What to read if you want to learn more about architecture and urban planning in the Gulf, as recommended by Roberto Fabbri on the afikra podcast.

May ‘24’s QuarterTones mixtape is a quintessential Iraqi music compilation by shamokamonet, a platform and collective dedicated to sharing stories inspired by Iraq. 

Our new series, Tsawwar, explores places, people and moments in time through the eyes of photographers and their photos. This week’s features a photo and blurb by Dina Al-Makhrami.

Rachel Winter writes about her experience unearthing the story of iconic artist Samia Halaby in Michigan. Image credit: Shanti Knight.

Erragab Eljanhaoui writes about Captain James Riley and Sidi Hamet, and his role in catalysing the end of slavery in 19th century America. Image via SFGate

A review of Palestinian singer Elyanna’s most recent album Woledto by Kiko Gomersall. Listen as you read track by track, as Kiko draws connections between Elyanna’s music, the diaspora, ideas of distance, longing, and the music of Fairuz. Image via Elyanna on YouTube .

A superb mixtape celebrating old and new tunes from Sudan, compiled by our very own Khaled Malas who you know from the afikra Community team.

Zila Demirijian interviews Philippe Zarif — better known as DJ Boshoco — and Natalie Bahhade — aka DJ Nass, the only woman Djing in Aleppo right now, on Syria’s underground music scene.

afikra recently collaborated with QFI to create a series of infographics all about the Arabic language. Each infographic aims to highlight the vibrancy and widespread influence of the Arabic language in an easy-to-digest, visual way. 

9 Sudanese films to watch as recommended by the founders of Aflam Sudan and members of the afikra community. Image via Broadcast Prome.

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.

A curated Listen, Watch, Read list spotlighting works from Syria. Featuring an album by TootArd, a novel by Khaled Khalifa, and a documentary film by Taim Karesly.

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.

In our Kawalis interview with Carol Mansour, we asked for her top recommendations fo

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.

A curated Listen, Watch, Read list spotlighting works from Egypt. Featuring an album by Dina El Wedidi, a book by Nawal El Saadawi and a film directed by Ayten Amin.

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.

Our new series, Tsawwar, explores places, people and moments in time through the eyes of photographers and their photos. This week’s features a photo and blurb by George Azar.

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.”

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.