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Will the Trump Administration Shift U.S. Policy in Favor of Palestine?
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Go topTraditional architecture offers a powerful lens into how societies have historically responded to their environments, resources, and cultural values. From the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula to the mountains of the Levant and the vast landscapes of North Africa and the Horn of Africa, each region developed distinct building styles rooted in necessity. These structures … Continued
By: Nourelhoda Alashlem / Contributing Writer Many people do not know that the name “Libya” appears in some of the earliest geographic records in history. Long before the term “Africa” was widely used, ancient civilizations referred to the land west of the Nile as Libya, treating it as one of the main divisions of the … Continued
By: Nourelhoda Alashlem / Contributing Writer The Libyan “Jard“ is often seen as a simple traditional garment worn by men and women across Libya. Yet its story may reach far deeper into the ancient Mediterranean world. While classical dress is usually associated with Greece and Rome, historical evidence suggests similar draped garments existed in the … Continued
Found in Misrata and Jebel Nafusa, Ftat (فتات) is an ancient Libyan Amazigh flatbread that originated within western Libya’s agricultural communities. The bread is made of a simple mix of flour and water and cooked on a hot flat surface. Its thin, layered technique distinguishes it within Libyan cuisine. Despite its long history, it remains largely unknown outside both regions. Arab America Contributing writer, Nourelhoda Alashlem, outlines the historical background and preparation method. Read more for the full history and recipe.
By Ralph I. Hage/Arab America Contributing Writer Jordan, a nation steeped in millennia of history and cultural exchanges, possesses a rich architectural heritage shaped by its geography, climate, and diverse social history. From the rock-carved city of Petra to the humble stone villages of the highlands, Jordan’s traditional architecture reveals a deep understanding of the … Continued
By Ralph I. Hage/Arab America Contributing Writer Reflections of Culture and History The traditional architecture of Palestine reflects centuries of cultural layering, adaptation, and resilience. From the rugged hilltop villages of the West Bank to the densely built quarters of ancient cities, Palestinian architecture has evolved into a distinctive tradition shaped by geography, climate, and … Continued
By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer 1942. The world is in the midst of the Second World War. Axis powers are working together in North Africa. They seek to dislodge Britain and the Allies from colonial holdings in Egypt and beyond. The British were reeling from their attacks. It was becoming unclear whether … Continued
By: Fayzeh Abou Ardat / Arab America Contributing Writer An interesting cultural change is occurring throughout the Arab world, one that looks not only to Islamic or Arab nationalist identity but also much deeper back to the pre-Islamic and indigenous civilizations that moulded the oldest histories of the region. These ancient cultures, from the Sabaeans … Continued
By: Emily Devereaux/Arab America Contributing Writer Origins of Thanksgiving Close your eyes. Picture the leaves in different shades of red, yellow, and orange, and feel the breeze of late November. The holiday season is about to start with Thanksgiving. What do you picture when you think of Thanksgiving? Many Americans picture a table full of … Continued
By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer It is 1919. In the wake of the First World War and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, there was varied discussion on what was to become of the Middle East. The victorious Allied Powers deliberated on what was to become of the territory. Whereas Britain and … Continued
By: Fayzeh Abou Ardat / Arab America Contributing Writer The Middle Ages have frequently been depicted throughout history as a period when women were restricted to household duties. However, women actively participated in intellectual, cultural, and political life in the medieval Arab world between the eighth and fifteenth centuries. Many women overcame social barriers to … Continued
One of the most significant parts of Arab history, dubbed the Islamic Golden Age, marked a renaissance unlike no other. Spanning the 8th-13th century, the period saw a massive upheaval in the priorities of the caliphates. Under Abbasid rule, intellectual centers and the arts were given a new spotlight, wholeheartedly supported by the government. The … Continued
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