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Arab History

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

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

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

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

The Mystery of Fátima de Madrid

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer We have all heard about the various astronomers, philosophers, and masters of the sciences in the Muslim world during the Islamic Golden Age. One such figure from this period was Maslama al-Majriti, also known in Latin as Methilem, a scholar from Madrid during the time of Muslim … Continued

The Significance of Cats in Arab Culture

By Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Cats hold a special place in Arab culture, deeply intertwined with Islamic teachings and the region’s historical and social fabric. Revered for their elegance, independence, and utility, cats have long been celebrated as symbols of cleanliness and grace. This admiration is rooted not only in practical … Continued

The Nahda: An Arab Renaissance

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer There have been numerous cultural movements in the Middle East and North Africa. Perhaps the most famous of these occurred during the Middle Ages, during the Islamic Golden Age. However, did you know there was a more recent cultural renaissance in the Arab world—one that may have … Continued

The History of Syria’s Flags

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer In this piece, Arab American contributing writer, Fedal Hanoun, explores the evolution of Syria’s national flags, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, political changes, and struggles for independence. From the symbols of ancient civilizations to Ottoman rule, the Arab Revolt, and French mandate, each flag marked a key … Continued

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