Resources To Understand What’s Happening in Lebanon Right Now
The violence and atrocities that the Israeli occupation’s army is inflicting on Lebanon are not new. Today’s events sit within a long and bloody history that traces its roots far beyond October 7. Western media selectively forgets and deliberately omits the key historical context that situates today’s violence within the broader Zionist agenda. In the face of what we’re enduring in Lebanon, we have been seeking out resources — fiction and non-fiction — that help us trace this long history and contextualize today’s violence. We reached out to our community to find the best books and films out there and have added some of our own. This is intended as a growing list, so please share your suggestions with us too.
Daftar Digest
We select the best from the Arab world each month, and put it in your inbox.
Browse Daftar Digest Archive →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.
Staff Pick: Podcast Episode
We did a deep dive into this upcoming episode of our This Is Not a Watermelon podcast with the author of "An Impossible Friendship: Group Portrait, Jerusalem Before and After 1948," professor Sonja Mejcher-Atassi.
From Daftar Journal:
Tsawwar
Tsawwar is a visual series enclosed monthly in our Daftar Digest and explores the stories behind a photograph taken in the region or by an Arab photographer.
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.
Memories for Khaleeji Music
This mixtape is a collaboration with music creator and producer DJ Bonita (Farah A Bishara) who writes: "The short timespan between 2005 and 2008 holds tons of memories for Khaleeji music…”
Lesson Plans for Teachers
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