Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The afikra Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marie al-Khazen: Pioneer Lebanese Photographer, 1899 to 1983 | Art Historian, Dr. Yasmine Nachabe Taan | 12 oct. 2026 | 01:00:00 | |
A collection of black-and-white photographs from 1920s mandate Lebanon completely flips traditional regional history on its head. Dr. Yasmine Nachabe Taan takes us on a fascinating journey behind her PhD research into the life and legacy of Marie al-Khazen, a pioneer Lebanese photographer. Dr. Taan, a professor and director at LAU, utilizes a gender-focused lens to decode al-Khazen's meticulously staged compositions of active, unconventional women driving cars, smoking cigarettes, and going on armed hunting trips. This engaging discussion explores agency, cultural cross-dressing, and the striking parallels with other early female Arab photographers like Karimeh Abbud, demonstrating how these archival treasures continue to challenge established regional histories. Connect with Yasmine Nachabe Taan 👉 https://instagram.com/yastaan Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Human Rights & Accountability in the Arab World: 15 Years After the Uprisings | Mai El-Sadany, TIMEP Executive Director | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:57:11 | |
Reimagining the future of policy and human rights across the Middle East and North Africa requires moving past broken international systems and broadening our collective imagination. Executive Director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP), Mai El-Sadany, explores how centering those most impacted can drive meaningful legal advocacy, creative accountability, and systemic change. Grounded in the enduring legacy of the 2011 Arab uprisings, the discussion addresses the evolution of civil society organizations, navigating global funding crises, and overcoming systemic inertia. Connect with Mai El-Sadany 👉 https://x.com/maitelsadany?lang=en Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Lebanon's Electricity Crisis is Not New - It Started in 1952! | Prof. Ziad Abu-Rish | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:57:07 | |
The history of electricity in Lebanon serves as a vibrant arena for struggles over political economy, foreign corporate ownership, and the very definition of national sovereignty. Associate Professor Ziad Abu-Rish unpacks this evolution, tracking public utilities from early regional monopolies to the eventual creation of Électricité du Liban (EDL). Rather than viewing popular protests and boycotted utility bills as signs of state disintegration, this conversation explores how these collective actions actively built and legitimized Lebanese state institutions. This deep dive ultimately reframes daily encounters with state infrastructure as fundamental practices of modern politics and national identity. Connect with Ziad Abu-Rish 👉 https://instagram.com/ziadaburish Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Islam Became a Racial Category in French Colonial Algeria | Prof. Muriam Haleh Davis | 21 sept. 2026 | 00:51:28 | |
Algeria's complex colonial landscape serves as the backdrop for a deep dive into the intersection of race, Islam, and capitalism. Dr. Muriam Haleh Davis unravels how the French colonial state weaponized Islam as a racial category to structure economic inequalities. The conversation expands into the enduring legacy of Frantz Fanon, exploring the complex dynamics of national liberation and third-world revolutionary aspirations. Uncovering a rich, often-overlooked intellectual history, the discussion highlights the Algerian scholars and philosophers who actively fought to define their own nationhood. Connect with Muriam Haleh Davis 👉 https://instagram.com/muriamhaleh Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| US Destruction of Iraq's Healthcare System | Omar Dewachi | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:57:19 | |
Iraq experienced one of the most comprehensive sanctions regimes ever imposed on a country in the 20th century. Dr. Omar Dewachi explores the concept of medical anthropology and traces the history of the Iraqi healthcare system from the British mandate to the post-2003 era. This exploration highlights how political interventions and conflicts disrupted medical infrastructure and population health. Ultimately, the conversation examines the profound breakdown of the political, medical, and social systems that led to the death of the clinic and a collapse of trust. Connect with Omar Dewachi 👉 https://instagram.com/omar_dewachi Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| France's Nuclear Toxicity in the Algerian Sahara | Samia Henni | 07 sept. 2026 | 00:57:42 | |
Algeria's pivotal role as a historic center for revolutionary and independence movements is frequently overlooked, leaving a gap in public understanding of its complex history. Architectural historian Samia Henni unpacks how the French army utilized architecture and urban planning as tools of counterinsurgency and control. The discussion exposes the shocking and lasting realities of colonial toxicity, detailing how France conducted underground and atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in the Algerian Sahara. By challenging the harmful myth that deserts are empty, this episode confronts enduring colonial legacies and the protocols of history writing.
00:00 Introduction 01:51 Addressing the Historical Knowledge Gap Around Algeria 03:51 Growing Up with the Mythology of the Revolution 05:45 Unpacking the Complexities & Duality of Scholarly Narratives 08:30 Language as a Weapon: Architecture of Counterrevolution 14:19 The Reality Behind Centers of Regroupment and Mass Relocation 19:21 From Secret Camps to Satellite Towns 25:51 Direct Contact & the Deliberate Intent to Pacify 28:46 The Design Philosophy of Colonial Housing Projects 34:34 Unmasking the Haunting Realities of Colonial Toxicity 41:17 The Epistemic Violence of Restricted Archives 45:12 Deserts Are Not Empty 49:27 Agitation, Political Space & Transnational Solidarity
She is a historian and an exhibition maker of the built, destroyed, and imagined environments. Her work addresses questions of colonization, wars, resource extraction, deserts, forced displacement, and gender dynamics. She is the author of the multi-award-winning Architecture of Counterrevolution: The French Army in Northern Algeria (gta Verlag 2017, EN; Editions B42, 2019, FR), which received the 2020 Spiro Kostof Book Award from the Society of Architectural Historians, and Colonial Toxicity: Rehearsing French Radioactive Architecture and Landscape in the Sahara (2024). She is also the editor of Deserts Are Not Empty (Columbia Books on Architecture and the City, 2022) and War Zones (gta Verlag, 2018), and the maker of exhibitions including Performing Colonial Toxicity (2023–), Discreet Violence: Architecture and the French War in Algeria (2017–2022), Archives: Secret-Défense? (2021), and Housing Pharmacology (2020). She received her PhD (with distinction, ETH Medal) in the history and theory of architecture from ETH Zurich and has taught at Princeton University, Cornell University, ETH Zurich, and Geneva University of Art and Design. In August 2024, she joined the faculty of McGill University's Peter Guo-hua Fu School of Architecture. She was born and raised in Algiers.
Connect with Samia Henni 👉 https://instagram.com/samia.henni
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| Syrian Diaspora's Role in the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925 | Reem Bailony | 31 août 2026 | 00:48:42 | |
Hidden dynamics of anti-colonialism come to light when exploring the Syrian revolt of 1925 through a transnational lens. Associate Professor & Author Reem Bailony shares insights from her book, examining how the diaspora politics of the Syrian migrant community in the US connected to homeland politics and redefined identity during the French mandate. By centering on the often-overlooked diasporic story and the role of the Arabic press, the conversation unpacks the intense debate around the rebellion's virtues, goals, and shifting meanings. Ultimately, this episode reveals how exiled and migrant figures significantly shaped the international discourse surrounding the modern Middle East.
00:00 Introduction 00:52 Formative Academic Encounters with a Milestone Year 04:36 From Imperial Collapse to the Partitioning of a Region 07:30 Fragmented Visions & the Contested Landscape of Identity 10:08 Archival Discoveries & Cross-Generational Reflections 12:34 The Global Power of a Dispersed Press 16:13 The Mechanics of Petitioning an International Order 20:12 Ideological Divides in the Early Arabic Press 22:26 Mapping the Global Hubs of the Transnational Story 24:28 Borderland Crises & the Politics of Transnational Aid 28:32 The Realities of Local Support 33:35 De Facto Diplomacy & the Pen of an Exile 36:34 Petitions, Surveillance, & the Struggle to Define a Diaspora 46:44 Recommended Readings for Closer Investigation
Reem Bailony is an Associate Professor of History at Agnes Scott College. She is a historian of the modern Middle East with a focus on Middle East migrations and transnationalism. Her book, Syria's Transnational Rebellion: Diaspora Politics and the Revolt of 1925-1927 (Edinburgh University Press, 2025) explores the diasporic and transnational dimensions of the Syrian Revolt of 1925-1927, a watershed moment in anti-colonialism during the French Mandate era. Professor Bailony is also interested in the history of Syrian-Lebanese transnational family dynamics after World War I, and how migrant families parented their children in the diaspora. She holds a BA from UC San Diego and MA and PhD from UCLA.
Connect with Reem Bailony 👉 https://www.agnesscott.edu/directory/faculty/bailony-reem.html Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 1001 Nights, the Arab Novel & the Age of Decay That Never Was | Prof. Muhsin al-Musawi | 24 août 2026 | 00:54:03 | |
Arabic culture and literature hold a vastly rich classical history that continues to captivate scholars and readers worldwide. Renowned literary critic and Columbia University professor, Dr. Muhsin Al-Musawi, explores the depths of this heritage, from the global allure of the Arabian Nights to the historical dynamic of Baghdad's intellectual hubs. The discussion delves into how translation served as a window between cultures, the contested notion of an age of decay, and the brilliant prose of modern artists like Jabra Ibrahim Jabra. Reflecting on his own career of writing out of love and devotion rather than mere scholarship, Dr. Al-Musawi critiques how literary prizes can drive trendy imitation instead of a genuinely creative mind.
00:00 Introduction 01:57 The Roots of Passionate Scholarship 05:19 Baghdad's Layered Intellectual Landscapes 09:51 Cultural Solace & the Ambition of Translation 12:26 Confronting the Global Legacy of the Arabian Nights 14:55 Literary Taste & the Metamorphosis of Translation 19:40 The Romantic Search for Spaces Without Borders 26:27 The Vastness of Classical Traditions & the True Renaissance 28:53 Intellectual Intersections & the Republic of Letters 33:15 Challenging the Conventional Notion of an Age of Decay 39:45 Jabra Ibrahim Jabra & the Topography of an Artist 44:58 Curating a Diverse Core Arabic Fiction Curriculum 49:33 Trendy Prizes & the Necessity of the Creative Mind
Muhsin Jassim al-Musawi is Professor of Classical and Modern Arabic Literature, Comparative and Cultural Studies at Columbia University. A renowned scholar and literary critic, his teaching and research interests span several periods and genres. He is the author of 39 books (including 6 novels) and over 60 scholarly articles. He has been editor of the Journal of Arabic Literature since 2000. His publications cover theory, postcolonial discourse, the Arabic novel, poetry, Orientalism, the Arabian Nights, medieval Islamic knowledge and modern Arabic poetics. He taught for over two decades at universities in the Arab world before moving to Columbia University. He is the recipient of the Owais Award in Literary Criticism (2002), the Kuwait Prize in Arabic Language and Literature (2018), the King Faisal International Prize for Arabic Literature in English (2022), and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (2022).
Connect with Muhsin al-Musawi 👉 https://mesaas.columbia.edu/faculty-directory/muhsin-al-musawi/ Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| East & East: Arab Craft Meets Japanese Minimalism | Nada Debs: Founder, Studio Nada Debs | 17 août 2026 | 01:04:57 | |
A unique personal journey spanning from a third-generation textile merchant family in Japan to a thriving design studio in Beirut serves as the foundation for iconic designer Nada Debs’ universal message of collaboration. The intricate world of Levantine woodwork, the philosophy of repetitive geometry, and the complex balance between handmade craft and modern scaling highlight the depth of her artistic vision. This narrative of personal heritage and local production illustrates how design can become a powerful tool to restore civic pride and challenge traditional mindsets.
00:00 Introduction 01:35 A Message of Oneness & Overcoming Conflict 04:01 Roots Across the Silk Road 10:39 Post-War Devastation & the Surge of Homegrown Pride 18:25 Dismantling the Western Complex & Embracing Equality 20:05 Finding Acceptance in the Search for Personal Identity 24:33 Embracing the Warmth of Beirut & the Value of Antiques 29:21 The Path to Design 33:17 Shifting the Mindset on Local Production 38:24 The Genesis of "East and East" & Establishing a Studio 44:48 Reclaiming Pride in Lebanese Craft 46:46 Deciphering the Levantine Vernacular 53:13 Hand Craftsmanship vs. Modern Scaling 01:02:04 Expanding the Language of Harmony
Nada Debs is a Lebanese designer living and working in Beirut. Her work spans scale and discipline: from product and furniture design to one-off commissions across craft, art, fashion and interiors. What ties her work together is her ability to distil culture and craftsmanship to create pieces of emotional resonance. Nada grew up in Japan, studied design at the Rhode Island School of Design in the United States and has spent significant periods of time living and travelling the world, finding connections between different cultures. She calls her approach: handmade and heartmade. Her grandfather travelled the Silk Route to Japan; her own personal Silk Route led her back to Lebanon, where she founded her studio in 2002. Her 'East & East' philosophy fuses Islamic geometry with Far Eastern minimalism.
Connect with Nada Debs 👉 https://instagram.com/nadadebs
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| What Does China Actually Want from the Arab World? | Mohammed Alsudairi | 10 août 2026 | 00:59:04 | |
The modern experience of China is often viewed through a western lens, but its complex history and relationship with the Arab world reveal a much deeper story. Dr. Mohammed Alsudairi challenges the dominant narrative of a growing security footprint and intense US-China competition over the Middle East. Instead, the conversation explores the evolving diplomatic recognition, transactional dynamics, and economic connections that define Sino-Middle Eastern relations. This discussion unpacks why the Chinese experience is often neglected in the Arab intellectual tradition and how the modalities of empire are shifting in the 21st century.
00:00 Introduction 04:33 Escaping the Post 9/11 Paradigm Shift 07:23 Alternative Journeys & Transformative Intellectual Paths 14:22 Dismantling Dominant Narratives on Regional Footprints 17:13 Contextualizing China's Strategic Priorities 26:41 Historical Dimensions & Evolving Diplomatic Ties 34:34 Financial Synergy, Alternatives & Global concessions 37:48 Deconstructing Frameworks & the Myth of the Silk Road 44:40 Projecting Arab Anxieties onto a Cultural Other 52:52 Technological Realities & the Changing Modalities of Power
Mohammed Alsudairi is a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations of the Arabic Speaking World at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, Australian National University. Senior Nonresident Fellow, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies
He holds a PhD in Comparative Politics from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), an MA in International Relations and International History from the London School of Economics and Peking University, and a BSc in International Politics from Georgetown University. Prior to his appointment at CAIS, he was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at HKU, working on a project examining the intersections between religion and infrastructure in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Since 2015, he oversaw the development of the Asian Studies Program at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 2022, he was awarded a research fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to work on his upcoming book manuscript. He is also a Senior Nonresident Fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.
