recommendations
Every time a guest joins us on one of our podcast series, they leave us with breadcrumbs to further explore some of the topics that they covered in the episode. Browse through some of the best recommendations for films, books, and music from the Arab world.
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Staff Pick: Podcast Episode
We did a deep dive into this afikra podcast episode with the co-author of Modern Architecture Kuwait 1949-1989
Daftar Journal
Kuwait’s 31 Iconic Water Towers
Kuwait's Architecture
El-Funoun Palestinian Popular Dance Troupe
El-Funoun Popular Dance Troupe gave new life to Palestine’s traditional musical and dance heritage, introducing some contemporary interpretations. The troupe is also responsible for creating the Palestine Folklore Day – an annual celebration that launched in 1986 - and for establishing the Popular Art Centre in 1987. Image via the Palestinian Museum Digital Archive.
Arabic Pop: Hamid El Shaeri
Hamid El Shaeri is an Egyptian-Libyan singer, songwriter and producer who’s considered to be one of the leading figures in Arabic pop – and the “al Jeel” genre. Image via Band Camp Daily.
Founder of Modern Iraqi Art: Jewad Selim
A look at the life and art of Jewad Selim — an Iraqi painter and sculptor who was considered one of the founders of modern art in Iraq. Image via The National News.
Chinguetti, Mauritania: A Sand Covered Holy City
Northern Mauritania’s Chinguetti is said to be the seventh holiest city in Islam, home to some of the world’s most important medieval Quranic texts. Image via Reddit.
Ibrahim Abu-Lughod: "Palestine's Foremost Academic and Intellectual"
Ibrahim Abu-Lughod pioneered the understandings and portrayals of the Middle East in political science and more broadly in America. Close friend Edward Said described him as “Palestine’s foremost academic and intellectual.”
El-Massrieen: Egypt's First Pop Band
A Quick Look at Al-Massrieen, the first Egyptian pop band. Founded by Hany Shenouda in 1977, the group brought new harmonies, electronic sounds and instruments to Egypt’s music scene. Image via Habibi Funk & Egyptian Streets.
Pioneers of Palestine’s Modern Sound: Sabreen Band
Sabreen’s music “reflects the humanitarian and cultural reality of Palestine while highlighti
The Historic Town of Ushaiqer أُشيقر
The historic town of Ushaiqer was a significant stopping place for pilgrims who travelled to modern-day Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj or Umrah. Today, though no longer a stopover, it’s a well-preserved example of Najdi architecture.
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Arab Jazz: What To Listen To
We put together an Arab Jazz mixtape that we hope is more accurate than what’s out there already. Here’s a little introduction to the big names you should know in Arab Jazz.
Lesson Plans for Teachers
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