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Middle East

Pain, Perseverance, and Prizes

By: Barbara Nimri Aziz / Arab America Contributing Writer We must continue to celebrate while we praise our martyrs; we must struggle to maintain and fortify our budding artistic community while we assist needy families overseas; we must reaffirm our cultural values and noble heritage while being presented with horrifying headlines; we must stand strong … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Ernest Hamwi

This is the sixty-seventh of Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series includes personalities from entertainment, business, sports, science, arts, academia, journalism, and politics, among other areas. Our sixty-seventh pathbreaker is Ernest Hamwi, a Syrian born Arab American businessman and entrepreneur. Born on November 18, 1883, in Damascus, Syria he is considered by some as the creator of the ice cream cone, which he purportedly conceived of while working as a concessionaire at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Contributing writer, John Mason, informs us that there is much more information available on the ice cream cone than exists on Ernest himself. Nevertheless, this is his brief but eventful story.

In the New Syria Why Do Kurds Matter?

By: Ghassan Rubeiz / Arab America Contributing Writer Things are looking up in Syria for the first time in a long while. The new transitional regime is cooperating and communicating with diverse local communities days after taking the capital. The new leaders appear to be respecting the freedoms of faith and conscience. They are also … Continued

The History of the Golan Heights: The Road to Occupation

By Mehdi El Merini / Arab America contributing writer The Golan Heights, a plateau in southwestern Syria, has long been a region of strategic significance, cultural richness, and political contention. Known for its fertile lands and commanding position overlooking northern Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan, the Golan Heights has become one of the most contested territories … Continued

Beneath the Sands The Vibrant Colors of Esna

By Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer. For centuries, the Temple of Esna lay hidden beneath layers of silt and sand, its grandeur buried and its secrets forgotten. Travelers passing through the Nile’s banks could scarcely imagine the vibrant colors of sanctuary that once stood there, alive with the prayers of ancient worshippers and … Continued

The Power of Cookbooks: Breaking Stereotypes One Recipe at a Time

By: Khelil Bouarrouj / Arab America Contributing Writer When I first picked up Salma Hage’s The Levantine Vegetarian, I wondered if we really needed another Middle Eastern cookbook. After all, its publisher, Phaidon, has released several in recent years, including The Arabesque Table, The Palestinian Table, The North African Cookbook, and Middle Eastern Sweets—the latter … Continued

Celebrate the Season with the Spirit of Arab Heritage: Top 10 Gift Ideas

By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing WriterFrom all of us at Arab America, we’re thrilled to bring you our handpicked gift guide: The Top Ten Perfect Arab-Inspired Finds for the Season of Giving! Whether it’s an elegant thobe, a bold Palestinian hoodie, or a beautifully crafted mate tea cup, this list spotlights amazing pro-Palestinian … Continued

Artists and Filmmakers Redefining Identity and Modernity

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer The globe has historically benefited greatly from the intellectual, artistic, and cultural contributions made by the Middle East. A thriving generation of artists and filmmakers from the area has surfaced in recent decades, drawing attention from all over the world with their examinations of modernity, identity, and … Continued

The Ultimate Guide: 46 Children’s Books that Celebrate Arab Heritage

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Are you searching for the perfect gift for the young readers in your life? This curated list of children’s books celebrates Arab heritage and identity, offering stories that highlight the richness of Arab cultures and traditions. Whether you want to educate, inspire, or simply share a meaningful … Continued

As Syria’s Civil War Escalates, What are the Implications?

By: Ghassan Rubeiz / Arab America Contributing Writer In the rapidly changing geopolitics of the Middle East, what is taking place in Syria these days may have different but significant consequences: an opening for regime change, a boost for the Assad government or a promising round of talks between ruler and opposition. Last week, the Islamist … Continued

Tourism Rejuvenates Syria’s Image and Draws Foreign Investment

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer Syria, a nation known for its ancient civilizations and rich cultural legacy, has encountered many difficulties in the past ten years as a result of protracted conflict. The resurgence of tourism, however, presents a singular chance to improve Syria’s standing abroad, promote cultural diplomacy, and act as … Continued

Thanksgiving in Arab America

By Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Thanksgiving is a cherished time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. For Arab Americans, it offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the values of family and hospitality while blending cultural traditions from both sides of the Atlantic. This year, however, as we gather around tables filled with … Continued

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