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 …
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America 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 …
Continue ReadingRaeda 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 …
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Wahj 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 …
Continue ReadingAswat – 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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Darzah – Bringing Palestinian embroidery to modern day life
How I found this gem is a story of how one good thing leads to another. In a recent blog post, I spoke with Afshan Khan about her and her sister, Drakshan’s heartwarming work with women in the Multan region of Pakistan. They do gorgeous embroidery under the brand name …
Continue ReadingNumi Tea- When Excellence and Community Matter
There are some businesses in this world that show us that anything can go way beyond the literal impact of their product, if done with the excellence of Ihsan. It’s a profound joy for me to discover them and bring them to you. Numi Tea is one such venture. Created …
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Middle East Children’s Alliance – In Solidarity with Palestine
Some non-profit organizations just buoy the spirit with how their intention and process is so authentic and true to what a non – profit ought to be. It’s my utmost pleasure to introduce the gem Middle East Children’s Association (MECA) and it’s Executive Director, Zeiad Shamrouch. A gem within a …
Continue ReadingMaking the leap of talent and passion- A Palestinian Restaurant
This post is dear to my heart for many reasons. Firstly, because it is a proactive example of what the Bint Battuta blog is about – honoring, preserving and evolving Arab and Muslim culture. Secondly, because it demonstrates a talented and courageous individual who jumps right into a task without …
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Purple Impression 2 – Ethical and Artisan fashion from Pakistan
In the first part of this post, I spoke to Drakshan, one half of the sister partnership behind the ethical clothing brand, Purple Impression and I’m delighted to be able to now bring to you, the conversation I had with Afshan, Drakshan’s partner and sister. The way the two interviews …
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