Connect with Mohammed Alsudairi 👉 https://cais.cass.anu.edu.au/people/dr-mohammed-alsudairi
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| Seeing the Earth's Water Crisis from Space | Dr. Raha Hakimdavar | 03 août 2026 | 00:40:45 | |
Global water systems are facing an unprecedented challenge as climate change, resource depletion, and globalization place staggering pressure on our natural resources. Dr. Raha Hakimdavar, Senior Advisor to the Deans of Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) and the Earth Commons & Founder & CEO - Zyon Space, unpacks the critical intersections of hydrology, space science, and environmental security. From analyzing how agricultural water waste and food imports impact the Arab world to detailing the vulnerabilities of desalination infrastructure, she offers a profound look at the cascading threats facing urban centers. By leveraging advanced satellite data collected from space, she reveals how tracking global groundwater levels can transform these invisible vulnerabilities into vital opportunities for international cooperation and policy reform.
00:00 Introduction 04:36 Energy, Oceans & the Cost of Innovation 06:22 Supermarket Aisles & Disconnected Systems 10:09 A Fifty-Year View from the Cosmos 14:09 Urban Budgets & Changing Taps 26:02 The Changing Anatomy of Regional Diets 30:47 Invisible Pipelines & Cascading Points 34:58 Distorting the Baseline of National Security 36:14 The Enabling Elements of Uprisings 38:06 A Landscape of Treaties
Dr. Raha Hakimdavar is a hydrologist, science policy expert, and space science leader with a proven record of innovation across government, academia, and industry. She is currently a Research Professor at the Earth Commons and Senior Advisor to the Deans at Georgetown University in Qatar and the Earth Commons, leading strategy and programs focused on environmental security, climate action, and sustainability research and education. She has active research projects in Greece (water scarcity), the Middle East (water and food security), and Indonesia (flood risk and nature based solutions), with a special focus on small islands. Dr. Hakimdavar has served as a technical consultant for UN Environment, the World Bank, and USAID on disaster risk reduction, water, and forestry projects for over a decade. Dr. Hakimdavar is also the Founder and CEO of Zyon Space, which supports emerging space agencies and organizations in the Global South in leveraging Earth observation technologies for climate and environmental resilience.
Connect with Raha Hakimdavar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/rahazhina/ Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Lessons from Innovators Across the Arab World | Hala Hanna, MIT Solve | 27 juil. 2026 | 00:51:41 | |
Global challenges require useful intelligence rather than singular futures driven by tech hype. Executive Director Hala Hanna joins the podcast to share how MIT Solve acts as a marketplace for social impact, connecting early-stage ventures with critical funding and partners. This conversation highlights inspiring innovators and solvers who are transforming constrained design prompts into sustainable, sovereign systems across healthcare and education. Empowering communities through true open innovation proves that proximity to the problem is the ultimate tool for scalable, long-term change.
00:00 Introduction 03:56 The Flawed Metric of Monopolized Tech 07:41 Aligning Targets with Global Realities 10:08 The Select Few and the Select Best Seat 16:05 The False Solace of Parallel Systems 26:58 Reclaiming Data Ownership from Extractors 29:15 Transforming Government into a Platform 36:13 A Grumpy Contrast to Blind Optimism 24:52 Cultivating Agency Through Local Frugality 50:03 Leveraging Proximity as an Unfair Advantage Hala Hanna is the Executive Director of MIT Solve, an MIT initiative that finds and scales tech-based solutions to global challenges. Hala's global career is about advancing equity and sustainability for all. She grew up in Lebanon, where conditions of conflict and constraint shaped her understanding of resilience as a design principle. She is a member of the Fast Company Impact Council and a contributor to the World Economic Forum. Her recent writing includes 'AI Has a Single Story Problem' (Fast Company, June 2026) and 'When Resilience Creates Innovation: Lessons for Entrepreneurs' (Entrepreneur MENA, April 2025). Previously she served as Managing Director of MIT Solve.
Connect with Hala Hanna 👉 https://solve.mit.edu
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna
Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
FOLLOW & RATE THE THE AFIKRA PODCAST: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743 » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| HopeCore, HopeRot & Life in the After Timeline | Shumon Basar | 20 juil. 2026 | 01:03:39 | |
The pervasive exhaustion resulting from witnessing modern global atrocities often creates a paralyzing "hopeRot," yet the cultivation of an radical "HopeCore" remains an essential engine for systemic transformation. Writer and curator, Shumon Basar, analyzes the rewiring of the global psyche through the rise of Gulf Futurism and the eventual arrival of a post-Western reality. His critique centers on the provincialization of the West, a phenomenon where a minority population disproportionately dictates universal narratives and conceptual models. The discussion further traverses the evolution of Dubai from a startup city to a global urban paradigm, alongside a sobering exploration of the war on amnesia", as Basar describes it, through alternative institutions and magical historical thinking. Ultimately, the conversation confronts the unmasking of power and the abandonment of institutional shame, reinforcing the vital necessity of counter-histories in an increasingly ahistorical digital age.
00:00 Introduction 04:36 The Rewiring of the Global Psyche 07:30 Spectral Enemies and the Geography of Time 10:08 Provincializing the West and Cognitive Mapping 16:13 The Foundational Myths of Unification 27:31 The Paradox of HopeRot and HopeCore 34:39 Absolute Impunity and the Narrative Battle 44:02 The Reckoning of Liberal Fascism 53:48 Alternative Institutions and the War on Amnesia 01:00:10 Magical Historical Thinking in the Extreme Present
Shumon Basar is a British-Bangladeshi writer, editor, and curator born in 1974. He attended Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University (1993–1996) and studied at the AA School, London (1998–2000). In 2005 he joined Goldsmiths, University of London's doctoral program in Visual Cultures. He is co-author with Douglas Coupland and Hans Ulrich Obrist of The Age of Earthquakes: A Guide to the Extreme Present (Penguin, 2015) and The Extreme Self: Age of You (Walther & Franz König, 2021), and co-curated the large-scale exhibition Age of You at MOCA Toronto and Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai. Since 2010, Basar has been Commissioner of the Global Art Forum, Art Dubai's annual transdisciplinary summit. He became a founding member of Fondazione Prada's Thought Council in 2015. He is Adjunct Curator at Art Jameel and holds editorial and advisory positions at Tank, Bidoun, 032c, and Flash Art. He has lived in Dubai, Vancouver, Berlin, Beirut, and Istanbul.
Connect with Shumon Basar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/shumonbasar/ Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Celebrating the Heritage of Arabic & Islamic Science | Dr. Hüseyin Şen | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:46:42 | |
The scientific achievements of the medieval Islamic world provided the forgotten foundations for much of the modern world's mathematics and physics. Dr. Huseyin Sen, historical map specialist at The Heritage Library, Qatar National Library, explores the critical necessity of reclaiming this heritage to combat cultural prejudice and build self-esteem in new generations. This discussion highlights the monumental contributions of scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn al-Haytham, whose work on algebra and optics remains foundational to global scientific knowledge. The conversation reveals the urgent need for digitizing, translating, and integrating these historical texts into modern education to bridge the gap between past innovations and current understanding. From the intricate chemistry of medieval perfumery to the advanced engineering behind historical maps, these insights showcase a sophisticated intellectual tradition that once spanned the globe.
00:00 Introduction 01:10 The Legacy of Arabic Sciences 01:48 Modern Efforts in Manuscript Digitization 03:26 The Multidisciplinary Skills of a Science Historian 05:54 Reconnecting with a Forgotten Heritage 08:37 Integrating History into Modern Science Education 10:50 Cultural Role Models and Global Contributions 15:25 Reconstructing Original Texts from Manuscripts 19:40 The Sophisticated Chemistry of Medieval Perfumery 27:24 Tracing the Evolution of Personal Care Products 34:30 Algebraic Roots and Algorithmic Foundations 35:44 Paradigm Shifts in the Science of Optics 42:04 Cartographic Rarities and Engineering Marvels
Dr. Huseyin Sen is an aerospace engineer and a historian of science, specializing in the history of medieval Arabic science & technology. His engineering background has enabled him to engage with the history of science and technology in a profound way (numerical and hands-on) and at the same time has allowed him to build bridges between the education of history of science on one hand and education of science on the other. He is particularly interested in combining history of science with STEM/STEAM education, and in introducing and engaging students with technologies of the future such as 3D printing via history of science like by developing working replicas of ancient inventions by 3d printing.
الدكتور حسين شِن هو مهندس طيران ومؤرخ علمي متخصص في تاريخ العلوم والتكنولوجيا العربية في العصور الوسطى. وقد مكنته خلفيته الهندسية من التعمق أكثر في تاريخ العلوم والتكنولوجيا، كما أتاحت له الربط بين تعليم تاريخ العلوم من جهة وتعليم العلوم من جهة أخرى. يركز د. شِن على الدمج بين تاريخ العلوم وتعليم العلوم والتكنولوجيا والهندسة والرياضيات، مع تعريف الطلاب بتقنيات المستقبل، مثل الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد، من خلال تاريخ العلوم، وذلك عبر تطوير نسخ مطابقة من الاختراعات القديمة باستخدام الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد. من أحدث مشاريعه لمكتبة الرئاسة التركية معرض بعنوان "تاريخ العلوم الإسلامية في 100 قطعة"، والذي يضم 100 قطعة، منها 87 نسخة طبق الأصل و13 مخطوطة علمية أصلية من العصور الوسطى. افتتح المعرض في أبريل 2021، وهو مستمر كمعرض متنقل منذ ذلك الحين. يتلقى د. شِن طلبات منتظمة لتحليل ووصف وتقييم الأدوات والمخطوطات العلمية العربية/الإسلامية من العصور الوسطى
Connect with Professor Hüseyin Şen 👉 https://instagram.com/takiyuddinrasid Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How Technology Is Changing the Arabic Language Forever | Prof. Nizar Habash | 06 juil. 2026 | 01:15:08 | |
Language serves as the vital intersection of cultural identity and technological innovation, yet the rapid rise of AI reveals a significant representation gap for the nearly many million ways the Arab world communicates. Professor Nizar Habash, a computer science professor and director of the CAMEL Lab at NYU Abu Dhabi, explores the historical anxieties surrounding technological shifts, drawing a direct parallel between the 150-year delay of the Arabic printing press and contemporary concerns regarding data bias in large language models. The conversation navigates the inherent challenges of modeling a language characterized by immense dialectal variety and non-standardized orthography, shifting the focus from perceived linguistic complexity to the practical need for bespoke, regional data sets. As the field transitions from rigid, rule-based systems to sophisticated neural models capable of abstract meaning through embeddings, the dialogue underscores the urgency of building localized, open-source tools like JAIS and FAMAR to ensure the Arab world's history and diverse voices are accurately represented in the digital age.
00:00 Introduction 02:15 How AI Models Understand Diverse Arabic Dialects 05:48 Debunking Myths About Arabic’s Linguistic Complexity 08:21 The Historical Construction of Modern Standard Arabic 11:00 Impact of Technology on Arabic Script and Printing 15:19 The Journey into Computational Linguistics 17:35 The Evolution of Machine Translation and LLMs 23:51 Explaining Hallucinations in Statistical Language Models 31:14 Cultural Representation and Bias in Image Generation 38:13 Dialect Support and Limitations in Translation Tools 50:02 Camel Lab's Mission for Open-Source Arabic NLP 01:03:42 Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Views of Arabic
Nizar Habash is a Professor of Computer Science at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and the director of the Computational Approaches to Modeling Language (CAMeL) Lab. Professor Habash specializes in natural language processing and computational linguistics. He received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Maryland College Park in 2003. He has two bachelors degrees, one in Computer Engineering and one in Linguistics and Languages from Old Dominion University. His research includes extensive work on machine translation, morphological analysis, and computational modeling of Arabic and its dialects. Professor Habash has been a principal investigator or co-investigator on over 25 research grants. And he has over 250 publications including a book entitled "Introduction to Arabic Natural Language Processing". Professor Habash is one of the recipients of the King Salman Academy for Arabic Language Award (2022); and he is the recipient of the Antonio Zampolli Prize (2024). His website is www.nizarhabash.com.
Connect with Nizar Habash 👉 https://www.instagram.com/nizarhabash/ Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| History of the British Raj in the Arabian Gulf | Prof. James Onley | 29 juin 2026 | 01:00:13 | |
Imperialism was a masterclass in maintaining the fiction of autonomy while quietly acquiring the assets of an empire. Professor James Onley, chair of Gulf and Arab Studies at the American University of Sharjah, dissects the sophisticated loopholes used by colonial powers to exert influence without the liabilities of formal control. This conversation highlights the deep-seated socioeconomic connections between India and the Gulf, a relationship far older than the modern state system. Dr. Onley provides a nuanced look at the collaborative nature of empire on the cheap, where local elites often navigated British protection to secure their own regional interests. From the arrival of Arab nationalism to the digital preservation of over two million archival pages in the Qatar Digital Library, this dialogue reveals the shifting layers of identity and power that have shaped the Arabian Peninsula.
0:00 Introduction 5:11 Distinctive Traits of British Presence in the Gulf 9:05 Millennia of Deep-seated Indo-Gulf Ties 13:17 Divergent Theories on Imperial Motivations 15:40 Indigenous Collaboration and the Native Agent Network 18:49 Transitioning from Formal Control to Security Guarantees 19:57 The Enduring Economic Gravity of India 23:01 Navigating the Administrative Hierarchies of Empire 24:45 Legal Fictions and the Optics ofinfluence 28:04 Shared sovereignty and empire on the Cheap 32:55 Friction and Resistance Across the Regional Map 36:40 Shifting Layers of Identity Before Nationalism 41:40 Reorienting from the Indian Ocean to the Arab World 54:36 Digital Preservation and the Democratizing of Archives
James Onley is the Ahmed Seddiqi Chair in Gulf & Arab Studies and Professor of History. He specializes in the history and heritage of the Gulf region, the Gulf's historical connections with South Asia, archives and archival digitization, and digital humanities. He is Founding Editor of the Journal of Arabian Studies (est. 2011). Before joining AUS, he was Director of Historical Research at Qatar National Library, responsible for digitizing historical records for the Qatar Digital Library (www.QDL.qa), and Director of the Centre for Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter.
