Staples
Each month, we release an edition that offers fresh insights from leading voices and a global community of enthusiasts covering disciplines like language and literature, art and design, photography, music, TV and cinema, performing arts, food and heritage, architecture and urbanism, and history.
Mothanna Hussein’s “Allah” Series: A Study in Iconography and Form
How William Safi United Cultures Through Music From Beirut to Brooklyn
The Story of Caesarea Through Time
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Editor’s Picks
Curated Reading Lists
Books on Sudan
By Aida Abbashar & Kholood Khair
Books on Philanthropy
By Maysa Jalbout
Books on North African History
By Ibrahim Guabli
Books on Transnational Solidarity
By Andy Clarno
Rain, Reason & Revival:
Mohammed Abed al-Jabri
As the kingdom of Morocco became “independent” in 1956, all the Moroccan students abroad were called back to build the country. Mohammed Abed al-Jabri did the opposite: he was then studying in Rabat, the capital, and traveled to Damascus in 1958 – as Syria was the intellectual center of the Arab world – to complete his studies in philosophy. But the political situation was quite lively in Western Asia and he had to interrupt his stay in Syria to come back to Morocco.
Arab Modern Art Books
As part of our discussion on Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Foundation—a landmark exhibition at Christie’s London— we welcomed Dr. Ridha Moumni (Deputy Chair of Middle East and North Africa at Christie's), and Sultan Al-Qassemi (founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation), who shared insights into the show and its behind-the-scenes efforts. We asked them to highlight important Arab Modern artists and books on the topic.
A Legend, a Person:
Lamia Al-Gailani-Werr
Lamia Al-Gailani-Werr was a leading expert on Mesopotamian history and cylinder seals—some called her “the savior of Iraq’s heritage.” With degrees from top UK universities, she worked at the Iraq Museum in the ‘60s and returned after the 2003 looting to help restore it. Her research, writing, and advocacy kept Iraq’s ancient history alive until her death in 2019.
Listen, Read, Watch
The History of Arab Comics
George Khoury
Better known to many as JAD, George Khoury joined us on The afikra Podcast to talk about the history of Arab comics. We learnt about his career, the duality of working as a political journalist and comic artist during the Lebanese Civil War, and the unique role that comics have played in spreading nationalist propaganda throughout the Arab world. We’re diving a little deeper into the world of comics, pairing our findings with some striking examples of the region’s best publications.
