What’s in a scent? A lot, apparently. Dana El Masri explores the intersections of scents, art, culture, and identity in the Middle East, in both historical and contemporary contexts.
All posts filed under “Books & Literature”
Quick Sands
Sherif Dhaimish revisits the history of Libya’s extravagant and short-lived Tripoli Grand Prix as well as its sociocultural context and underlying colonialist narratives
Secrets of the Caucasus
From Eastern European Jew to Caucasian Muslim prince extraordinaire: Valeriya Nakshun looks at the life of an enigmatic 20th century author and issues of cultural appropriation
How Iraqi Are You?
Natasha Morris looks at some recent works by Iraqi artist Hayv Kahraman and their connection to a 12th century classic of Arabic literature and the muraqqa’ tradition
Pictures of You
Little did Ania Dabrowska know that when she stepped into a Camden Town hostel, she would chance upon boxfuls of treasures from Lebanon’s past
Sultans and Crocodiles
Seth Messinger examines two recently translated novels by Egyptian author Youssef Rakha, The Sultan’s Seal and The Crocodiles
Only in London
Joobin Bekhrad speaks with the Artistic Director of the Shubbak festival of contemporary Arab arts and culture about some of the highlights of this year’s edition in London
Embed in Egypt
A conversation with Emine Gözde Sevim about her new book of photographs documenting the turbulent days of the Egyptian Revolution in Cairo and its aftermath
Hajji Baba of New York City
‘Parviz Khatibi loved his country enough to tell it the truth’ - Leila Jarman and Caitlin Carlson reflect on the trials and triumphs of an Iranian entertainment icon
A Year in the Life
‘Time passes, and every year resembles another’ - Elisa Pierandrei talks to Lebanese artist and musician Mazen Kerbaj about his practice and a new collection of comics