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| How Egypt Used Theater to Fight British Occupation | Prof. Carmen Gitre | 22 juin 2026 | 01:06:21 | |
Theatrical stages often mirror the intricate evolution of the societies that build them. Professor Carmen Gitre explores the burgeoning performance culture of Cairo between 1867 and 1930. This era witnessed a shift from street storytelling and shadow plays to formal theater houses designed for an emerging class of Western-educated intellectuals. The discussion traverses the grand spectacle of the Suez Canal’s opening to the subversive nationalist songs of performers like Mounira al-Mahdiyya. Through this historical lens, the stage appears as a critical site for negotiating modernity, colonial influence, and Egyptian identity.
00:00 Introduction 01:28 The Evolution of Performance 03:56 Commissioning an Operatic Staple for a Global Stage 07:35 Street Storytelling & the Shadows of Earlier Traditions 12:02 Urban Redesign Mirroring a Parisian Vision of Modernity 18:46 Defensive Developmentalism & the Weight of Sovereign Debt 27:21 Syrian Practitioners & the Burgeoning Role of the Press 32:31 Efendi vs. Basha 39:01 Vernacular Choices for an Elevated Public Education 44:31 Satirical Observations through a Modernist Lens 51:14 The nuances of the women's movement 57:04 Disembodied Voices in the Era of Early Recording 58:00 Performances Spilling into the Nationalist Fervor of 1919 01:03:02 Cinematic Transitions and Legacies for the Everyman
Carmen Gitre is an Associate Professor of Middle East History and Associate Chair of History at Virginia Tech University. She earned her Ph.D. at Rutgers University in 2011. From 2011 to 2014, she taught in the International Studies and History Departments at Seattle University. Her academic interests include cultural history, imperialism, and the relationship between performance, identity, and modernity in Egypt. Her book, Acting Egyptian: Theater, Identity, and Political Culture in Cairo, 1867-1930, was published by the University of Texas Press in 2019. Other publications include 'The Dramatic Middle East: Performance as History in Egypt and Beyond,' and 'Nonsense and Morality: Comedy in Interwar Egypt.' Her current work delves more deeply into interwar art, performance, and cultural influence in Egypt.
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| The Legacy of Science & Faith in the Arab Muslim World | Prof. Nidhal Guessoum | 15 juin 2026 | 01:00:48 | |
For centuries, the Arab and Muslim worlds led humanity in scientific discovery, establishing a culture where faith served as an inspiration rather than an obstacle to empirical research. The conversation with astrophysicist Dr. Nidhal Guessoum explores that profound intellectual legacy, from the systematization of algebra and breakthroughs in optics to the creation of the world's first dedicated astronomical observatories. Dr. Guessoum bridges the gap between this historical Golden Age and the challenges facing modern science education in the region. He addresses the perceived friction between contemporary scientific theories, such as evolution and cosmology, and religious tradition, advocating for a complementary framework that distinguishes the how of the physical world from the why of human meaning. By befriending modern science and returning it to a central place in culture, the discussion outlines a path for a qualitative new renaissance in Arab and Muslim scientific production. 1:39 Diagnosing Science Education in the Arab World 4:07 Quantitative Growth vs Qualitative Challenges 8:41 The Importance of the Scientific Process 10:20 Reconciling Islam and Science 11:59 Understanding the Nature of Science and Religion 13:17 Inspiration from Historical Figures 15:22 Navigating Friction in Evolution and Cosmology 20:51 The Harmonization of Reason and Revelation 22:24 Distinguishing the How from the Why 23:58 The Role of the Human Subject in Science and Faith 25:58 Secular Ethics and the Islamic Intellectual Tradition 29:21 The Peak and Decline of Arab Muslim Scientific Production 30:33 Major Contributions: Algebra, Optics, and Medicine 34:55 History of Astronomical Observatories 38:38 Stagnation vs the European Scientific Revolution 45:51 Prospect of a New Arab Scientific Renaissance 49:30 Measuring Scientific Productivity 52:15 Befriending Modern Science for the Youth 57:31 Recommendations for Life-Long Learning
Nidhal Guessoum is an Algerian astrophysicist and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the American University of Sharjah, UAE. He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California at San Diego, and spent two years as a post-doctoral researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. His research spans gamma-ray astrophysics, positron-electron annihilation, gamma-ray bursts, and crescent visibility and the Islamic calendar. He has published many articles and several books on science, education, and Islam, including Islam's Quantum Question (IB Tauris, 2011) and The Young Muslim's Guide to Modern Science. He has lectured at Cambridge, Oxford, Cornell, and Wisconsin-Madison, and has appeared on Al-Jazeera, BBC, NPR, France 2, and Le Monde. In 2020, he was named among the Top 100 most influential leaders in space exploration by Richtopia, and in 2018 was ranked 22nd among top Arab thought leaders by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute.
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| Masculine Aesthetics & Sports in the Ottoman Empire | Professor Murat Yildiz | 08 juin 2026 | 01:04:19 | |
Modern sports did not just change how people played; they fundamentally rewired how they lived, looked, and identified within a rapidly transforming world. The conversation with Murat Yildiz, an assosciate professor of history at Skidmore College, explores the high-stakes intersection of physical culture, social status, and the 19th-century quest for a new global aesthetic. Elite educational and military institutions utilized gymnastics and disciplined exercise to mold an upwardly mobile generation, using sports to reconfigure traditional social hierarchies. Meanwhile, the rise of photography helped normalize and spread a uniform corporal aesthetic, allowing young men from diverse backgrounds to adopt a standardized look of proper modern masculinity. Tracing a vibrant athletic awakening, the discussion follows how sporting culture rippled across urban centers, from Istanbul to Cairo, Beirut, and Jerusalem, signaling a deeper transformation in community, selfhood, and the shift from indigenous traditions to professionalized international play.
0:00 Introduction 1:39 Misconceptions of Athletics and Modernity 4:07 Professionalism vs. Amateurism in Regional Sporting Culture 8:41 Sports as a Tool for Capturing Urban Diversity 9:17 Educational Reformers and the Significance of Gymnastics 12:47 Sports as a New Modern Technology 18:53 Photography and the Global Corporal Aesthetic 21:56 Visual Normalization of Ethnic and Religious Identities 23:14 Sports and the Creation of New Militaries 26:13 Reconfiguring Class Hierarchies in Elite Schools 30:41 Spreading Western Sports: From Baseball to Soccer 32:21 Tension with Indigenous Traditions: The Case of Wrestling 36:40 Gendering the Ottoman World of Sports 41:04 Tracing the Regional Sports Nahda beyond the Capital 48:07 History as a Creative Conversation with the Past 52:02 Al Abtal Magazine and the Egyptian Physical Culture 56:53 Further Recommendations: Football, Books, and Film 1:01:56 Future Directions for Archival Research
Murat C. Yildiz is Associate Professor of History at Skidmore College. He specializes in the cultural and social history of the modern Middle East. In particular, his research examines the intersections of sports, identity, the body, gender, and intercommunality in the late Ottoman Empire. His book, "The Ottoman World of Sports: Refashioning Bodies, Men, and Communities in Late Imperial Istanbul" (The University of Texas Press), examines how Istanbul's Muslim, Christian, and Jewish denizens created a shared sports culture during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He is an assistant editor for the Arab Studies Journal and serves as an editorial board member of the International Journal of the History of Sport. He received his Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Los Angeles and served as a Manoogian Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of History at the University of Michigan.
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| Tobacco, Soap, Beer & Cars: 100 Years of Egyptian Print Advertising | Professor Bahia Shehab | 01 juin 2026 | 01:00:27 | |
Egyptian print media has historically functioned as a cultural barometer, shifting from the early official bulletins of the 20th century into a relentless and aggressive form of capitalism on steroids. Professor Bahia Shehab discusses her book, "A Trade in Dreams: A Century of Egyptian Print Advertising", unpacking how visual culture has been both a witness to and a victim of political upheaval. Her research illuminates a century where advertising functioned as legalized psychological operations, deeply embedded in the daily life of Cairo. By dissecting the visual language of the past, she provides a necessary framework for understanding the mono-culture and flattening of aesthetic diversity in the modern era.
00:00 Introduction 01:32 Invention of the Egyptian Press 04:00 The Business Model of Early Advertising 05:50 Motivations for Researching Advertising History 08:20 Discoveries in Beauty Standards and Race 09:55 Sequential Chronology and Political Tectonic Shifts 12:13 Napoleon, Egyptomania, and Early Visual Communication 17:14 1920s–1940s: Agriculture and the Tobacco Export Industry 20:00 Professionalization and Multinational Ad Agencies 22:31 Hybrid Aesthetics: International vs. Local Design 27:21 The Nasser Era: Socialism and Nationalized Media 30:57 The Sadat Era: Peace Treaties and the Open Door Policy 32:33 Influential Figures and the Silencing of Female Voices 37:01 Domination of the Soap Industry 48:58 The 1940s: The Golden Age of Egyptian Advertising 57:04 Egypt’s Leading Role in Regional Advertising 59:08 Book Tour and Future Perspectives
Bahia Shehab is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, political activist and historian whose work focuses on the interaction and intersection of modern identity and ancient cultural heritage. Her imaginative combination of calligraphy and Islamic art history produced cutting edge, beautiful, impactful street art during the Arab Spring and continues to inform her work as an educator and designer. Having always been concerned with identity and preserving cultural heritage, she investigates art history to reinterpret contemporary Arab politics, feminist discourse and social issues. Her culturally oriented work enables her to use history as a means to better understand the present and find solutions for the future. She believes that art may be employed for the purposes of social change and has explored this phenomenon through her artwork, which focuses on socially charged themes such as the Arab identity and women's rights. Her research is largely concerned with understanding the Arabic letters and has been preoccupied with Arabic calligraphy in much of her work. Her work has been displayed in exhibitions around the world and she has received several awards and recognition for her achievements.
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| Memory & the Systematic Mending of Heritage | Dima Srouji | 25 mai 2026 | 00:58:30 | |
Palestinian architect and artist Dima Srouji explores the systematic displacement of Palestinian material culture and the liberation lab working to bring it home. For over a century, archaeology in Palestine has been weaponized, used as a tool for land grabs and the erasure of contemporary identity. From ancient glass vessels held in Western museums to human remains stored in university basements, the physical history of Palestine has been excavated, categorized, and displaced. Dima discusses her work in restitching these archives through art and collaboration. By working with multi-generational artisans like the Twam family, who still possess the ancient know-how of glassblowing, she creates ghost objects that challenge the colonial narrative of a dead past.
00:00 Introduction 01:32 Architectural Education & the Spiritual Connection to the Land 07:30 The Liberation Lab 09:47 Ghost Objects: Restitching Material Heritage Through Palestinian Glass 12:28 The History of Colonial Archaeological Excavations 15:44 Challenging Museum Narratives 18:03 The Twam Family Workshop: Four Generations of Glassblowing in Jaba 21:28 Ancient History of Levantine Glass Fabrication 25:50 The Weaponization of Archaeology 29:47 Sebastia vs. the City of David 32:32 Saving Sebastia: Experimental Film as an Exercise in Creative Diplomacy 36:01 Reclaiming the Displaced Material Culture of Gaza 39:34 Excavated Human Remains 42:36 Rituals of Return 44:01 The Restorative Power of Broken Glass 48:43 Rememberment: A Form of Restitution 50:24 The Archive of the Palestine Exploration Fund 56:00 Future Projects and the Cosmic Mediterranean
Dima is an architect, artist, and researcher interested in the ground, objects, displacement, restitution, forgeries, and living archives. Dima leads the MA City Design studio focused on archaeological sites in Palestine as sites of urban struggle. Her practice explores the power of the ground, its strata, and its artefacts in revealing silenced narratives and embedded intergenerational memories. Dima holds an M.Arch from the Yale School of Architecture and a B. Arch (Hons) from Kingston School of Art. She founded Hollow Forms, a glass blowing project with the Twam family in Jaba’, Palestine in 2016. She will be Jameel Fellow at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2022.
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| The Weirdest Items in the Library of Congress | Muhannad Salhi | 18 mai 2026 | 01:09:09 | |
Rare artifacts within the vast archives of the Library of Congress (LOC) represent a shift in how our region's history is fundamentally understood. Moving beyond traditional nationalist timelines, Arab World specialist in the African and Middle East division at the LOC, Dr. Muhannad Salhi, explores the transition of diverse items in the library's "Near East" collection, from 3000-year-old economic receipts to unique cultural fragments, into autonomous objects of study that define a global narrative. Reclaiming these stories serves as a resistance against regional erasure and the invisibility often felt in the global cultural landscape.
0:00 Introduction 1:52 The "Near East" Section: Geographic and Linguistic Scope 3:02 The Library's Path 4:46 Overview of the Arabic Collection 5:20 The Library's Oldest Items 7:06 Digitization Efforts and Copyright Restrictions 9:10 The Purpose of the Library of Congress 13:24 Regional Context and Cultural Insight 16:00 A Public Resource and Supporting Global Scholarship 18:36 Overseas Offices and Book Dealers 19:17 A Typical Week with Rare Materials and Scholarly Research 22:11 The Oldest Piece of Islamic object in the Americas 25:00 Calligraphy Styles: From Kufi to South Asian and Persian Aesthetics 27:03 The Chinese Quran: A Unique Intersection of Cultures 28:03 The Dalail al-Khayrat and Mantle of the Prophet 31:55 Manuscripts from Gambia 33:24 Arabic Translations of Greek Medicine 35:45 A Unique Work on Petroleum 36:54 Astronomy and Astrology 39:53 Mapping the Region 44:42 Archiving Historic Newspapers and Pop Culture 48:42 Early Arabic Printing 52:10 The Jefferson Quran: Myth vs. Reality in Pop Culture 57:00 Arab-American Literature: Ameen Rihani's The Book of Khalid 58:20 Iraq's Most Wanted Deck of Cards 01:00:22 A Lost Letter from West Africa 01:02:15 Photography Archives 01:03:33 The Items That Got Away 01:06:08 What Policymakers Should Understand About the Region
Muhannad Salhi is the Arab World Specialist in the African and Middle Eastern Division at the Library of Congress, where he covers the Arab world, North Africa, and Islam. He received his doctorate in history and his MAs in history and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago. He is the author of Palestine in the Evolution of Syrian Nationalism (1918-1920) as well as other book chapters, book reviews, and blogs. His interests include the Ancient Near East, Classical Islam, the Modern Middle East, and Islamic studies. Prior to coming to the Library of Congress, he taught courses on the Arab World and Islam at various colleges and universities in the Chicago area, including the University of Chicago and Governors State University.
