The afikra Podcast

• Director of Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT Nasser Rabbat on Al-Maqrizi

  We welcome back Prof Nasser Rabbat to discuss his latest book "Writing Egypt: Al-Maqrizi and His Historical Project," which focuses on the 14th-century historian labeled as Egypt's greatest historian. The director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT outlines the journey and reasons behind his lengthy process of writing the book, the life and works of Al-Maqrizi, his significance in chronicling Egypt's history, and his unique subjective approach to historiography. We also delve into Al-Maqrizi's relationship with the famous sociologist Ibn Khaldun and the socio-political context of Egypt during the Mamluk period. The episode explores themes of patriotism, scholarly dedication, and the historical narrative of the Arab world. 00:00 Introduction01:01 Discussing Rabbat's New Book "Writing Egypt: Al-Maqrizi and His Historical Project"05:16 The Life and Times of Al-Maqrizi17:17 Al-Maqrizi's Historical Contributions20:02 The Mamluk Era and Its Impact on Scholarship26:52 Al-Maqrizi's Legacy and Influence38:40 Al-Maqrizi's Relationship with Ibn Khaldun41:54 The End of History and Ibn Khaldun's Influence43:00 Ibn Khaldun's Theory and Its Application44:33 Al-Maqrizi's Background and Scholarly Life47:43 Humor in Historical Writings49:24 Egyptian Identity and Nationalism53:09 Al-Maqrizi's Love for Egypt55:30 Modern Interpretations of Al-Maqrizi01:10:21 Egyptian Nationalism in the 20th Century01:19:01 Future Works Nasser Rabbat is the Aga Khan Professor and the Director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT.  His interests include Islamic architecture, urban history, Arab history, contemporary Arab art, heritage studies, and post-colonial criticism. He has published numerous articles and several books on topics ranging from Mamluk architecture to Antique Syria, to urbicide, such as "Imarat al-Mudun al-Mayyita" (The Architecture of the Dead Cities) (2018); and online book, "The Destruction of Cultural Heritage: From Napoléon to ISIS," co-edited with Pamela Karimi (2016).  Rabbat held several academic and research appointments in Cambridge MA, Princeton, Los Angeles, Cairo, Granada, Rome, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Munich, and Bonn. Connect with Nasser Rabbat 👉 https://instagram.com/nasserrabbat Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE 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/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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• Dubai's South Asian Communities | Neha Vora

  A professor of anthropology at the American University of Sharjah and the author of "Impossible Citizens: Dubai's Indian Diaspora" and "Teach for Arabia: American Universities, Liberalism, and Transnational Qatar," Neha Vora talks about her experience living in the United Arab Emirates, the influence of South Asian communities in Dubai, the concept of citizenship beyond legal definitions, and the evolving diaspora dynamics in the Gulf. The conversation touches on the impact of American university branch campuses in the region and their long-term effects on citizenship and community. 00:00 Introduction00:30 Living in the UAE: An Anthropologist's Perspective01:31 Exploring the Book "Impossible Citizens: Dubai's Indian Diaspora" 01:52 Dubai: A South Asian City?03:39 Community vs. Citizenship in the Gulf06:39 Expat vs. Migrant Worker: Defining Terms11:24 Researching South Asian Diaspora in Dubai21:47 Citizenship and Belonging: A Complex Relationship26:40 The Gulf as a Fluid Space28:57 Introducing "Teach for Arabia" and Critiques of Branch Campuses33:29 Impact on Citizenship and Society42:14 Generational Perspectives in the Gulf48:32 Retirement and Residency Changes52:06 Current Research Focus: Stray Animal Care53:30 Final Thoughts  Neha Vora is Professor of Anthropology in the Department of International Studies at the American University of Sharjah in the UAE. She received her PhD in anthropology and gender studies at University of California, Irvine. Her interdisciplinary research and teaching interests include diasporas and migration, citizenship, globalized higher education, gender, liberalism, political economy, and human-nonhuman encounters, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula region. She is the author of "Impossible Citizens: Dubai’s Indian Diaspora" (Duke University Press, 2013) and "Teach for Arabia: American Universities, Liberalism, and Transnational Qatar"Connect with Neha Vora 👉 https://twitter.com/nativeinformant Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE 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/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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• Mazen Kerbaj | Gaza in my Phone

