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Arts

“You Find Each Other”: 40 Minutes with William Safi

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Translated by Layan Srour How did you first get into music? When I was around ten years old, my brother brought home an accordion. I guess he gave up on that hobby, so I started playing it, and I fell in love with it. I learned everything … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Anas “Andy” Shallal

This is the ninety-third in Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series features personalities from various fields, including entertainment, business, sports, science, the arts, academia, journalism, and politics. Contributing writer John Mason highlights our ninety-third pathbreaker, Andy Shallal, who was born in Iraq to diplomat parents, educated in the U.S., and who has become a highly successful businessman. He is equally well known for his philanthropy, artistry, and his political and proudly pro-Arab stances.

Refugee Voices Through Art

By: Fayzeh Abou Ardat / Arab America Contributing Writer Arab refugees have survived wars, occupations, and forced migrations that have displaced millions of people. Beyond the numbers and the headlines, refugees have experiences that are frequently disregarded or silenced. Art has emerged as one of the most effective means for displaced Arabs to convey their … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Heather Raffo

This is the ninetieth in Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series features personalities from various fields, including entertainment, business, sports, science, the arts, academia, journalism, and politics. Contributing writer, John Mason, highlights our ninetieth pathbreaker, Heather Raffo, an American born to mixed Iraqi American parents. She is an eminent playwright who addresses issues as sensitive as Iraqi women affected by war and repression; an American Marine deeply affected by war in Falluja; and her two countries, Iraq and the U.S., both facing serious issues of internal division.

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Simon Shaheen

This is the eighty-ninth in Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series features personalities from various fields, including entertainment, business, sports, science, the arts, academia, journalism, and politics. John Mason, contributing writer, highlights our eighty-ninth pathbreaker, Simon Shaheen, Palestinian-born orchestra leader who has become one of Arabic music’s most prominent ambassador and most active educators in the United States.

“Art is a Universal Language”: 40 Minutes with Mona Miari

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Mona’s musical journey is deeply rooted in heritage, resistance, and a relentless drive to push artistic boundaries. An internationally renowned Palestinian-American artist, singer, and songwriter, she is known for her pioneering projects and dedication to elevating Arabic music on the world stage. Raised between Chicago and Palestine … Continued

“Rebel with Your Art”: 40 Minutes with Nano Raies

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Nano Raies’s musical path is rooted in perseverance, self-discovery, and breaking boundaries. Hailing from Syria, Nano’s artistry fuses traditional Arabic sounds with bold modern influences. Her journey began in a home filled with the music of both Western and Eastern masters, inspiring a deep connection to her … Continued

Byzantine Influence on Early Islamic Architecture

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Early Islamic and Byzantine architecture share common features such as domes, arches, and mosaics. This is due to their shared cultural heritage and the exchange of ideas throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and the Arab World. These elements highlight the continuity of these architectural traditions while also … Continued

“Music Connects People to Identity”: 40 Minutes with Layth Sidiq

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Layth Sidiq is a Grammy-nominated violinist, composer, educator, and the artistic director of the New York Arab Orchestra. Born in Iraq and raised in Jordan, in a musical household that welcomed artists from across the world, he began his violin studies at the age of four. Trained … Continued

“Make Your Voice Heard”: 40 Minutes with Wanees Zarour

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Wanees Zarour is a Palestinian composer, violinist, oud, and buzuq player based in Chicago. Born and raised in Ramallah, he was immersed in music from a young age, surrounded by a family of music lovers. Over the past two decades, he’s become a central figure in Chicago’s … Continued

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