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| Invention of the Maghreb: Beyond the Native Colonial Gaze | Majid Hannoum | 11 mai 2026 | 00:59:12 | |
Beyond the Orientalist myth of being seductive, mysterious, and dangerous, what is the reality of Tangier? Professor of anthropology Majid Hannoum deconstructs the invention of the Maghreb and delves into the complex socioeconomic and racial fabric of contemporary Moroccan cities. He explores how colonial legacies continue to shape identity, from the very term "Maghreb" – which he argues did not exist in pre-colonial Arabic historiography in its current sense – to the phenomenology of color that influences modern social hierarchies in Tangier. Connect with Majid Hannoum 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/majid-hannoum-04661ab/ Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Modern Egyptian Art & Post-Colonial Cultural Politics | Clare Davies | 04 mai 2026 | 00:58:01 | |
Modern Egyptian art was not simply an institutional byproduct of the 20th century, but rather a profound ontological shift in how the nature of the art object was fundamentally understood. Moving beyond traditional nationalist timelines, this transformation was deeply intertwined with the physical dismantling of historic Cairo, where stripped architectural fragments were repurposed into autonomous art objects for a new elite. Today, reclaiming these narratives serves as an urgent resistance against the regional erasure and invisibility often felt in the global cultural landscape.
00:00 Introduction: Defining the Autonomous Art Object 02:28 Challenging the "East Meets West" Trope 05:28 The Ontological Shift 10:20 The Nahda Influence 13:31 Memories of Gaza and the Weight of Regional Crisis 18:03 The Urgency of Representation and Invisibility 22:22 Huda Sha'arawi: Feminist Icon and Anti-Colonial Art Patron 25:32 Disrupting Colonial Markets 30:14 Mahmoud Mukhtar & Publicly Funded Neoperonism 34:02 The Rise of Surrealist Criticism 37:06 Connectivity Across Lebanon, Syria, and the Cairo Salon 41:44 The National Salon vs. the European Cairo Salon 46:13 Confronting Pseudomorphism 51:39 Scholarly Recommendations for Re-centering Arab Art History 54:03 The Art and Liberty Group’s Interruption of Futurism 56:11 Marxism, Feminism, and the Social Unconscious
Clare Davies is an associate curator at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. She has contributed to a wide range of research, programming, and archival projects related to art and photography in the Middle East since serving as associate curator of the Townhouse Gallery in Cairo between 2004 and 2006. She completed her doctoral dissertation at New York University Institute of Fine Arts and was subsequently awarded the inaugural Irmgard Coninx Prize Fellowship at the Forum Transregionale Studien, Berlin. She is the coauthor of "Robert Morris: Object Sculpture, 1960–65" and has published regularly on contemporary art from the Arab world.
Connect with Clare Davies 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-davies-a49a9b143/
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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Shar & the Forgotten Genocide of Libya | Ali Abdullatif Ahmida | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:59:54 | |
Unveiling the suppressed history of "Shar," Professor Ali Abdellatif Ahmida details the forgotten genocide of the Libyan people under Italian settler colonialism in 1911. As a distinguished political scientist and historian at the University of New England, Professor Ahmida dedicated 15 years to investigating why this mass tragedy was systematically erased from global scholarship and collective memory. Through meticulous research and rare oral testimonies from survivors, he reconstructs the horrors of forced displacement and concentration camps that claimed the lives of tens of thousands. He offers a nuanced critique of the "collective amnesia" in Western academia and the strategic silence of post-war Italy, challenging myths of "moderate" Italian fascism.
00:00 Introduction: An Extensive Scholarly Void 02:28 Beyond the Stereotypical Image 05:28 Navigating the Colonial Transition in 1911 10:20 Perspectives From the Southern Frontier 13:31 The Slow Dismantling of an Empire 18:03 The Ideological Weight of the Roman Myth 22:22 Artificial Lines and the Unified Movement 25:32 The Roots of Organized Resistance 30:14 Negotiating the Terms of Independence 34:02 Contradictions of the Post-War Client State 37:06 The Logic of the Fourth Shore 41:44 The Mechanics of Mass Displacement 46:13 Global Complicity and the Politics of Amnesia 51:39 Reclaiming a Seat in Historical Memory 54:03 The Ethics of the Freedom Fighter 56:11 Shar: The Survivors’ Conceptualization of Death
Professor Ali Abdellatif Ahmida is the founding chair and a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of New England in Maine. Born in Waddan, Libya, and educated at Cairo University and the University of Washington, his scholarship focuses on historical sociology, political theory, and anti-colonial resistance in North Africa. A prolific author, his major works include "The Making of Modern Libya" and his most recent investigative research into "Shar," the forgotten colonial genocide in Libya. Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| A Love Letter to Tunisian Artisans | Kenza Fourati | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:54:45 | |
Model and entrepreneur Kenza Fourati discusses her origins, growing up 1990s in Tunisia to becoming a trailblazing figure in the international fashion industry. She reflects on how she initially viewed beauty through a French lens and the subsequent realization of how limiting that perspective was to the beauty of her immediate surroundings. The conversation delves into her brand, Osay (Our Stories Are Yours), which seeks to challenge the traditional fashion hierarchy by making Tunisian artisans the central designers and protagonists of their own craft. Through Osay, Fourati emphasizes the importance of supply chain accountability and human connection, moving away from a model of nameless, faceless hands toward one that celebrates the ingenuity and heritage of the Global South.
0:00 Introduction 2:06 Reclaiming Arab Aesthetics 3:01 Growing Up in Tunisia and Early Notions of Beauty 5:42 Navigating the Modeling Industry 7:52 Lack of Arab Role Models in Global Fashion 9:18 Choosing Creative Freedom 11:04 Finding Power in a Discardable Industry 12:59 Osay: Elevating Tunisian Artisans 14:16 Challenging the Fashion Supply Chain 16:06 Reversing the Design Hierarchy: Artisans as Protagonists 18:05 Modeling as a Blank Canvas vs. Projecting a Story 19:57 A Love Letter to Tunisian Heritage 23:14 Reflections on the Sports Illustrated Milestone 25:52 Amplifying the Tunisian Revolution 27:21 Stereotypes and the Western Gaze 30:23 Finding Your Tribe 35:08 Local Critique and Patriotism 38:06 The Influence of Producer Dora Bouchoucha and Life on Film Sets 42:10 Creative Production in Hollywood and the Middle East 43:24 The Shift Toward Individualism 46:30 Celebrating Tunisian Brands 49:08 Remembering Master Artisan Mansour and the Preservation of Craft
Kenza Fourati is a Tunisian model and entrepreneur whose career is defined by a commitment to bridging global fashion with authentic cultural heritage. After gaining international recognition as the first Arab Muslim woman featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in 2011, she leveraged her platform to advocate for social and labor rights, even sharing personal letters regarding the Tunisian revolution through major media outlets. Fourati co-founded the brand Osay (Our Stories Are Yours), which centers on elevating the visibility of artisans from the global south by making them the primary designers of modern textile and leather goods. Currently based in New York, she continues to challenge traditional industry hierarchies by advocating for transparency, ethical labor practices, and the preservation of ancestral craftsmanship.
Connect with Kenza Fourati 👉 https://instagram.com/kenzafourati
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| Domicide in Homs & Beyond | Architect Ammar Azzouz | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:49:30 | |
The concept of domicide and its profound impact on Homs, Syria, is explored through the work and personal experiences of architect Ammar Azzouz. A research fellow at the University of Oxford, Dr. Azzouz discusses the deliberate destruction of homes, the trauma of exile, and his eventual return to his homeland. He examines how international attention frequently prioritizes the loss of ancient heritage sites, such as Palmyra, while often overlooking the intimate grief associated with the destruction of residential areas where people lived their daily lives. The discussion also delves into the slow violence of pre-war urban projects, like the "Homs Dream", which proposed demolishing parts of the historic old city for modern development, and how these top-down models continue to threaten the city's identity during current reconstruction efforts.
01:04 Introduction 01:35 Personal Memories of Home 05:00 The Architectural Identity of Homs 06:11 Exile and Return 10:51 Domicide vs. Urbicide 13:16 Slow Violence and the Homs Dream 17:18 The Politics of Reconstruction and Dubaization 21:04 Alternative Visions for Healing 33:00 Empowering the Next Generation 34:32 The Limitations of International Heritage Organizations 41:06 Highlighting Favorite Historical Sites
Dr. Ammar Azzouz is a British Academy Research Fellow at the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford. Originally from Homs, Syria, he studied architecture before moving to the UK to complete his PhD. Since leaving Syria in 2011, he has not been able to return. Dr. Azzouz is the author of Domicide: Architecture, War and the Destruction of Home in Syria (2023, Bloomsbury), with a foreword by Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent. He is the Principal Investigator of the Slow Violence and the City research project, which explores the connection between violence and the built environment in both wartime and peacetime. His current research focuses on art and culture in exile, particularly within the Syrian diaspora. Dr. Azzouz has contributed to platforms such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Statesman, and has been invited to speak at over 130 events worldwide, from Mexico and the US to Germany, the Netherlands, and Qatar.
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| The Secrets of Ancient Egypt: Dynasties, Pyramids & Pharaohs | Egyptologist Aidan Dodson | 06 avr. 2026 | 01:06:27 | |
What made Egypt the longest-surviving country in the world? Aidan Dodson is a professor and author of over 30 books and helps us explore fundamental shifts in our understanding of ancient Egypt. The discussion spans the civilization's long run, from the unification around 3000 BC—a feat commemorated by the crucial Narmer Palette—until Christianity began to erode its religious and linguistic foundations around 300 AD. Dodson examines the Pyramid Era, explaining these structures as magical machines designed to transition the dead king into a god. He also covers the rise of the sun cult and the political power of female pharaohs, including Nefertiti, whose historical importance lies in her role negotiating the religious transition from Akhenaten's revolution to Tutankhamun's return to tradition. The episode concludes with Dr. Dodson's top archaeological discoveries he wishes he had witnessed.
00:00 Introduction 01:30 A Passion for Egyptology 02:47 How Ancient Egypt is Presented to Young Audiences 03:47 Defining the Span of Ancient Egypt 04:21 The Unification of Egypt 08:18 Narmer: The Unifier of Egypt 09:56 Daily Life in Early Ancient Egypt 11:31 The Political Center: Memphis 12:57 Knowing the Personalities of Ancient Rulers 15:48 The Narmer Palette and the Discovery of Human Sacrifice 24:29 The Dawn of the Pyramid Era 27:44 Imhotep: Djoser’s Right-Hand Man 30:38 Sneferu: The Greatest Pyramid Builder 33:36 The Purpose of the Pyramids 38:35 The Elevation of the Sun Cult 40:34 The Pyramid Texts and Egyptian Religion 44:49 The Female Pharaohs 49:25 Nefertiti: From Glamour to Political Power 53:57 Dr. Dodson’s Top Archaeological Moments 54:50 The Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb 01:00:04 The Imperial Relationship of Ancient Egypt and Nubia 01:03:17 The Nubian Pharaoh
Aidan Dodson is honorary full professor of Egyptology in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Bristol, and has authored some thirty books. He was also Simpson Professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo in 2013, and Chair of the Egypt Exploration Society during 2011–16. Awarded his PhD by the University of Cambridge in 2003, he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 2003.
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| Inheriting a Legacy and a Platform | Najla Said | 30 mars 2026 | 01:01:44 | |
As the daughter of the renowned intellectual Edward Said, Najla Said discusses the unique pressures of navigating her family's legacy while forging her own creative voice in the shadow of his immense influence. The conversation explores her journey from attempting to assimilate into American culture as a youth to confronting her heritage during a pivotal trip to Palestine and Lebanon. Said details her entry into professional theater and the development of her acclaimed one-woman show, Palestine, which grew from an intimate journal entry. She also offers a personal perspective on her father's moral backbone, the impact of recent global events on her sense of safety in New York, and the evolution of her activism through new collaborative theater projects. The discussion touches on the enduring intimacy of her memoir, Looking for Palestine, and how sharing her inner monologue has helped her find a community based on genuine solidarity.
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| The Maghreb Generation: Militant Artists & Pan-African Postcolonial Future | Paraska Tolan-Szkilnik | 16 mars 2026 | 00:57:35 | |
We explore the interconnected artistic and political lives of figures from the Maghreb and the Black diaspora who collaborated in North Africa from the mid-1950s to the late 1970s, forming what our guest calls the Maghreb Generation, and cover the iconic 1969 Pan-African Festival of Algiers, where cultural figures like Nina Simone and political groups like the Black Panthers were present. Assistant Professor of History at Cornell University and author of "Maghreb Noir: The Militant Artist of North Africa and the Struggle for a Pan-African Postcolonial Future," Dr. Paraska Tolan-Szkilnik discusses her work which re-centers artists and intellectuals from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia as key political actors in the mid-20th-century anti-colonial and pan-African movements. Dr. Tolan-Szkilnik explains how these militant artists (deeply influenced by thinkers like Frantz Fanon) championed a philosophy of continued, revolutionary decolonization beyond flag independence. The episode details the political and personal risks these activists faced, including imprisonment for figures like Moroccan poet Abdellatif Laâbi and the assassination of Algerian poet Jean Sénac. Finally, the conversation explores film as a revolutionary form of culture for the highly illiterate populace and the enduring legacy of this generation’s radical vision for South-South solidarity.
