Culture

It is obvious that while national cuisines are part of the commercial food industry, they are also significant features of cultural identity. Food, just like fashion, jewellery and arts and crafts, is at the forefront of cultural assertiveness and survival in this age of globalisation. Critics complain that the “McDonaldisation” of the world’s eating habits … Continued

As part of the events for “Jerusalem as Capital of Arab Culture, 2009,” Jaffna Village has opened its sixth annual festival of Palestinian heritage. Historical roots are being celebrated by Palestinians from both the West Bank and within Israeli boundaries in the many cultural activities on the agenda. “It’s traditional and reflects the history of … Continued

Syria is largely isolated, politically and culturally. It’s all the more surprising then, that the initiative “All Art Now” has introduced the international art scene to Damascus. Charlotte Bank has looked at what’s going on and spoken to the people behind it. In the last few years, Damascus has seen remarkable development in the field … Continued

“We are gaining a lot of wonderful insight into the Arabic community found in Qatar,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Linda Mitchell, from Mobile, Ala., during her fourth day attending “Head Start,” a cultural sensitivity awareness course, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Aug. 4. All service members at the U.S. military installation in Qatar, … Continued

There is a pervasive view in the media today that Islam does not support pluralism. Sadly, we often hear how difficult it is for non-Muslim minorities to live in peace and harmony in Muslim countries. Violent extremists who misuse Islamic theology to justify terrorist attacks have exacerbated prejudices against Muslims and today many people think … Continued

The Arab influence, from decimal numbers to the musical instruments that descend from the lute, be it in religion, architecture or economy, is analyzed by the dossier “Arabs in Brazil,” of the Brazilian National Library’s History Magazine, on Brazilian newsstands right now. Furthermore, by means of project “Biblioteca Fazendo História” (Library Making History), the publication … Continued

The UAE’s Bu Tinah Shoals is competing with the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef and 25 other spectacular natural landmarks in the final phase of the global poll to choose the “New 7 Wonders of Nature,” according to the official shortlist of finalists announced on Tuesday. Bu Tinah, a tiny archipelago amid extensive coral … Continued

As public protest in Tehran seems to dwindle, at any rate on the streets, many Arab leaders are quietly exhaling a sigh of relief. At first, a lot of them were quite chuffed by the sight of turmoil in Iran, since they have long felt edgy about their big neighbour’s rising ambition and influence in … Continued