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    Arts

    The afikra Podcast

    The afikra Podcast is our flagship series featuring experts from academia, art, media, urban planning and beyond, who are helping document and shape the histories and cultures of the Arab world through their β€Žwork. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community walks away with a newβ€Žfound curiosity, and recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into head first. β€Ž

    Advertise

    Copyright: Β© 2020 - "The afikra Podcast" - afikra LLC

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    Latest Episodes:
    Maknana at DAF: Glossary of New Media Art From the Arab World | Ala Younis & Haytham Nawar Jul 09, 2025
    Show notes

    Live from Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, we're joined by Haytham Nawar, the director of Diriyah Art Futures, and Ala Younis who co-curated its latest exhibition, which delves into the New Media Art scene in the Arab world. They explore the lack of recognition for Arab names in global media art history, discuss the significance of the word "archeology" in the exhibition's subtitle "Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World", and highlight contributions by artists like Lucien Samaha, the first person to click a digital image. The conversation also covers the generational and geographical aspects of New Media Art in the Arab world, and the challenges of curating such an exhibition. The episode provides an in-depth look at the themes, artists, and historical context behind the pioneering Diriyah Art Futures project.

    00:00 Introduction

    01:47 Exploring the Exhibition's Themes and Research

    04:30 Historical Context and Artist Contributions

    10:43 Curatorial Approach and Challenges

    27:31 Defining the Arab World in Art

    30:48 Misunderstood and Favorite Art Pieces

    31:23 Curatorial Challenges and Artwork Highlights

    33:58 More Artworks and Multiple Interpretations

    39:03 The Role of New Media in Telling the Arab World's Story

    41:46 Audience Questions and Curatorial Insights

    49:54 Gender Balance and Artist Selection Criteria

    51:50 New Media Art and Public Sphere

    59:11 Future Iterations and Ongoing Research

    Ala Younis is an artist, with curatorial, film and publishing projects. Using objects, film and printed matter, she often seeks instances where historical and political events collapse into personal ones. She holds a BSc in Architecture from University of Jordan and MRes in Visual Cultures from Goldsmiths, University of London. She co-curated Diriyah Art Futures' exhibition "Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World."

    Connect with Ala Younis πŸ‘‰ https://instagram.com/alayounis

    Haytham Nawar is an Egyptian artist, designer, scholar, and educator, and the director of Diriyah Art Futures. He is also Associate Professor of Design at the American University in Cairo and the founder and director of Cairotronica, a festival of electronic and new media arts in Cairo.

    Connect with Haytham Nawar πŸ‘‰

    https://instagram.com/haythamnawar

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Rana AlMutawa | Unveiling Dubai's Complex Social Fabric Jul 07, 2025
    Show notes

    Host Mikey Muhanna talks to Rana AlMutawa, Assistant Professor of Social Research and Public Policy at NYU Abu Dhabi and author of "Everyday Life in the Spectacular City, Making Home in Dubai." They delve into the misunderstood complexities of Dubai's social dynamics, exploring urban ethnography, the mislabeling of spaces as "fake" or "authentic" and the city's multifaceted social hierarchies. AlMutawa provides insights into the real and significant social lives created within Dubai's often-criticized spaces, such as shopping malls, and challenges Western-centric viewpoints on the city's development and social structure.

    00:00 Introduction

    05:29 Understanding Urban Ethnography

    08:59 Middle-Class Dynamics in Dubai

    14:16 Neoliberalism and Urban Spaces

    17:50 Exclusions in Public Spaces

    25:07 Authenticity and Exoticization

    27:02 Research Methodology in Urban Ethnography

    29:31 Social Hierarchies in Dubai

    31:31 Complexities of Privilege in Dubai

    32:33 Diverse Urban Spaces and Social Interactions

    37:03 Malls as Social Newspapers

    40:23 Personalities of Different Malls

    45:50 Inclusivity and Accessibility in Public Spaces

    49:32 Comparing Cities in the UAE

    57:16 Double Standards in Global Cities

    01:01:35 Further Reading

    Rana AlMutawa is an Assistant Professor of Social Research and Public Policy at New York University Abu Dhabi. She focuses on urban ethnography, social hierarchies (race, class, gender, citizenship, Orientalism, and social distinction), and belonging. She completed her doctoral training at the University of Oxford in 2021 and published her first book "Everyday Life in the Spectacular City: Making Home in Dubai" in 2024 with the University of California Press.