0:53 Introduction 1:37 The Path to Pan-Africanism and the Maghreb 5:51 The Pan-African Festival of Algiers (1969) 7:23 The Substance of Revolution: Beyond the Speeches 10:00 The African Union, Liberation Movements, and Algiers 12:47 Questions of Race and Algerian Reactions to Blackness 14:19 North Africa as One Entity and French Colonial Borders 16:40 Central Figures of the Maghreb Generation 23:34 Defining the "Militant Artist" 25:15 The Philosophical DNA: Continued Decolonization 26:38 Frantz Fanon as Intellectual Forefather 27:44 The Autocratic Grind: Exile, Jail, and Death 34:54 The Moroccan Poet Abdellatif Laâbi and Souffles 40:09 Film as Revolutionary Culture 45:48 Turning Away from the West 49:00 The Striking Life of Jean Sénac 53:11 Poetry of Enthusiasm and Disillusionment
Paraska Tolan-Szkilnik is a historian of 20th century Africa and the Middle East. She specializes in questions of race, gender, and sex in the post-colonial Maghreb. She has published in Jadaliyya, the Arab Studies Journal, World Art, Monde(s), The Markaz Review, and the International Journal of Middle East Studies, amongst others. Her first book "Maghreb Noir: The Militant-Artists of North Africa and the Struggle for a Pan-African, Post-colonial Future" (Stanford, 2023) tells the story of a group of militant-artists, some Maghrebi, others Angolan, Haitian, or American, who led Pan-African cultural and political projects out of the recently decolonized cities of Rabat, Algiers, and Tunis.
Connect with Paraska Tolan-Szkilnik 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/paraska-tolan-163846201
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| Deep History of the Fertile Crescent to the Tigris & Euphrates Under the Ottomans | Faisal Husain | 23 févr. 2026 | 01:00:57 | |
Historian Faisal Husain wrote the book "Rivers of the Sultan: The Tigris and Euphrates in the Ottoman Empire" and in this episode, helps us explore the history of the Tigris and Euphrates. He argued for the necessity of understanding human history within the context of geological time, discussing the rivers' origins roughly 20 million years ago, tracing their influence on civilization from the "agricultural revolution" (which some scholars argue was a mistake leading to health issues) to the rise of early urban centers like the Sumerian cities. The conversation highlights the difference between the gentle Euphrates, which attracted early settlements, and the fast and unpredictable Tigris. Shifting to the Ottoman era, Husain examines the environmental challenges of Ottoman Iraq, which was poor in essential resources like grain, metal, and wood suited for construction, and details the extraordinary story of the Euphrates river changing its course in the late 1600s due to a poorly dug irrigation canal. He emphasizes the cultural importance of the palm tree and the vital role of water buffaloes, which made life possible for a quarter of the Iraqi population in the wetlands, whose fate would have otherwise been migration to seek resources and refuge elsewhere.
0:00 Introduction 1:47 When Did the Tigris and Euphrates Start? 3:04 The Importance of Deep History 5:49 Geological Origins: 20 Million Years Ago 7:37 When the Rivers Began to Matter to Homo Sapiens 10:40 The Rationale for Writing Deep History 12:00 Starting Middle East History Before 6th Century Arabia 14:45 The Difference Between the Twin Rivers 17:05 Why Sumerian Civilization Clustered on the Euphrates 20:36 Questioning the Agricultural Revolution 23:16 How Agriculture Began: Trial and Error 27:00 The Consequences of Taming Nature 30:40 The Ottoman Conquest of Iraq 32:20 Why Iraq Was Environmentally Poor for a Major Power 36:06 Iraq’s Default Status Under Iranian States 38:25 Baghdad in the 16th Century 42:25 The Euphrates Shifts Course (Late 1600s) 47:09 Water Buffaloes: The Essential Technology of the Wetlands 49:28 Ranking the Most Important Crops 51:03 Evliya Çelebi: The Traveler 54:49 Ottoman vs. European Traveler Perspectives 58:35 The Book Cover: Baghdad on the Tigris
Faisal Husain is an environmental historian of the Ottoman Empire, with a geographical focus on its eastern provinces in Anatolia and Iraq and a temporal focus on the early modern period. His first book "Rivers of the Sultan" examined the role of the Tigris and Euphrates in the establishment of Ottoman state institutions in the Ottoman eastern borderland between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. His second book project is an environmental history of Ottoman frontier expansion east of the Euphrates during the sixteenth century. He is co-editing a book on the global histories of animals (under contract with Oxford University Press) with Emily Wakild (Boise State University) and Nancy Jacobs (Brown University). In 2024-2025, he served as a senior lecturer at Boğaziçi University’s Department of History in Istanbul through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. He serves on several editorial boards, including those of Marmara Türkiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi (Marmara University), Global Environment (White Horse Press), and the “Middle East Environmental Histories” book series (Leiden University Press). Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Graphic Design & the Arab Creative Inflection Point | Ruba Abu-Nimah | 16 févr. 2026 | 00:58:20 | |
Award-winning creative director Ruba Abu-Nimah (known to many as @ruba on Instagram) discusses the state of creativity in the Arab world, the importance of young Arab talent embracing their culture, and the challenges of navigating corporate spaces as a Palestinian in the West. She talks about the foundational skills of graphic design, the vital role of design in communication, spaces and politics, and about her career so far. She also shares her strong belief that the Arab world is now the next frontier in global creativity.
0:00 Introduction 1:46 Passion For Graphic Design and Swiss Modernism 3:05 The Difference Between Past and Present Graphic Design Education 4:45 The Craft of Graphic Design and the Importance of Traditional Language 6:00 First Gig: Disruptive Innovation at French Glamour 8:02 Ingredients for Success: Passion, Nerdiness and London's Creative Influence 12:48 Defining Graphic Designer vs Creative Director 14:40 Graphic Design as the Foundation of Communication 15:40 The Subjectivity of Taste and the Role of Instinct 17:50 Design in the Arab World: Considered Cities vs Chaos 21:45 The Arab Creative Inflection Point: Youth, Voice and New Trends 22:47 Rejecting Emulation: Talent Rooted in Culture and Heritage 24:34 The Arab World Is the Next Frontier in Creativity 25:17 Navigating Prominent Positions as a Palestinian 26:35 Hiding in Plain Sight: The Forced Negation of Arab Origins 28:24 "Loud and Proud": The Momentum of the Arab Diaspora Today 30:21 The Prevailing Attitude: a Son's Act of Defiance 33:47 Corporate America vs Street Change 36:09 Corporate Structures Will Eventually Catch Up With Culture 40:03 The Brilliance of the Mamdani Campaign Design 41:17 Conspicuous Consumption vs Useful Design 48:45 Relationship With Social Media Platforms: Instagram and the Unhinged Threads 50:51 Instagram's Value: Finding and Commissioning Creatives 53:23 The Sweetest Revenge: Upscrolled and the Irony of Palestinian Tech Success 54:00 Recommendations: Arab Creatives To Look Up
Ruba Abu-Nimah is a Swiss creative executive of Palestinian descent who has worked in the fashion and cosmetic industries. She was the executive creative director for marketing and communications at Tiffany & Co. from March 2021 to February 2023. She previously worked at Revlon, Elle magazine, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Shiseido. She was the first female creative director at Elle magazine in the US. In 2018, Ruba collaborated with Nike to design the Air Force 1 Low "Love" shoe embodying equality and acceptance. She has collaborated with Phillip Lim on the New York Tougher Than Ever initiative, as well as a limited-edition sweatshirt to raise funds for Lebanon following the 2020 Beirut explosion. Connect with Ruba Abu-Nimah 👉 Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Science of Teaching: Addressing the Global Education Crisis | Dr Asyia Kazmi | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:48:31 | |
We delve into the stark realities of learning inequality, the crucial role of the science of teaching, and the transformative power of education, even in the face of conflict. Dr. Asyia Kazmi, CEO of WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education), an organization that is part of the Qatar Foundation, helps us explore the challenges and solutions in global education. As a former math teacher, Dr. Kazmi offers specific, evidence-based strategies for improving learning outcomes — including the concept of structured pedagogy — and discusses the nuances of AI and education, urging caution and the need for region-specific, full-stack solutions. Dr. Kazmi emphasizes that improving learning (not just access to schooling) must be the primary goal for policy. She confronts the notion that poverty is an insurmountable barrier to educational success, asserting that educators have a deep responsibility to provide a pathway out of poverty for low-income students. The conversation also delves into the unique challenges of the Arab world, highlighting the 60% learning poverty rate in our region. This episode was produced in collaboration with Qatar Foundation. Find out more about WISE 👉 wise-qatar.org
0:00 Introduction 2:01 From Classroom Teacher to Education Policy 6:03 Challenging Assumptions: Pedagogy Is a Science 10:18 The Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy 16:42 Teacher Responsibility to Overcome Poverty 21:49 Education Challenges in the Arab World 26:14 Resilience and Integrity: Lessons from Gaza 30:28 The Perils and Promise of AI in Education 39:35 Leveraging AI to Support Teachers 44:44 The Secrets of Successful Education Systems
Dr. Asyia Kazmi brings over 30 years of experience in education across government, philanthropy, and international development, with a distinguished track record of improving learning outcomes for underserved communities. Before joining Qatar Foundation, she served as the Global Education Policy Lead at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she helped create a global edtech and AI portfolio that positively impacted 2.5 million children. She began her career as a mathematics teacher and teacher coach before moving into leadership roles in the public and private sectors. At PwC, she led the UK government’s $1 billion Girls’ Education Challenge, supporting 1.5 million girls across 17 countries. She has also served in senior roles across three UK Government departments, including as Senior Education Adviser at DFID, Project Director at the Department for Education, and Her Majesty’s Senior Inspector at Ofsted. She holds a Master’s in Applied Mathematics from Imperial College London, a Doctorate in Education from University College London, and two PGCEs in mathematics teaching and leadership development. She was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours List for her contributions to girls’ education. Connect with Asyia Kazmi 👉 https://instagram.com/wiseqatar Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Innovation Rooted in Culture: On Deep Tech, Brain Drain & Impact | Rama Chakaki | 04 févr. 2026 | 00:57:18 | |
The president of the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), discusses her unique vision for innovation in the Arab world, emphasizing the crucial need to tie technological advancement to our roots, culture, heritage, and fundamental needs. Rama Chakaki shares insights from her career, which is defined by bridging the gap between impact and financial return, and explains QSTP's role as a platform for global innovation, nurturing deep-tech companies in sectors like AI, robotics, and biotech, with a focus on impact. The discussion delves into the pervasive "brain drain" phenomenon, with Chakaki observing a "reverse brain drain" as Arabs return to Doha and the region due to safety, resource availability, and a culture of belonging. She champions a bottom-up approach to innovation and addresses common misconceptions about Arab women in tech, highlighting their high representation in tech degrees and leadership roles. Finally, Chakaki challenges the Silicon Valley "unicorn" model, advocating for a community-built "elephant" model that prioritizes the double or triple bottom line—caring for people, the environment, and financial returns. Explore Qatar Science and Technology Park 👉 https://qstp.qa/ This episode was produced in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.
01:33 Introduction 02:55 Defining Deep Tech 04:08 An Innovative Vision for the Arab Region 07:38 The Communal Education Framework 10:59 The State of Innovation: Green, Yellow, and Red Lights 13:42 Blending Impact and Financial Return 18:57 The Global Phenomenon of Brain Drain 26:43 QSTP's Global Mandate 28:37 Examples of Culturally Rooted Innovation 36:18 The "Elephant" Model and Triple Bottom Line 44:00 The Risk of Free Products and Data 48:15 Misconceptions About Arab Women In Tech 51:26 Advice To Her Younger Self 55:16 Suggested Reading
Syrian-American Impact Tech Entrepreneur, Investor and philanthropist, Rama Chakaki is the president of the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). Prior to her role at QSTP, she was a partner at Transform VC, a Silicon Valley firm enabling 1000 tech founders to impact a billion and make a billion by investing in deep tech with climate and social impact. Rama was instrumental in building the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Middle East. In addition to her corporate roles, Rama runs an edTech nonprofit (VIP.fund) supporting youth impacted by conflict. Rama has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, the Monitor, Arab Women Rising, a Wharton School of Business Publication and The power of presence, a book by Joy Moore. Connect with Rama Chakaki 👉 https://instagram.com/rchakaki Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Founder of Mille World Sofia Guellaty | Fashion, Soft Power & the New Arab Identity | 19 janv. 2026 | 01:05:08 | |
The unifying youth culture across the Arab region is characterized by a proud new Arab identity and the changing standards of beauty with the rise of "Arab beauty" (A beauty), which celebrates Arab features and aesthetics. The founder of Mille World and Mille Creative, Sofia Guellaty, talks about her journey launching the first Arab youth platform in the Arab world, the role of media professionals as "editors of conversations," and the emergence of a new, proud Arab identity among both Gen Z and millennials. She discusses how she uses fashion and pop culture as a tool for "soft power" to talk about liberation, representation, and diversity, moving away from superficial content. She reflects on her early career, her shift from being fascinated by the West to "unbashedly proud to be Arab," and the challenges faced by Arab talent, including visa issues and the lack of an Arab-centric market. The conversation also delves into how her platform, Mille World, aims to address the lack of authentic Arab youth representation by giving a voice to young creatives who want to define their own stories, not be perceived through a "western gaze". Explore Mille World 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mille_world/ 0:00 Introduction 2:06 The First Arab Youth Platform 3:51 Media Consumption and Identity & Obsession with the West 7:20 Fashion’s Role: Beyond Clothes to Communication Techniques 10:47 Becoming Editors of Conversations 18:47 Representation in Modeling: the Arab Face 20:07 Barriers for Arab Talent: Visa Issues and Market Size 24:46 Structurally Flawed Media and the Need for Critique 29:27 The Complexities of Arab Identity and Community 34:04 The Unifying New Arab Identity and Its Pillars 36:16 Changing Standards: The Rise of Arab Beauty 40:56 Cultural Blind Spots and Local Talent in the Region 45:00 Homegrown Talent Shaping the New Narrative 49:14 Fixing the Creative Industries with Unlimited Capital 52:57 Stories of Pride: Being the Torchbearer of Anti-Colonial Sentiment
Sofia Guellaty is the founder and creative director of Mille World, a digital magazine that chronicles Arab youth culture and style currents. She has grown the Dubai-based business into a cultural platform covering art, fashion, beauty, music and travel scenes across the Middle East and North Africa, featuring bold storytelling and sharp commentary from underrepresented voices in both Arabic and English. Under Guellaty’s leadership, Mille has become a vital alternative voice in the Arabic media landscape and a refreshing read for Gen Z and Millennials across the region. Blending her sleek editorial vision with fearless cultural commentary and an unconventional perspective, Mille explores everything from Libyan streetwear to Palestinian DJs and Lebanese jewellery designers. Beyond her editorial work, Guellaty serves as a board member of Fashion Trust Arabia and operates Mille Creative, a Dubai- and Riyadh-based marketing and creative agency producing campaigns for global brands. She launched Mille in 2017 after serving as editor of Condé Nast’s first Middle East venture, Style.com/Arabia, while contributing to Vanity Fair France. Born and raised in Tunisia, Guellaty began her media career in Paris, freelancing for Elle France and later publishing her novel ‘Le Sablier’. Connect with Sofia Guellaty 👉 https://instagram.com/sofiaguellaty Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| A History of Algeria & the Worlds of Islam | Professor James McDougall | 12 janv. 2026 | 01:06:18 | |
The conversation covers the historical emergence of Algeria as a political and territorial unit, starting in the Ottoman period in the 16th century. Key pivotal moments in Algerian history are highlighted, including French colonialism beginning in 1830, which led to a settler colonial project, the rise of the modern mass nationalist movement in the interwar period, the War of National Liberation (1954–1962), and the decade of violence in the 1990s. The latter half of the conversation focuses on the "Worlds of Islam," emphasizing a polycentric history with no single center. A historian, professor at the University of Oxford, and author of books "A History of Algeria" and "The Worlds of Islam: A Global History", James McDougall details the diverse "technologies" of Islam's spread, including its compelling initial mission, the appeal of social mobility for non-Arabs, trade networks, and the influence of Sufism. He also discusses the historical roots of Islamophobia, which is traced to the 19th-century colonial moment. He discusses why he was drawn to studying Algeria, a country he notes is often ignored in Middle East studies and is known as "the land of a million martyrs" for its iconic history of resistance to colonialism.
