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Arab History

The History of Baalbek: The Heart of Lebanon’s Ancient Past

By: Rena Elhessen / Arab America Contributing Writer East of the Litani River, and in the heart of the Bekaa Valley sits a pillar of Middle Eastern history, the best-preserved ruins of a Roman colony. Lebanon’s Baalbek is known as the mysterious two-thousand-year-old structure built for the Roman God, Jupiter. However, this 11,000-year-old structure has … Continued

Al-Husn: The Lost City of the Sun

Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer The golden sun rises over the rolling hills of northern Jordan, casting its first rays upon the ancient town of Al-Husn. For thousands of years, this land has whispered the stories of those who built, defended, and nurtured it. Some say it was once known as Dion, a … Continued

Trivia for National Arab American Heritage Month

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), we invite you to explore and celebrate the diverse history, culture, and achievements of the Arab American community and the Arab world. This trivia is divided into two sections: The Arab World and The Arab American Community, with … Continued

The Timeless Charm of Al-Karak

By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing writer Long ago, in the heart of Jordan, a city stood tall on the hills, Al-Karak. It was a place of kings and warriors, where battles were fought and history was made. A mighty castle was at the center of it all, watching over the land for centuries. … Continued

When Morocco Almost Became a Portuguese Colony

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Throughout the 16th century, European powers expanded their colonial ambitions, seeking new territories in Africa and beyond. While Spain had already established a foothold in parts of Morocco, Portugal, under King Sebastian I, aimed to extend its control over the country. This ambition culminated in the Battle … Continued

How the Ottoman Empire Shaped Morocco (or didn’t)

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Geographic Barriers and Strategic Isolation One of the primary reasons for the Ottomans’ failure to subjugate Morocco was geography. Unlike Algeria, Tunisia, or Libya—regions that were accessible from Ottoman-controlled Egypt or Anatolia—Morocco’s location created natural barriers to Ottoman expansion. The Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert acted … Continued

The Wind Catcher: Lessons From Traditional Arab Architecture

By: Ralph Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer The wind catcher, or wind tower, is a prevalent feature in the traditional architecture of various cities in the Arab World. They are typically found in settlements situated in hot and dry or hot and humid climates. They usually take the form of large chimneys in the … Continued

Poetry as Resistance: Iraqi and Palestinian Cultural Expression

By Zahraa Alrafish / Arab America Contributing Writer Throughout history, poetry and art have served as powerful tools of resistance, carrying the voices of the oppressed and preserving cultural identity in the face of adversity. For Iraqis and Palestinians, whose lands have been marked by conflict, displacement, and occupation, poetry has become more than just … Continued

The History of the Hashemite Dynasty

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer Several of the states in the Arab world are ruled by monarchies; Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Morocco are just a few examples of monarchies that exist there. However, only a few monarchical families can claim ancestry back to the Prophet Muhammad himself – one of these is … Continued

Rejecting Division Between The Semitic Siblings

Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer In a world marked by divisions, the shared history of Arabs and Jews serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness. These Semitic peoples have lived, traded, and celebrated side by side for centuries, united by shared values and traditions. Before the Zionism movement divided the brothers who … Continued

Arab America Foundation 2024 Recap: Empowering Arab Americans Across the Nation

In 2024, the Arab America Foundation (AAF) continued its mission to promote Arab heritage, educate Americans, and connect and unite communities through impactful initiatives and events. From recognizing rising leaders to celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month and hosting the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit, AAF’s efforts have left an indelible mark on the Arab … Continued

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