  Considered a key figure within Beirut's creative scene, comics author, visual artist and musician Mazen Kerbaj joins us on The afikra Podcast and discusses his upbringing in Beirut, his creative family background growing up around famous artist as parents, and the influence of the city's tumultuous history on his work. Kerbaj shares insights into his childhood during the Lebanese Civil War, his passion for comics, and the evolution of his artistic identity. He reflects on the impact of fame, the transformative power of creative expression, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. The conversation also delves into his unique experiences with blogging during the 2006 Lebanon War, leading up to his latest journaling work on Gaza which has lead to publishing a book in French – soon to be released in English with the title "Gaza in my Phone." We also delve into his other critically acclaimed works and his thoughtful perspectives on music and visual art. 00:00 Introduction00:40 Growing Up With Antoine Kerbaj and Laure Ghorayeb as Parents02:00 The Beginning of a Creative Journey02:31 Describing Beirut04:30 Life During and After the Lebanese Civil War10:28 Musical Influences and Discoveries14:06 Commitment to Art20:01 Fame and Family Dynamics21:58 The Philosophy of Art and Fame30:57 The Rise and Fall of a Comic Strip34:06 The Iconic Beirut Posters of Mazen Kerbaj38:03 Blogging During Conflict45:07 Creating Art Under Siege55:00 Music and Visual Art: A Blurred Line01:01:37 Influences and Inspirations Mazen Kerbaj is a Lebanese comics author, visual artist, and musician born in Beirut in 1975. He's the author of 15 books translated into more than 10 languages and his work has been shown in galleries, museums and art fairs around the world. Kerbaj is widely considered as one of the initiators and key players of the Lebanese free improvisation and experimental music scene. As a trumpet player, he pushes the boundaries of the instrument beyond recognition. He also works on selective illustration and design projects and has taught at the American University of Beirut.Connect with Mazen Kerbaj 👉 https://instagram.com/mazenkerbaj Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE 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/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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• Nathaniel Mathews | Zanzibar & Oman's Common History & Identities

  Nathaniel Mathews is associate professor in Africana Studies at Binghamton University and author of "Zanzibar Was a Country: Exile and Citizenship between East Africa and the Gulf." He tells us about his journey in studying Zanzibar, prompted by his early exposure to Swahili culture. He delves into the historical significance of Zanzibar, its cosmopolitan nature, the Omani influence in East Africa, and the slave trade's impact. He explore Zanzibar's political transitions, from becoming a British protectorate to the post-revolution identity struggles, and the eventual union with mainland Tanzania. He also touches on the complex identities within Zanzibar, such as Afro-Arabs, and the effects of the 1964 revolution which led to a significant emigration of Zanzibar's residents to Oman and other Gulf states. The discussion closes with book and film recommendations related to Zanzibar and East African-Arabian history. 00:00 Introduction01:32 Historical Overview of Zanzibar03:55 Omani Influence and Colonization06:34 Economic and Cultural Transformation16:49 British Protectorate and the Shortest War20:25 20th Century Zanzibar: Identity and Belonging27:52 Path to Independence and Union With Tanzania29:52 Cultural Nation and Independence Movements30:48 Colonial Rule and Sovereignty in Africa32:40 Labor Protests and National Identity33:44 Understanding Afro-Arabs in Zanzibar36:41 Economic and Social Dynamics in Zanzibar39:54 The Zanzibar Revolution and Its Aftermath44:57 Exodus and Resettlement of Zanzibaris53:14 Return to Oman and Ethnic Migration55:58 Recommended Books and Documentaries Nathaniel Mathews is a historian of East Africa and the Indian Ocean. He received his PhD from Northwestern University and is currently Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at SUNY Binghamton, specializing in the history of modern Zanzibar and the global afterlives of the Zanzibar revolution.Connect with Nathaniel Mathews  👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-mathews-10430561 Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE 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/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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• Maknana at DAF: Glossary of New Media Art From the Arab World | Ala Younis & Haytham Nawar

  Live from Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, we're joined by Haytham Nawar, the director of Diriyah Art Futures, and Ala Younis who co-curated its latest exhibition, which delves into the New Media Art scene in the Arab world. They explore the lack of recognition for Arab names in global media art history, discuss the significance of the word "archeology" in the exhibition's subtitle "Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World", and highlight contributions by artists like Lucien Samaha, the first person to click a digital image. The conversation also covers the generational and geographical aspects of New Media Art in the Arab world, and the challenges of curating such an exhibition. The episode provides an in-depth look at the themes, artists, and historical context behind the pioneering Diriyah Art Futures project. 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Exploring the Exhibition's Themes and Research04:30 Historical Context and Artist Contributions10:43 Curatorial Approach and Challenges27:31 Defining the Arab World in Art30:48 Misunderstood and Favorite Art Pieces31:23 Curatorial Challenges and Artwork Highlights33:58 More Artworks and Multiple Interpretations39:03 The Role of New Media in Telling the Arab World's Story41:46 Audience Questions and Curatorial Insights49:54 Gender Balance and Artist Selection Criteria51:50 New Media Art and Public Sphere59:11 Future Iterations and Ongoing Research Ala Younis is an artist, with curatorial, film and publishing projects. Using objects, film and printed matter, she often seeks instances where historical and political events collapse into personal ones. She holds a BSc in Architecture from University of Jordan and MRes in Visual Cultures from Goldsmiths, University of London. She co-curated Diriyah Art Futures' exhibition "Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World."Connect with Ala Younis 👉 https://instagram.com/alayounisHaytham Nawar is an Egyptian artist, designer, scholar, and educator, and the director of Diriyah Art Futures. He is also Associate Professor of Design at the American University in Cairo and the founder and director of Cairotronica, a festival of electronic and new media arts in Cairo.Connect with Haytham Nawar 👉 https://instagram.com/haythamnawar Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE 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/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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