0:00 Introduction 2:08 Intellectual Curiosity and Addressing Poor Understanding of the Region 7:37 When Did Algeria Begin to Exist? Debunking the Colonial Narrative 12:38 Pivotal Moments in Algerian History 13:48 The Ottoman Period (16th–19th Century) and Connection to the Levant 16:29 Settler Colonialism Under the French (1830 Onwards) 19:46 The War of National Liberation (1954–1962) 20:41 The Violence of the 1990s 21:35 Is the War of Independence Connected to the 1990s Civil Strife? 23:34 The Legacy of French Colonial Misunderstanding and Racism 31:27 Algeria as an Anti-Colonial Symbol Across the Arab World 32:18 Leadership of the Algerian Revolution 38:37 The Worlds of Islam: A Polycentric Global History 46:05 Technologies of Islam's Spread 49:18 Muslims as a Minority in the Middle East After the Early Conquests 53:15 Why Islam Did Not Spread Everywhere Earlier 55:20 The Historical Development of Islamophobia Readings on Global history and Islamic history: Josephine Quinn, How the World Made the West: A 4000 Year History (2024) Cemil Aydin, The Idea of the Muslim World: A Global Intellectual History (2017)
Readings on Algeria: Natalya Vince, The Algerian War, the Algerian Revolution (2020) Malika Rahal, Algérie 1962, une histoire populaire (2022) Jeffrey James Byrne, Mecca of Revolution: Algeria, Decolonization, and the Third World Order (2016) Thomas Serres, The Suspended Disaster: Governing by Crisis in Bouteflika’s Algeria (2023) Muriam Haleh Davis, Markets of Civilization: Islam and Racial Capitalism in Algeria (2022) Christopher Silver, Recording History: Jews, Muslims and Music across 20th century North Africa (2022) Sara Rahnema, The Future is Feminist: Women and Social Change in Interwar Algeria (2023) Arthur Asseraf, Electric News in Colonial Algeria (2019)
James Robert McDougall is a British historian and Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at the University of Oxford and Laithwaite Fellow in History at Trinity College, Oxford. His research mainly addresses the modern and contemporary Mediterranean; Middle Eastern, African and Islamic history, especially Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, but also the history of European imperialism in the Arab world, modern Arab intellectual and political history, and the global history of Islam since c.1700; the French colonial empire in Africa; the Sahara; nationalism and revolutionary movements in Asia and Africa; comparative imperial history; historiography and critical theory. Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Textile Workers & the Syrian-American Working Class | Stacy D. Fahrenthold | 22 déc. 2025 | 00:51:30 | |
Discover the interconnectedness of peddling and factory work, the surprising origins of the Aloha shirt, and the key role Syrian workers played in major labor actions like the 1912 Bread and Roses strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Associate Professor of History at the University of California and author of "Unmentionables: Textiles, Garment Work, and the Syrian American Working Class" Dr. Stacy D. Fahrenthold discusses her work which offers a class-conscious history of the Syrian-American diaspora, a community of about half a million people in the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s. While the "peddler" is often the central figure and icon of this diaspora's economic history for over a century, Fahrenthold shifts the focus to the new immigrants who came to the U.S. and found work in the textile industries. The conversation explores the hidden role of Syrian-American garment workers, particularly young women, who produced goods like "kimonos", undergarments, stockings, and household textiles.
0:00 Introducing Unmentionables & Shifting the Icon from Peddler to Laborer 0:40 Lawrence, Massachusetts: The Second Largest Arab-American Community 1:48 Who Was The Syrian American Working Class? 2:41 The Gap in Arab-American Diaspora History 3:14 Textiles and Garment Work 4:50 The Peddler: Icon vs Reality 7:12 Labor Experience In The U.S. vs Greater Syria 8:50 Skilled Silk Weavers and First-Time Proletarians 10:14 Syrian Workers and Global Labor Movements 11:27 The Bread and Roses Strike of 1912 15:09 Dynamite, Arrests and Militarization of the Syrian Neighborhood 19:16 Scale of Syrian Immigration Compared to Other Groups 22:14 The Majority of Textile Workers Were Women 24:43 The Connection to the Silk Industry in Mount Lebanon 27:28 A Look Inside a Syrian-American Garment Factory 29:04 The Kimono: Branding and Orientalism 31:50 The Effacement of Origins in the Marketplace 35:36 Economic and Social Mobility For Syrian-American Families 39:03 The Legacy of Syrian-American Textile Companies 40:01 The Lebanese Origins of The Aloha Shirt 43:14 Marghab Linen and Racial Stereotyping 44:22 Geographic Dispersion of Syrian Communities 47:09 Illicit Activity and Contraband in the Diaspora 49:22 Recommended Readings In Arab-American History
Stacy Fahrenthold is a historian of the modern Middle East specializing in labor migration; displacement/refugees; border studies; and diasporas within and from the region. Her new book "Unmentionables: Textiles, Garment Work, and the Syrian American Working Class" examines how Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian immigrant workers navigated processes of racialization, immigration restriction, and labor contestation in the textile industries of the Atlantic world. It recently received the Middle East Studies Association's 2025 Nikki Keddie Award for "outstanding scholarly work in religion, revolution, and/or society." Her award-winning first book, "Between the Ottomans and the Entente: The First World War in the Syrian and Lebanese Diaspora" examines the politics of Syrian and Lebanese migration to the Americas during the First World War, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and the rise of European Mandates in the Middle East. Fahrenthold is Associate Editor of Mashriq & Mahjar: Journal of Middle Eastern and North African Migration Studies. Connect with Stacy D. Fahrenthold 👉 https://instagram.com/sdfahrenthold Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Julia Elyachar | On the Semicivilized: Coloniality, Finance & Embodied Sovereignty in Cairo | 15 déc. 2025 | 00:59:27 | |
The discussion covers the evolving role of debt as an instrument of empire, the emergence of sovereign wealth funds, and the ways financial instruments and flows of money subtly shape political realities and people's lives in the region. Professor Elyachar discusses her latest book "On the Semicivilized: Coloniality, Finance, and Embodied Sovereignty in Cairo" and how she challenges the notion that global finance originated solely in the West. The conversation delves into the history of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and their role in economic development, particularly in "pushing debt as a form of development". A Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University whose work examines the intersection of finance, political economy, and the Arab world, Elyachar also shares her family's history as sarrafs (bankers/brokers) in Ottoman Palestine, and how this tradition sparked her interest in finance and economics. She also explains the historical legal category of the "semicivilized," a term used in international law to describe the Ottoman Empire and other non-European powers who were recognized as legitimate sovereigns.
01:13 Introduction 03:31 A Family History of Finance in Ottoman Palestine 06:52 Fieldwork in Cairo: Informal Economy and Debt 10:15 The Problem of NGOs and "NGOification" 15:53 Debt As an Instrument of Empire 23:28 Defining "Semicivilized" 37:57 The Central Question: Finance and Violence 50:12 The Rise of Sovereign Wealth Funds 56:11 Turning Debt Into Assets
Julia Elyachar is an anthropologist, political economist, and award winning author. She was trained in anthropology, economics, history of political and economic thought, political economy, social theory, Middle Eastern Studies, and Arabic language. She is an associate professor of anthropology at Princeton University, and associate professor at the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies. She is a Faculty Researcher with the Dignity and Debt network and serves on the Executive Boards of the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, and the Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies. She has published the books "Markets of Dispossession: NGOs, Economic Development, and the State in Cairo" and "On the Semicivilized: Coloniality, Finance, and Embodied Sovereignty in Cairo" (2025). Connect with Julia Elyachar 👉 https://twitter.com/JuliaElyachar
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna
Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Iraq: Eras of Rupture & the Illusions of Nostalgia | Zainab Saleh | 08 déc. 2025 | 01:01:20 | |
The discussion delves into the complex historical eras of Iraq, challenging binary understandings of its past and present. A professor at Haverford College and author of "Political Undesirables: Citizen Denaturalization and Reclamation in Iraq and Return to Ruin: Iraqi Narratives of Exile and Nostalgia", Zainab Saleh discusses how the Iraq she grew up in—during the Ba'ath Party reign and under Saddam Hussein—was a time of fear and repression, despite the earlier period of high hopes and political aspirations in the 1940s and 1950s. She explores the concept of nostalgia for the Saddam era, which exists even among those who suffered under the regime, because of the basic services that were provided. The conversation offers a nuanced timeline of modern Iraqi history, from World War I's role in creating Middle Eastern nation-states through the Ottoman and British rules, the monarchy, and the Ba'ath Party. A key focus is placed on the 1990s as a major turning point, with the 1991 bombardment and subsequent sanctions leading to the rapid deterioration of infrastructure, increased social problems like begging and corruption, and environmental collapse. We consider the argument that the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the US invasion should be viewed as one long, continuous war. Saleh critiques the simplistic narrative that Americans brought to Iraq after 2003, arguing that it institutionalized a sectarian political system. She emphasizes that the American discourse—classifying Sunnis as loyalists and Shia or Kurds as oppressed—ignored the reality of mixed communities and complex political loyalties. Saleh explores the historical use of denaturalization in Iraq, a topic central to her latest book. She details how the British and subsequent Iraqi regimes used the pretext of "political undesirables" to strip citizens of their rights, citing examples such as Iraqi Jews in the 1950s and Iraqis of Iranian origin in the 1980s.
0:00 Introduction 1:50 When Did The Iraq You Grew Up In Start? 2:54 The High Hopes of the 1940s and 1950s 3:33 Nostalgia, Time, and Loss 7:09 The Broad Phases of Iraqi History 9:33 Cultural Renaissance Under the Monarchy 10:00 Vibrant Leftist Politics in the Monarchy Era 11:39 Nostalgia for the Monarchy 13:00 The Largest Effect on Daily Life: 1991 Bombardment and Sanctions 16:29 Connecting the Wars: One Long War 17:59 The Lead-up to Saddam's Invasion of Kuwait 19:33 The Vision of the Neoconservatives 20:40 Misunderstandings about US Imperialism 22:11 The Myth of Iraqi Sectarianism 23:24 The Institutionalization of a Sectarian System 25:27 The Role of the Iraqi Opposition Abroad 28:29 Phases of Post-2003 Iraq 29:12 The Civil War and Proxy War (2006-2008) 30:20 Displacement and the Reorganization of Iraqi Society 30:52 Social Mobilization: 2011 and the Tishreen Uprising (2019) 31:24 The Catastrophe of ISIS 34:29 The Problem with Nostalgic Photos 40:14 When One Dictator Becomes a Source of Nostalgia 41:16 The Book: Political Undesirables and Denaturalization 41:59 The Deportation of Iraqis of Iranian Origin (1980) 44:48 Denaturalization as a Systemic Pattern 48:19 Issuing Passports After World War I 51:00 The Expulsion of Iraqi Jews (1950) 51:25 Iraqi Jews as an Integral Part of Society 52:44 The Ancient History of Babylonian Jews 55:20 The Basis for Expulsion 58:19 Recommended Readings on Iraqi History
Zainab Saleh is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Haverford College and the author of books "Return to Ruin: Iraqi Narratives of Exile and Nostalgia" (2020) and "Political Undesirables: Citizenship, Denaturalization, and Reclamation in Iraq" (2025). Connect with Zainab Saleh 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/zainab-saleh-669a7b253 Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Art Doesn't Lie | Basel Dalloul on Archiving Arab Art & Decolonizing the Art Market | 01 déc. 2025 | 00:43:01 | |
We visit Basel Dalloul at the Dalloul Artist Collective to discuss the genesis of the Dalloul Art Foundation and the mission of the new artist collective. A technologist and lawyer by training, Basel shares his family’s journey into collecting art and the vision his father had for a Pan-Arab art collection in Beirut. They discuss how Arabism failed politically, but that culturally, the art from the region shows a great deal of sync and kinship, with artists empathizing with their Arab brethren. Central to the discussion is the role of art as an archive of history. Basel highlights the importance of Arab art as a reference site and how connecting artists from Morocco to Iraq reveals common themes that some may find inconvenient to tell. The conversation then shifts to the need to decolonize the art world, critiquing the tendency to celebrate Western art and seek validation from Western curators. Basel challenges the routine belief that Arab artists or art professionals are "not competent or good enough". He also addresses the broken global gallery system, which often dictates terms to artists and unfairly takes up to 50% of an artist's take. The mission of the Dalloul Artist Collective is to shift focus from the art to the artist, acting as an artist management agency to empower and educate the artist community.