    Connect with Rana AlMutawa πŸ‘‰

    https://instagram.com/Rana_almutawa

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Mental Healthcare For Children That Have Survived War | Dr Atif Magbool Jun 30, 2025
    Show notes

    We're joined by Dr Atif Magbool at Sidra Medicine who talks to us about the immense challenges and efforts in providing mental healthcare to children and women in crisis-affected areas. Dr Magbool shares his journey into pediatric psychiatry – primarily influenced by early experiences in Sudan – and discusses the significant differences between child and adult psychiatry. The conversation explores the Gaza Patient Program initiated by Sidra Medicine, which offers comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychological care to children affected by the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Dr Magbool also touches upon the remarkable resilience observed in children survivors, the continuous trauma faced by Palestinian children, and the critical need for mental health support during and after war. The dialogue sheds light on the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for affected children and the broader impact of war on the mental health sector in crisis zones.

    This episode is in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.

    00:00 Introduction

    01:29 Dr Magbool's Journey into Psychiatry

    04:32 Understanding Pediatric Psychiatry

    06:47 The Gaza Patient Program

    18:42 Challenges in Palestinian Healthcare

    20:49 Personal Reflections and Emotional Impact

    30:39 Support for Women in Crisis

    35:36 Call to Action

    Dr Atif Magbool is the Lead Consultant for the Inpatient Pediatrics Beds Under Psychiatric Coverage (PBUPC) team and a member of the CAMHS outpatient services at Sidra Medicine. He earned his MBBS from Omdurman University in Sudan and completed his psychiatric training in Ireland, obtaining his MRCPsych in 2012. He later specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Scotland, receiving his CCT before working as a consultant there. He also holds diplomas in Clinical Psychiatry and Health Services Management and has extensive experience in managing a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents across inpatient, outpatient, and day hospital settings. He is also active in medical education and is fluent in Arabic and English, with proficiency in Serbo-Croatian.

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Art, Identity & Technology in Riyadh | Khaled Makshoush, Aya Abu Ghazaleh & Youssef El Idrissi Jun 25, 2025
    Show notes

    Host Mikey Muhanna interviews emerging artists, Khaled Makshoush, Youssef El Idrissi and Aya Abu Ghazaleh, who share their experiences and artistic practices, covering their backgrounds, inspirations, and the challenges of being a young artist. Recorded live from Riyadh at Diriyah Art Futures, the episode delves into cultural exchanges, technological influences on modern art, and the evolving definitions of digital art in contemporary practice. Key themes include the emotional and cultural impacts of art, the role of social media and AI, and insights into individual journeys and broader artistic trends in the MENA region.

    00:00 Introduction

    01:31 Meet the Artists

    03:48 Why Apply to the Program?

    04:54 Daily Life in the Program

    06:07 Exploring New Mediums and Styles

    09:16 The Concept of Emerging Artists

    15:16 Influences and Inspirations

    19:27 The Role of Social Media for Artists

    22:54 Cultural Exchange and Learning

    26:35 Frustrations and Misunderstandings

    27:50 Working with a Team

    28:31 Tools and Skills for Emerging Artists

    30:26 Facing Rejection and Maintaining Confidence

    32:39 Defining Art in the Digital Age

    36:01 AI's Impact on the Art World

    39:39 Exploring Art Futures

    40:52 Questions Artists Wish to Avoid

    43:02 Current Projects and Research

    49:04 Where to Find Them Online

    A visual artist and art therapist, Aya Abu Ghazaleh’s work encompasses interactive installations and mixed media, exploring nature, memory, archives, sustainability, and digital tools, to harness art as a tool for resistance and healing. She has participated in residencies, exhibited internationally, and worked on numerous art programmes and workshops.

