How Orshina is Trying to Preserve Aleppo’s Culture
The past few years have seen a steady resurgence of cultural events in Aleppo. Despite the radical changes the city has undergone and the setbacks they presented, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to preserve its history. Co-founders Aram Habeshian and Yaman Najeh established Orshina to highlight Aleppo’s vibrant culture, and from Orshina came Project 1500-KILOWATT —a unique event that emphasizes the importance of localization and preservation. Zila Demirijian spoke to Habeshian and Najeh about their project and what it means for the city.
Daftar Digest
We select the best from the Arab world each month, and put it in your inbox.
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
Sonja Mejcher-Atassi
We did a deep dive into this 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.
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.
The Baron: Syria's First Hotel After the War
A vibrant personal essay and travelogue that transports us to Aleppo’s iconic Baron Hotel, weaving together its history with its present.
Quartertones Mixtape: December '23
To round off what has been a difficult end to 2023, December’s mixtape is dedicated to Palestinian sounds, old and new.
Comics and the Arab World: George Khoury
Inspired by our conversation with Georges Khoury, a brief dive into the history of iconic Arab comics such as Samir and Sindbad. Cover image via Ebay.
What You Need to Read & Watch to Understand What’s Happening in Sudan Today
After our conversation with Aida Abbashar, we wanted to continue educating ourselves about the current situation in Sudan. We hope this watch and read list acts as a good starting point for getting to grips with what’s happening in Sudan.
Gaza’s Cinemas & Theatres
A brief look at Gaza’s vibrant theatre and cinema scene in the 20th Century with wonderful images, stories and facts we’ve come across.
Quartertones Mixtape: November '23
November’s mixtape is dedicated to Palestinian sounds, old and new.
Inside the Arab Classroom: Education in the Arab World
In case you missed it — an introduction to “Inside the Arab Classroom” an NYU Global TIES for Children podcast all about education in the Arab world.
A Few Books That'll Help You Get Informed About What's Happening In Palestine
A reading list intended as a resource for learning about what’s happening in Palestine right now.
The Egyptian Women’s Rights Movement
An introduction to the Egyptian Women’s Movement and its pioneers. With a link to our lesson plan that delves into this topic for high-schoolers.
Quartertones Mixtape: October '23
A selection of music from across Libya and Morocco, with tunes from all kinds of genres.
A Few Words From Our Global Chapter Ambassadors To Wrap Up This Incredible Year
To mark afikra’s 9th birthday, we asked a few of our global ambassadors to reflect the journeys they’ve had so far, how they set up their chapters, and what they’re excited about for the coming year.
The Travels of Ibn Battuta
A look at the life and travels of legendary wanderer Ibn Batutta. With an introduction to our afikra lesson plans!
House of Wisdom: Inventions in the Islamic Golden Age
Highlighting some of the scholars and their inventions from the House of Wisdom in Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age.
Rhythms of the Sea: Pearl Divers of the Gulf & Their Music
The Pearl Industry and its music are an integral part of the Gulf’s cultural heritage. A brief look at its history and an introduction to our free-to-use lesson plan on this topic.
Four Women Artists from the Arab World
Introducing four key women artists from the Arab World as featured in the Moving Biographies podcast series “On Women By Women in Art”.
The Legacy of Al-Shawkani
An introduction to Al-Shawkani, a prominent and influential figure in the history of Islamic jurisprudence.
Quartertones Mixtape: September '23
A playlist of all the songs we’ve been loving in September. Featuring artists from across the region and the diaspora, all through the decades.
Stitching Identities: Palestinian Tatreez as Resistance
A short introduction to Palestinian tatreez and its symbolism as a tool of resistance, relating to the lesson plan we developed in collaboration with University of Chicago’s CMES.
Arab Modern Art Books and Artists You’ll Want to Know About
Highlights from our conversation with Dr Ridha Moumni and Sultan Al-Qassemi about “Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Foundation” on all the best artists and art books that you’ll want to know about.
The Arab-American National Museum
A look at the crucial work that Dearborn’s Arab-American National Museum does in preserving and showcasing the history of Arab-America.
QUARTERTONES MIXAPEThis 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…”
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Lesson Plans for Teachers
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