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History

The Traditional Architecture of Iraq

By Ralph I. Hage/Arab America Contributing Writer The traditional architecture of Iraq spans millennia, shaped by diverse civilizations and unique environmental needs. From the ancient ziggurats of Sumer to the brickwork of Abbasid mosques and the inward-facing homes of Mosul and Basra, Iraqi architecture reflects a continuous dialogue between heritage, function, and identity. Mesopotamian Foundations: … Continued

Where the Stones Remember: Renovation, Reverence, and Reality in Egypt’s Moez Street

By: Laila Mamdouh / Arab America Contributing Writer Moez Street, nestled in the heart of Historic Cairo, is a living chronicle of Egypt’s layered past.Once the core passage of Fatimid grandeur, it embodies over a thousand years of Islamic art,architecture, and urban life. From intricately carved wooden mashrabiyas to towering minarets,the street’s aesthetic reflects the … Continued

Algeria’s Traditional Architecture: Tapestry of Cultures and Climates

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Algeria, the largest country in Africa, boasts a rich and diverse architectural heritage that reflects centuries of cultural fusion, geographical variation, and historical transformation. From the sun-baked kasbahs of the north to the earthen ksour of the Sahara, traditional Algerian architecture is a living testament to … Continued

Swingin’ Through the Cedars: When Louis Armstrong Visited Beirut

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer In April of 1959, the Lebanese capital of Beirut welcomed a musical legend whose visit would resonate for decades. Louis Armstrong, the renowned trumpeter and vocalist known worldwide as “Satchmo,” brought his distinctive brand of jazz to a city eager for cultural connections. More than just … Continued

A Fourth of July Letter from the Arab American Community

Private Nathan Badeen, an immigrant from what was then Ottoman-controlled Syria, is widely recognized as the first known Syrian and Arab to give his life to the United States. He enlisted in the 18th Continental Army on January 1st, 1776. These armies are known as America’s first soldiers. His regiment played a key role in … Continued

From Dearborn to Beirut: Ford Cars Were Assembled in Lebanon

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Let’s imagine it’s 1929 in Beirut for a moment. Amidst the city’s dusty, unpaved streets and horse-drawn carriages, you’ve caught glimpses of the Ford Model T around town. Its long, boxy form is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before—a fascinating metal carriage with windows and doors, … Continued

Bridges of Culture: Arab Contributions to Italy

By: Fayzeh Abou Ardat / Arab America Contributing Writer Southern Italy, particularly Sicily and parts of Calabria, carry a profound legacy of Arab influence. This influence began with the Arab conquest of Sicily in the 9th century. It has left an unforgettable imprint on the region’s architecture, cuisine, language, science, and cultural identity. Despite the … Continued

Arabs of Iberia: Al-Andalus

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer When one thinks of the medieval Muslim conquests of Europe, they might first think of the Ottoman invasions of southern and eastern Europe in the 14th century. However, another far earlier example of this can be seen on the Iberian Peninsula – and their territories there existed … Continued

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unbuilt Plan for Greater Baghdad

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer In the mid-20th century, Iraq stood on the brink of transformation. Flush with newfound oil wealth, the Iraqi government under King Faisal II embarked on a grand modernization effort aimed at reshaping Baghdad into a global cultural hub. One of the most ambitious – but ultimately … Continued

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