The Painters of the Orient: An Exhibit at the Marmottan-Monet Museum
This gem is an interesting one as it comes within the folds of a not so positive legacy. Let me explain how I feel, as I am no expert of orientalist works of art. I am happy on some level as I know it is of my world and some …
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Chris Gazaleh: Art with a message for social justice
This gem came actually came through another one, as it was Nabila Mango who took me to the fundraiser where Chris Gazaleh was a guest speaker. Nabila is the founder of Aswat ensembles and a pillar in her community for doing good. I was sold from the moment I saw …
Continue ReadingCafe Alula: An authentic Lebanese neighborhood restaurant
Some gems are all the more delightful for how they reveal themselves to me. Cafe Alula was one such soft, genuine treasure. I fell in love with the way the team made it a real cornerstone of their neighborhood and their community. The cafe itself is actually a tiny, unassuming …
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The Decorated Word/ Writing and Picturing in Islamic Calligraphy – An Exhibit at The Met, NYC
I have had a love for calligraphy since I was in school. And, I am so grateful that we had a subject in school to teach us this gorgeous art form, as simple as our classes were. The lessons also inspired me to teach myself to write English cursive beautifully. …
Continue ReadingAccess California: a journey in the service of life with dignity
During my masters, I took a very special class that introduced me to three incredible gems at the same time. One, was my humane professor that I am honored to know and still count as a friend to this day, Ofelia Garcia. Second, was one of my dearest friends Zeena …
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From Reem’s California to Dyafa: a Palestinian cultural culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul
It’s such a pleasure to encounter a project done so well that it fulfils its potential on both a craftsmanship and a human level. For me, one of the measures of excellence is when I hear the creators of a project speak, and the founder of this project, Reem Assil …
Continue ReadingAmerica to Zanzibar – Muslim Cultures Near and Far
On Eid, I love to celebrate what matters most to me. I was lucky enough, that last Eid, I was able to share the video of how my beloved Khalto (my mother’s sister), used to make Maloubeh – honoring her memory and her passion for feeding loved ones. Cooking and …
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Raeda Ashour – A Saudi Artist’s Journey of Honoring Islamic Traditional Arts and Heritage
There is much that I love about the Bint Battuta Diaries, especially the talented and inspirational people that I have the honor to meet, learn from and collaborate with. It strikes me every time I go onto Bint Battuta Diaries how gorgeous it looks, alhamduli Allah and Raeda Ashour, the …
Continue ReadingWahj exhibit- The art of adorning the page
This post is an ode to the age old Islamic craft of illuminating books. When one stops to think about the implications of the care and investment given to books, whether they were literary or scientific texts, in the golden age of Islamic civilization, one understands why it was at …
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Aswat – Belonging to Arab and Muslim Culture Through Voices and Music
There are some special people in this world who have phenomenal impact far greater than what is usual for one lifetime. Their drive, passion and success are all divine gifts of a Most Generous God. Nabila Mango, who co-founded and operates Zawaya, an organization formed to give the Arab-American community …
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