0:00 Introduction 2:12 The Vision for the Dalloul Art Foundation: Pan-Arab Art 3:36 Relationship to Art Growing Up 5:55 Shifting from Western to Arab Art Collecting 8:45 Failure Is Not An Option 10:47 Authenticating Art and The Lack of a Reference Site for Arab Art 12:53 Organizing the Single Largest Private Collection of Modern Contemporary Arab Art 15:05 The Kinship of Arab Culture 17:57 Artists as Archivists of History 19:46 Beirut: A De Facto Cultural Hub With No Taboos 22:54 Critiquing the Celebration of Western Art Over Arab Art 25:57 Dalloul Artist Collective: Focusing on The Artist 27:18 The Broken Global Gallery System 32:11 The State of Art Collecting in The Arab World 35:56 Artists Basel Dalloul Adores 38:02 The Need to Educate the Arab Youth on Arab Artists 38:48 The Story Behind Ayman Baalbaki’s Moulatham 41:26 Empowering Artists with Transparency and Business Savvy
Basel Dalloul Founded the Dalloul Art Foundation in 2017 to manage and promote his father’s (Dr. Ramzi Dalloul) vast collection of modern and contemporary Arab art. At around 4000 pieces it is the largest collection of its kind in private hands. The collection includes but is not limited to paintings, photography, sculpture, video and mixed media art. Basel has had a passion for art since he was very young, inspired by both his mother and father, whom are also passionate about art in all its forms. Basel also founded NOOR Group in 2000 in response to the Egyptian government’s announced goal of becoming the hub of the information technology (IT) industry in the Middle East. As Chairman and CEO, he has set the overall direction of NOOR, bringing the first region-wide, full-service IT development program to the area. He holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from American University and a Juris Doctor and MBA from Georgetown University, both in Washington, DC. Basel also studied electrical engineering and computer science at Rice University in Houston, TX, and undertook comparative studies of American and British common law and procedural law at Oxford University in England. He co-taught a course in entertainment law and the Internet at Georgetown University Law Center and is a frequent speaker and seminar leader at IT conferences worldwide. Connect with Bassel Dalloul 👉 https://instagram.com/dafbeirut Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Curator Hiba Abid | Niyū Yūrk at the New York Public Library | 24 nov. 2025 | 00:52:26 | |
Curator of "Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City", Hiba Abid, joins us to talk about the exhibition, housed at the New York Public Library's iconic 42nd Street building, which challenges dominant narratives by presenting New York as a city deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern and North African history and culture. Abid delves into the diverse stories of immigration, the often-overlooked North African presence, and the revolution in Arabic publishing in New York. Through fascinating primary documents and personal stories, the discussion explores everything from the surprising origins of the Statue of Liberty to early 20th-century American citizenship guides published in Arabic, revealing the long, complex, and vibrant history of Arab and Middle Eastern communities in New York. The exhibition remains until March 8, 2026. On December 5, is a Middle Eastern/North African take over of the flagship building of the NYPL that's not to be missed 👉https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/niyu-yurk
0:00 Introduction 1:18 Meet Hiba Abid and the NYPL Exhibition Title 2:16 The Exhibition's Core Idea and Historical Scope 5:41 Is New York a Middle Eastern City? 6:33 The Arab Roots of the Statue of Liberty 9:15 The 1910 Portrait of Mohamed Juda and Early Exclusion 12:34 Citizenship Guides for Early Arab Immigrants 16:45 Amplifying North African Stories in New York 20:47 Photography and a History of Arab Tattoos 24:19 The Explosion of Arabic Publishing in New York 28:27 Assimilation and Critique: Arab Views of America 31:14 "America Ya Hilwa": An Arab Immigrant's Bid for the US National Anthem 42:06 Salloum Mokarzel and the Arabic Linotype Revolution 43:25 A 1917 Menu from a Syrian Restaurant in New York 46:25 Confronting Anti-Arab Sentiment Through Archives 51:53 Upcoming NYPL Middle Eastern/North African Takeover Event
Hiba Abid oversees the New York Public Library’s collections of general and special materials produced in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and diasporic communities in the United States. Before joining NYPL, she taught courses on Islamic manuscripts and material culture at New York University’s Department of Art History and Institute of Fine Arts. She has also served as an Associate Researcher at the National Library of France, and contributed to exhibitions at the Louvre Museum, the Musée des Augustins, and Le 32bis: Center for Contemporary Art in Tunis. Hiba Abid received her MA in Art History from the Sorbonne University in Paris and PhD in Islamic Art History, Codicology and Philology from the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris. Connect with Hiba Abid 👉 https://instagram.com/nypl_archives Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Bernard Khoury | On Karantina, Solidere & Practicing Architecture in Lebanon | 17 nov. 2025 | 00:45:24 | |
We visited renowned architect Bernard Khoury in his studio in Karantina, who offered a critical, unvarnished look at the reality of practicing architecture in Lebanon, contrasting it with the sugarcoated story of the "Phoenix coming out of its ashes". He discusses his career beginnings, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and how his first project—the infamous B018 nightclub—was a radically specific and necessary response to the city’s complex, macabre history and unstable political and economic context. Khoury shares his philosophical approach to architecture, which rejects stylistic gestures in favor of an obsession with specificity and a direct confrontation with Beirut's explosive nature, arguing for a practice that produces honest, if sometimes "sour" meaning in the present rather than succumbing to toxic simplifications.
00:00 The Sourness and Complexity of Beirut 01:23 Bernard Khoury's Karantina Studio and the Beirut Explosion 03:12 His First Project: B018 in Karantina 04:01 The Illusion and Disillusion of the Post-War Era 05:42 An Architect's Dilemma: Designing for an Expiry Date 12:56 Solidere, Immaterial Ownership, and a New Urbanism 15:44 The Cultural Significance of B018 17:05 B018's Site: A Macabre History 19:40 From Furniture Factory to Architecture Practice 22:52 Khalil Khouri: Modern Architect with Certainties 27:23 A Generational Difference in Practice 28:57 Rejected Labels: What Bernard Khoury Hates to Be Called... 31:41 Style vs. Specificity 36:00 Estrangement and Addiction to a Very Intense Environment 42:00 Bernard Khoury's Criticism of Solidere's Historical Narrative
Born in Beirut (1968), Bernard Khoury studied architecture at the Rhode Island school of Design (BFA 1990 / B.Arch 1991) and Harvard University (M.Arch 1993). He was awarded by the municipality of Rome, the Borromini Prize honorable mention given to architects under 40 years of age (2001), the Architecture + Award (2004), the CNBC Award (2008) and nominated for several awards including the Aga Khan award (2002 / 2004/ 2021), the Chernikov prize (2010) and the Mies van der Rohe Award (2021). He co-founded the Arab Center for Architecture (2008), was a visiting professor in several universities including the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and L’Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. He has lectured and exhibited his work in over 150 institutions, including solo shows at the Aedes gallery in Berlin (2003), the Spazio per l’architecttura Milano (2016) and numerous group shows including YOU prison at the Fondazione Sandretto in Torino (2008), the opening show of the MAXXI museum in Roma (2010), the Frac Architecture Biennale in Orleans (2018), the Oris House of Architecture in Zagreb (2020) and the Architecture Biennale of Seoul (2021). He was the architect and co-curator of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale (2014). Over the years he has developed an international reputation and a diverse portfolio of projects in over fifteen countries. Khoury was nominated by the French Ministry of Culture Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (2020) Connect with Bernard Khoury 👉 https://instagram.com/bernardkhourydw5 Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Nurturing Authentic Voices in Filmmaking in the Arab World | Rana Kazkaz | 10 nov. 2025 | 00:44:12 | |
We delve into the evolving landscape of filmmaking in the region, the importance of authentic, locally rooted narratives, and the critical role of institutions like the Doha Film Institute in fostering emerging talent. Award-winning filmmaker and associate professor at Northwestern Qatar, Rana Kazkaz, offers a glimpse into her current project "The Hakawati's Daughter," and provides recommendations for essential Arab cinema. She shares her experiences teaching film in the Arab world, highlighting the unique challenges and immense joys of mentoring a new generation of storytellers. This episode is in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.
0:00 Introduction 0:23 The Joy of Mentoring Arab Students 3:19 The "Why" of Storytelling: Finding Your Authentic Voice 4:44 Navigating Censorship and Risk in Filmmaking 7:24 How Technology is Shaping New Narratives 10:47 Shifting Away from the "Other" Narrative 14:55 Building the Filmmaking Pipeline: The Role of the Doha Film Institute 19:39 The Critical Need for Producers in the Arab World 21:39 The Impact of Non-Regional Producers on Arab Films 26:12 Recommending Authentic Arab Films for Students 29:28 Addressing Class Bias in the Film Industry 31:19 Unlearning Self-Orientalism in Storytelling 33:40 The Genesis of "The Hakawati's Daughter" 41:26 Essential Films from the Arab World
Rana Kazkaz is a filmmaker and associate professor in residence at Northwestern University Qatar. Her films have been recognized at the world’s leading festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Tallinn, Tribeca, and Abu Dhabi. She received her MFA from Carnegie Mellon University/Moscow Art Theater and BA from Oberlin College. With a focus on Syrian stories, her producing, screenwriting, and directing portfolio includes The Translator (2020), Mare Nostrum (2016), Searching for the Translator (2016), Deaf Day (2011), and Kemo Sabe (2007). Her current film projects include The Hakawati’s Daughter and Honest Politics. She is a member of the Académie des César and was awarded fellowships with the Buffett Institute, MacDowell and the American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women. Connect with Rana Kazkaz 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ranakazkaz Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| "The Future is Not a Grave" With the NYU Institutes | Masha Kirasirova & Tishani Doshi | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:53:29 | |
"The Future Is Not a Grave" is a three-day workshop happening next week at NYUAD which explores futurisms and futurescapes across the MENA, Gulf, and Indian Ocean regions. In this collaborative episode with NYU Abu Dhabi Institute, conveners Tishani Doshi and Masha Kirasirova delve into challenging despair, fostering collective imagination, and integrating diverse perspectives from artists, scholars, and performers. Discover how this initiative seeks to redefine conversations about the future, moving beyond conventional narratives and embracing a more open-ended, tolerant, and inclusive approach. November 10-12, 2025 in Abu Dhabi 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-institute/events/2025/november/the-future-is-not-a-grave.html
0:00 The Future Is Not A Grave: Provocative Title and Imagining Possibilities 2:50 The Role of Imagination and Counteracting Despair 4:01 Future-Oriented Projects Across the Middle East 4:38 Comparing Futurescapes and Broadening the Academic Framework 7:31 Imagining Different Outcomes: A Collective Task 9:19 Futurisms: An Intellectual History of Future-Oriented Projects 11:13 Contextualizing the Present and Artistic Currents 12:31 Is Futurism Decidedly Optimistic? 14:02 The Interconnectedness of Future and Past 15:16 The Role of Language and Performance 17:46 Imagining a Future Tolerant of Darkness 20:00 Creating Space for Conversation, Not Just Conclusions 21:11 Bringing Diverse Disciplines Together 24:06 Gulf Futurism and Connecting Students 26:19 Diverse Panels: From Graphic Novels to Environmental Law 27:11 The Ancient Theater Tradition of Kutiyattam: Emperor Ashoka's Transformation 29:40 The Radical Possibility of Performance and Nonviolence 31:09 The Gulf, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean: A Unique Focus 32:55 Rethinking Historical Space and Eurocentrism 34:06 Prioritizing Local Perspectives and Interdisciplinarity 36:46 Soviet Visions of the Arab World 38:49 Development Schemes and Shifting Conversations 39:56 The Academy's Value of Storytelling and Artists 42:01 Breaking Down Formalized Barriers 43:10 Rethinking Systems and Collective Support 43:54 Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration 44:50 Academic Conferences as Art Projects 46:08 Untapped Topics and Intergenerational Knowledge 48:58 Collective Power vs. National Identity 52:42 Workshop Dates and Further Information
Masha Kirasirova is a historian of exchanges between the Soviet Eurasia and the Middle East. Her work approaches modern Middle Eastern history from a “Second World” perspective. It brings together several hitherto separate scholarly domains: Soviet nationalities policy with regard to the USSR’s Muslim populations; social and cultural history of Stalinism in shaping the experience of Arab communists in the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 1930s; cultural exchange with Arab leftist intellectuals during the Cold War; and the impacts of these exchanges on artistic, bureaucratic, and political practices inside the USSR and on those exported to Syria, Lebanon, Israel/Palestine, and Egypt. Tishani Doshi FRSL is an Indian poet, journalist and dancer based in Chennai. In 2006 she won the Forward Prize for Best First Collection due to Countries of the Body. Her poetry book "A God at the Door" was later shortlisted for the 2021 Forward Prize for Best Collection. She is widely acclaimed as a creative writer; her first book of poetry, Countries of the Body (2006), won a Forward Prize for Best First Collection. Connect with Tishani Doshi 👉 https://instagram.com/tishanidoshi Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Sculpting Public Art | Najla El Zein | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:45:41 | |
Award-winning sculptor and artist Najla El Zein is most recently known for her work on a public commission by Qatar Museums for Doha's cultural district — a work titled "Us, her, him". She joins us to talk about her creative process, the evolution of her work, and the profound impact of personal experiences on her art. Based between Beirut and Amsterdam, Najla's work explores the relationship between space, object, and the human body, often challenging conventional perceptions of sculpture. She delves into the emotional depth behind her most significant projects, including her iconic spoons sculpture, the "Distortion" series, as well as her monumental public commission in Qatar, reflecting on themes of motherhood, female identity, and collective creation amidst challenging times.
