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Author Archives: Menal Elmaliki

Qamar Al-Din, The Recipe of the Middle East

By: Menal Elmaliki / Arab America Contributing Writer The Golden Fruit Qamar Al-Din, قمر الدين, translates to the ‘Moon of the Religion or Faith,’ and it is one of the most famous beverages in the Middle East. Apricot, مشمش in Arabic, is the star of this drink and it is referred to as the fruit … Continued

18 Terrorist Cows & ‘Intifada Milk’

By: Menal Elmaliki / Arab America Contributing Writer THE FILM The Wanted 18 is a Palestinian-Canadian animated documentary that incorporates both documentary-style filmmaking as well as traditional fictional animation. The film centers around the real-life tragedy of Palestinians in Beit Sahour, a Palestinian town that is located east of Bethlehem. It covers “the efforts of Palestinians … Continued

Charlie Hebdo’s All Time Low Mocking Turkey’s Earthquake Victims

By: Menal Elmaliki / Arab America Contributing Writer The publication, Charlie Hebdo, recently came under fire for mocking the victims of the deadly earthquakes in Turkey. The satire, which was posted on Twitter as their cartoon of the day, showcased buildings, overturned streets and cars, and rubble with the caption, “No need to send tanks,” in … Continued

The Architecture of the Diwan, A Traditional Yemeni Living Room

By: Menal Elmaliki / Arab America Contributing Writer Sana’a must be seen, however long the journey,though the hardy camel droop, leg-worn on the way -Traditional Yemeni Poem Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen is a balance between old and new. The attempts of preserving old Sanaa’s architecture while also making it livable was successful, the … Continued

Kunafa Inspired Coffee Drink

Have you just come home from work and is in the mood for something delicious, sweet, and satisfying? Try this drink recipe Kunafa Iced Coffee, which combines the taste of your favorite drink, coffee, and the taste of your favorite dessert Kunafa.

Yemen’s Famous Sword: The Jambiya

By: Menal Elmaliki / Arab America Contributing Writer In the capital city of Sanaa, Yemen, men saunter around the square dressed head to toe in traditional fashion and garb. Traditional garb is composed of mashada, lungi, and jambiya.  It is usually worn on special occasions but many Yemeni men prefer to wear it daily. The … Continued

Tulip: The Ottoman Obsession

The Tulip design takes center stage in Islamic design and architecture, trip to Turkey will show you elaborate and archaic designs of tulips on every facet of their world, appearing on ceramic dishes, tea cups, plates, tiles, embroidery, carpets, and of course on old and historical buildings, monuments, and mosques. Which begs the question, why is this floral design so popular in Islamic architecture and design. Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki, explores the geometric shapes and patterns have always been a part of Islamic art and architecture since Islam forbade the drawings of human, from it blossomed a theatrical feat of creativity.

The Stolen Design: The Notre Dame

Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki talks about France’s most famous architectural masterpiece. It is one of Europe’s finest gothic cathedrals and was first built in 1163 and was finished in 1345. Menal dives deep into the theme of gothicism and the Arab influence of its design and Arab roots. Parts of the building, the twin towers and the rose window were copied from the architectural design of a Syrian church in Qalb Loze. Some historians trace the design to the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo.

A Street Named Ibrahim Al-Hamdi

On June 26th, Little Yemen hosted its annual Yemeni Day parade. Now in its 3rd year, the parade celebrates Yemeni heritage and culture, and it brings to light the positive aspects of Yemen and Yemenis despite negative media coverage. It is also a celebration of American Yemeni identity. During the protest, Yahay Obeid, a prominent Yemeni American leader and chairman of the Yemeni America Day Parade, hosted the street co-naming ceremony of Ibrahim al-Hamdi. This new street pays homage to the 1970s Yemeni President and is a symbol of hope for Yemenis who see their home country at the point of no return.

Adeni Chai Recipe: A Yemeni Classic

Aden is located on the south of Yemen; it is a major port known for its natural harbor, trade routes as well as its tea. Adeni Tea or Adeni chai is a staple in Yemeni cuisine and is made for breakfast or after dinner for guests and is served with Yemeni desserts. Spice up your plain black tea with this simple recipe. Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki, shares a secret family recipe that has been passed down generations. Adeni chai is fragrant and delicious, it is made with just a few base ingredients, black loose tea, evaporated milk, cardamon, cloves, sugar, and cinnamon.

How to make Bint al-Sahn: A Romantic Yemeni Dish

Contributing Arab America writer and editor, Menal Elmaliki shows us how to make this popular Yemeni dish/ dessert. This romanticized dessert is called “Bint al-Sahn,” بنت الصحن, translated to ‘daughter of the plate,’ and is symbolic of Yemeni women. It is described as a layered bread dish or honey cake. It is a Yemeni sweet prepared with flour, eggs, yeast, samn (clarified butter), and habbat sowda or black cumin/ nigella seeds. It is the Yemeni version of a croissant, as each layer is covered with butter, and its outcome is a rich and flaky dessert. It is best eaten warm, with honey and served with tea.

Yassin Ghaleb: The Yemeni Artist Who Turned Rubbish into Art

Yassin Ghaleb is a Yemeni artist and an architect of extraordinary talent. His art is somewhat of a balance between surrealism and minimalism. His house located in Sanaa’ Yemen serves as a museum showcasing the artwork of him and his family.  Increased poverty and a lack of a central government have plagued Yemen with rubbish. Arab America contributing writer, Menal Maliki, says despite the raging civil war, he finds means of escapism through his art. 

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