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History

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

When Jordan and Iraq United: The Arab Federation

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer When one thinks of Pan-Arabism and Arab unification, they might think of the United Arab Republic – the unification of Syria and Egypt, which existed between 1958 and 1961. However, there is a lesser-known unification of two Arab states that occurred in 1958 as well: the Hashemite … Continued

Mario Parodi – Ottoman-born Italian Guitar Maestro

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Mario Parodi was an Italian classical guitarist. But he wasn’t just any guitarist. He was one of the most talented to have ever played. What linked him to the Arab world was the place of his birth–the Ottoman Empire, which at that time encompassed parts of … Continued

Abdel Moneim Mustafa – A Pioneering Architect from Sudan

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Abdel-Moneim Mustafa, born in 1930 in Omdurman, Sudan, is a prominent Sudanese architect renowned for his contributions to Modernist architecture in Sudan. With a career spanning over six decades, Mustafa is celebrated for his innovative and impactful architectural designs that have shaped the country’s urban landscape. … Continued

Traditional Architecture of Somalia: Sustainability and Nomadic Heritage

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Somali architecture is a diverse and vibrant blend of ancient customs, Islamic influences, and contemporary designs. From prehistoric burial monuments to modern-day skyscrapers, the architectural landscape of Somalia illustrates its complex historical trajectory and cultural exchanges. Ancient Architectural Legacy In Somalia’s ancient past, architecture was primarily … Continued

Simon Sakkab Talks About His Children’s Book, Palestine A to Z

By: Mariam Aburdeineh / Arab America Contributing Writer Maintaining your cultural identity is even more important when you are away from your homeland, says Simon Sakkab, Palestinian American author of the 2023 children’s alphabet book Palestine A to Z. “[Palestinian] survival and existence are bound to our history, heritage, and culture,” he said. “It is … Continued

Jaafar Tuqan: The Legacy of a Palestinian-Jordanian Architect

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Jaafar Tuqan was born in 1938 in Jerusalem, which was then part of Mandatory Palestine. He was the son of the renowned Palestinian poet Ibrahim Tuqan, who wrote the poem “Mawtini,” now Iraq’s national anthem. Tuqan was also the nephew of Fadwa Tuqan, a prominent Palestinian … Continued

The Armenians of the Arab World: From Refugee Camps to Outer Space

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer The Armenians of the Arab world form one of the region’s oldest and most enduring diasporas. With a history spanning centuries, the Armenians have contributed significantly to the cultural, economic, and social development of several Arab countries while maintaining their unique heritage. From Lebanon and Syria … Continued

Mauritania’s Traditional Architecture: At the Crossroads of Culture and Climate

By: Ralph Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer The traditional architecture of Mauritania, particularly in the ancient caravan towns along the trans-Saharan trade routes, showcases narrow, winding streets, mosques with square minarets, ornamental stone buildings, and homes featuring central courtyards and patios. These elements are deeply influenced by the region’s Islamic heritage and designed to … Continued

The Arab Coffeehouse Culture

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer Arab coffeehouses have long been more than just venues to sip a warm drink; they have the scent of freshly made coffee, the rhythmic sounds of dice rolling on backgammon boards, and heated arguments over politics and poetry. For millennia, these cafés have been intellectual and social … Continued

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