0:00 Introduction 1:21 The Artist's Studio and Creative Process 2:46 From Childhood Curiosity to Sculptural Expression 5:36 Embracing the Unromantic Side of Sculpture 7:45 The Spoons Sculptures: A Defining Project 8:42 Moving to Beirut and Accessing Craftsmanship 10:18 Process and Meaning Behind the Spoons Sculture 11:39 Capturing Movement and Life in Static Forms 12:57 The Significance of Process and Durability 14:10 "Distortion" Series: Motherhood and Identity 18:50 "Fragmented Pillar": Fragility and Strength 21:28 "Seduction" Series: The Journey of Connection 23:17 A Deepening Relationship With Stone 25:06 "Group of Five": Dynamics and Discovery 27:49 The Qatar Museums Project: A Public Commission Amidst Crisis 30:58 The Vision for Qatar's Cultural District 34:12 Craftsmanship and the Human Element in Public Art 37:16 The Collaborative Process: From Lebanon to Qatar 40:34 Influences: Saloua Raouda Choucair, Noguchi, and Hockney
Najla El Zein's work embodies an intuitive approach to art and design, where narrative, craft, and materiality are central to her creative process. Each piece offers a personal yet universal language that evokes curiosity and emotion. Born in Beirut in 1983, she is a Lebanese-French artist and designer based in Amsterdam. She graduated from the École Camondo in Paris with a degree in Product Design and Interior Architecture, Spatial Design. In 2024, she received the Dia Al-Azzawi Prize for Public Art for her monumental installation "Us, Her, Him" in Doha, Qatar. In 2025, she was honored as one of the AD100 most important influential figures in art and design. Her works are part of prestigious collections, including Dallas Museum of Art, Saint Louis Art Museum, Qatar Museums, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Connect with Najla El Zein 👉 https://instagram.com/najlaelzein Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Pressure Cooker: National Pavilion UAE at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale | Azza Aboualam | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:41:22 | |
We delve into the UAE National Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale, titled "Pressure Cooker" with curator Azza Aboualam. An assistant professor at the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University Dubai and co-founder of Holesum Studio, Aboualam explains how architecture can be a cornerstone for achieving food security, particularly in challenging climates like UAE's and the broader Gulf region. Inspired by a simple question from her mother about the origin of blueberries in the UAE, Aboualam's work explored the intersection of architectural design and food production, focusing on innovative greenhouse typologies. The "Pressure Cooker" exhibition showcases how traditional and high-tech architectural elements can be reconfigured to prolong growing seasons and expand food production within the UAE. We unpack the complexities of food security as a national priority, the economic and environmental costs of imported food, and the surprising prevalence of individual-led greenhouse projects in the UAE. We also touch upon the fascinating historical context of food in the UAE, the impact of population growth on food systems, and a unique architectural cookbook attached to the project, which frames the conversation around food and built environments.
0:00:00 The UAE's Vision For Food Security 0:02:40 "Pressure Cooker": Architecture and Food Flow 0:03:33 The Blueberry Revelation: Origin of the Idea 0:04:38 Why Food Security Is an Architectural Problem in the UAE 0:05:48 The Urgency of Food Security In The UAE 0:07:08 Global Warming and Food Production Challenges 0:08:08 Inside The "Pressure Cooker" UAE Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2025 0:10:41 A Call to Action and Moment of Reflection 0:11:55 The True Cost of Food 0:12:21 Greenhouses: a Common Practice in the UAE 0:14:16 The "Kit-of-Parts" Innovation 0:14:42 The Adaptable Greenhouse System 0:16:07 Food Production in Apartment Living 0:16:44 Sparking Broader Conversations 0:17:30 Individual vs. Urban Scale Food Production 0:19:08 Who Is Doing Food Security Well? 0:20:32 Food Infrastructure in the UAE 0:21:56 Regional Knowledge Sharing 0:23:02 Local Food Production and Sufficiency 0:23:53 Oil Revenue's Impact on Food Security 0:25:01 Pressure Cooker Recipes: An Architectural Cookbook 0:26:44 Engaging With Local Farmers 0:28:18 Pathway to Food Independence 0:29:03 Defining Food Independence 0:30:54 Supermarkets: a Changing Landscape 0:32:08 Historical Food Production in the UAE 0:33:11 Migration and Food Systems 0:35:00 Resources for Learning About Food Security 0:36:51 The Problem of Food Waste 0:39:17 Packaging Waste in the F&B Industry Upcoming event 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-institute/events/2025/october/pressure-cooker-curated-by-azza-aboualam.html Azza Aboualam is an Emirati architect and curator of the National Pavilion UAE for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2025. She is an Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University in Dubai and a co-founder and Director of Research at Holesum Studio, an interdisciplinary architecture and design practice based between New York, USA, and Sharjah, UAE. She co-founded the studio in 2021 a few years after graduating from the Yale School of Architecture. She worked with the UAE Ministry of Culture’s Architecture Initiative, and her field research, sketches, and writing were published in the book "In Search of Spaces of Coexistence: An Architect’s Journey" (2019), edited by Dr. Alamira Reem Al Hashimi and Adina Hempel. While working in Sharjah’s Department of Public Works, Aboualam managed the design and construction of large-scale projects such as the Aga Khan Award–winning Wasit Wetland Center. Connect with Azza Aboualam 👉 https://instagram.com/azza.aboualam Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| History of Carpets | Mohamed Maktabi | 13 oct. 2025 | 00:43:05 | |
We visit Maktabi's flagship store in Beirut to unravel the rich history and intricate artistry of carpets. A third-generation carpet dealer from the renowned family behind Iwan Maktabi, Mohamed Maktabi delves into everything from the first carpet every discovered, the ancient origins of carpet weaving and the unique characteristics of tribal versus city carpets, to the esteemed legacy of Persian rugs and the evolving nature of the carpet dealing business. Maktabi shares personal family anecdotes, discusses the cultural significance embedded in some woven masterpieces, and offers insights into caring for these cherished objects. Whether you're a long-time admirer or new to the world of carpets, this conversation offers a deep appreciation for an art form that has captivated humanity for millennia. Maktabi also gives us his carpet wishlist from around the world.
0:00 Introduction 0:22 The Oldest Carpet and Persian Heritage 0:46 Tribal vs. City Carpets: Craft and Purpose 0:50 The Evolution of Carpet Dealing: From Bazaar to Flagship 1:08 Mohamed Maktabi's Role and Family Legacy 3:31 The Craft of Hand-Knotted Carpets 4:57 Tribal Weaving: A Woman's Art 9:01 The Unparalleled Quality of Persian Carpets 15:15 The Rise of Carpets in Every Household 17:40 The Golden Age of Classical Carpets 19:24 The Shifting Landscape of Carpet Dealing 20:30 Contemporary Creations and Embedded Stories 21:20 Mass-Produced vs. Hand-Knotted Carpets 24:26 A Tour of Curated Antique Pieces 25:06 Shahabs Suzani: A Needlework Diary from Central Asia 28:32 The Paisley Design in Khorasan Carpets 29:55 Isfahan Quran Cover Design: A Family Heirloom 33:37 The Enduring Value and Care of Carpets 35:11 Japan's Appreciation for Persian Carpets 35:48 The Future of Classical Carpet Making 36:38 Mohamed's Dream Carpet Collection 38:32 The Legendary Ardabil Carpet 40:33 Proper Carpet Care and Maintenance
Mohamed Maktabi is a third-generation carpet dealer and a scion (and now CEO) of the Iwan Maktabi family, an institution in the carpet business established in Beirut in 1926. His grandfather immigrated from Isfahan to Beirut, with his father, Abbas Maktabi, continuing the family tradition. Mohamed, alongside two of his five sisters, joined the family business, which his father initially envisioned as a small gallery for esoteric textiles and unique tribal pieces. Mohamed is known for his deep knowledge of carpet history, from ancient origins to contemporary creations, and his appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance embedded in each piece. He maintains a focus on both traditional and modern designs, ensuring the legacy of hand-knotted carpets endures. Connect with Mohamed Maktabi 👉 https://instagram.com/mo_maktabi Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Dust That Never Settles: Literary Afterlives of the Iran-Iraq War | Amir Moosavi | 06 oct. 2025 | 00:54:20 | |
Amir Moosavi discusses the profound impact of the Iran-Iraq War – the longest two-state war of the 20th century – on the literature of both nations. Through his book "Dust That Never Settles: Literary Afterlives of the Iran-Iraq War," he explores in this conversation the official state-sanctioned narratives that emerged during and after the war, comparing them with the more nuanced, critical, and often experimental literary responses from writers in Iraq and Iran, including those in the diaspora. The conversation also highlights how these diverse literary works grapple with the war's legacy, from its human and environmental costs to its enduring presence in collective memory.
0:00 The Enduring Legacy of the Iran-Iraq War 1:03 Introducing Amir Moosavi's Book 3:39 A Historical Primer on the Iran-Iraq War 7:16 Shifting Narratives: Qadisiyyat Saddam and Operation Karbala 11:49 Bridging Arabic and Persian Literary Worlds 15:51 Understanding State Literature and Propaganda 20:11 Examples of State Literature and Narrative Shifts 29:36 Post-War Writers: Challenging Official Narratives 35:26 Warfront Depictions and the Quest for Truth 38:31 Artistic Communities and Collective Memory 40:41 The Meaning Behind "Dust That Never Settles" 43:18 Ecological Damage in War Literature 48:22 Misconceptions and Nuances in War Literature 50:39 Diaspora Authors and Freedom of Expression
Amir Moosavi is an assistant Professor in the Department of English at Rutgers University- Newark. He started teaching at Rutgers-Newark in the fall of 2018, following a year-long EUME postdoc funded by the Volkswagenstiftung and Mellon Foundation in Berlin (2016-17) and a visiting assistant professorship in modern Iranian studies at Brown University (2017-18). His research and teaching interests cover modern Arabic and Persian literatures and the cultural history of the Middle East, with an emphasis on Iran, Iraq, and the Levant. At RU-N, he teaches courses on Arabic and Persian fiction and film, world literature, translation studies, and war culture. He is particularly interested in how cultural production deals with violent pasts, wars, notions of transitional justice, representations of urban space, and the climate crisis. He has written a book manuscript titled "Dust That Never Settles: Literary Afterlives of the Iran-Iraq War." Connect with Amir Moosavi 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-moosavi-1b348224 Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Yemen as the Global Home of Coffee | Nancy Um | 29 sept. 2025 | 00:55:37 | |
We challenge contemporary perceptions of Yemen as a "backwater" by revealing the pivotal role of its port city, Mocha, in the making of our modern world. Historian Nancy Um delves into the fascinating history of coffee, from its origins in 15th-century Yemen to its global spread and the economic transformations it spurred. She explores the rich maritime trade routes of the Indian Ocean, highlighting Yemen's centrality as a crossroads for goods, ideas, and people long before European influence. Um discusses the Ottoman Empire's cultivation of coffee in Yemen, the rise and decline of Mocha as a trade hub, and the unique cultural adaptations of coffee consumption within Yemen itself, such as the popular Qishr drink. We also touch upon the broader impact of hot beverages and porcelain on global social and consumption patterns, revealing how these everyday items were once revolutionary technologies. Um shares insights into the ongoing efforts to revive Yemen's coffee industry and offers recommendations for further reading on Yemen's vibrant history.
0:00 Mocha: A Bustling 17th-18th Century Trade Center 0:50 Yemen's Monopoly on Coffee 2:46 Nancy Um's Interest in Maritime Trade and Yemen 3:40 Yemen's Historical Significance Beyond Recent Decades 5:51 What Made Mocha a Prime Trade Hub? 7:58 Mocha's Rival: Aden 8:11 The History of Coffee as a Drink 10:01 Debunking Coffee Origin Myths: The Story of Kaldi and the Goats 12:20 Coffee as a Hot Brewed Beverage from Yemen 12:32 The Evolution of Coffee as a Commodity and Social Habit 13:21 Early Suspicion and Prohibitions Against Coffee 14:41 The Global Journey of the Coffee Plant 15:57 The Dutch and Coffee Cultivation in Java 17:22 Yemen's Shifting Coffee Fortunes 18:14 The Ottomans and Yemen's Coffee Cultivation 19:06 Ottoman Control of the Red Sea Trade 20:37 Diversification of Trade Beyond Coffee 21:37 European Influence on Mocha's Popularity 22:21 Qishr: Yemen's Unique Coffee Husk Drink (aka Cascara) 24:19 Efforts to Rebuild Yemen's Coffee Industry 26:01 The Red Sea Trade Route's Enduring Importance 29:02 The Indian Ocean: A Space of Exchange and Imagination 30:51 Reconsidering Land-Based vs. Water-Based Cultural Identities 33:20 Nationalizing Watery Metaphors and Icons 35:10 Historical Naming Conventions and Cultural Continuities 37:39 Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate: Technologies Reshaping Society 40:30 The Coffee House and the Enlightenment 42:07 The Decline of Mocha as an Economic Hub 43:10 Beneficiaries of Mocha's Decline 44:58 Challenge of Contradictory Stories in Historical Narratives 47:20 Disproving Coffee Plant Smuggling Myths 50:27 Misunderstandings About Yemen's History 51:34 Book Recommendations on Yemen 53:56 Access to Local Historical Documents in Yemen
Nancy Um is Associate Director for Research and Knowledge Creation at the Getty Research Institute. Her research program explores art, architecture, and material culture around the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Peninsula, with a focus on trade and cross-cultural exchange in the early modern era. She is also the author of "The Merchant Houses of Mocha: Trade and Architecture in an Indian Ocean Port," and "Shipped but Not Sold: Material Culture and the Social Protocols of Trade during Yemen’s Age of Coffee." Connect with Nancy Um 👉 Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Orientalism & Edward Said | Professor Nubar Hovsepian | 22 sept. 2025 | 01:00:25 | |
Author of "Edward Said: The Politics of an Oppositional Intellectual," professor Nubar Hovsepian joins us to delve into the nuanced legacy of Edward Said, exploring common misunderstandings of his work, the reception of "Orientalism" within academia, and Said's vision of the "oppositional intellectual." The discussion also covers the evolving discourse around Zionism and Palestine, the challenges faced by the Palestinian liberation movement, and the critical need for new forms of struggle and organization. This conversation offers a candid look at the intellectual journey of Edward Said and its enduring relevance in contemporary Arab and global contexts.
0:00 Edward Said: The Oppositional Intellectual 0:20 Orientalism as a System of Domination 1:07 Misunderstandings of Edward Said's Work 3:18 The Reception of "Orientalism" in Academia 11:00 Columbia University and Ideas About Israel and Zionism 14:00 The Evolving Discourse on Zionism 18:24 Defining the Oppositional Intellectual 20:59 Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will 22:50 The Palestinian Liberation Movement: Peaks and Valleys 30:47 The Democratic Secular State and Its Opponents 34:09 Shifting Perceptions of Palestine Among Youth 37:00 Advice for Young Activists and Intellectuals 38:57 Mistakes of the Palestinian Movement 44:30 The Concept of Citizenship Versus Subjecthood 47:00 Edward Said's Relationship with America and the Arab World 50:27 Recommended Readings by Edward Said
Nubar Hovsepian is associate professor emeritus of political science at Chapman University in Orange, CA. He is the author of "Edward Said: The Politics of an Oppositional Intellectual," "Palestinian State Formation: The Construction of National Identity," and editor of "The War on Lebanon." Hovsepian served from 1982 to 1984 as political affairs officer for the United Nations conference on the Question of Palestine. Connect with Nubar Hovsepian 👉 https://instagram.com/nubar.hovsepian Hosted by: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||