    Connect with Aya Abu Ghazaleh πŸ‘‰ https://instagram.com/ayaabughazaleh

    Khaled Makshoush is a Saudi digital artist from Riyadh specializing in pixel art. He blends reality and imagination to create atmospheric digital paintings that explore the emotional essence of spaces. Through colors, shapes, and patterns, he crafts detailed scenes that invite viewers to experience his vision.

    Connect with Khaled Makshoush πŸ‘‰ https://instagram.com/kldpxl

    Youssef El Idrissi is a multidisciplinary artist, cultural engineer, and researcher. His artistic practice utilises generative art as a mode of expression to decolonise imaginaries, explore indigenous mythologies, and engage in healing processes through occult means. He holds a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Cultural & Artistic Engineering.

    Connect with Youssef El Idrissi πŸ‘‰

    https://instagram.com/youssefeidrissi_

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Prof Yasir Suleiman-Malley | Arabic in the Fray: Language Ideology and Cultural Politics Jun 23, 2025
    Show notes

    Professor Yasir Suleiman-Malley speaks about the complexities of Arabic tracing his personal journey with the language, from early struggles with grammar to a deep appreciation for its richness. We explore the historical and pedagogical challenges of teaching Arabic, especially given its sacred status connected to the Quranic text and the socio-cultural resistance to modernizing its grammatical teaching methods. The conversation also delves into the dual nature of Arabic, the spoken and the written forms, their impact on education, everyday use, and the broader implications of Arabic as a cultural and identity-defining symbol in the Arab world.

    00:00 Introduction

    00:05 Professor Suleiman-Malley's Early Relationship with Arabic

    01:24 Challenges in Teaching Arabic Grammar

    05:34 Cultural and Historical Context of Arabic Pedagogy

    11:30 Arabic as a Symbol of Identity and Conflict

    15:43 The Health of the Arabic Language

    23:50 Decolonization and Language

    29:45 Reviving and Managing Languages

    38:26 The Role of Language in Identity

    39:19 Language as a Membership Card

    41:04 Diversity and Unity in the Arab World

    42:50 Cultural Arabness vs Racial Arabness

    45:39 Historical Perspectives on Arab Identity

    54:01 The Concept of Diglossia

    01:03:08 Challenges of Written vs Spoken Arabic

    01:07:11 The Future of Arabic Language and Identity

    01:13:30 Final Thoughts

    Professor Yasir Suleiman-Malley is Chair of the Panel of Judges, British-Kuwaiti Friendship Society Book Prize in Middle Eastern Studies. He serves as Trustee on the Boards of Arab-British Chamber Charitable Foundation, International Prize for Arab Fiction (in association with the Man-Booker Prize), Banipal Trust for Arab Literature and is trustee of the Gulf Research Centre-Cambridge. He is also Chair of the Advisory Board of the Centre for the Advanced Study of the Arab World, Chair of the Centre for the Study of the International Relations of the Middle East and North Africa (CIRMENA), Board Member of the Islamic Manuscript Association, Member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Evaluation and Research in Muslim Education, Institute of Education, Member of the Advisory Board of The Doha Institute, Qatar and Member of the Advisory Board of Our Shared Future. He is a member of the editorial boards of a number of journals and book series. He is also Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, formerly Head of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies.

    Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

    Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

    Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani πŸ”Š

    https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Sami Al Daghistani | Al-Ghazali's Influence on Islamic Thought, Ethics & Economic Philosophy Jun 16, 2025
    Show notes

    We're joined by professor and author Sami Al Daghistani to explore the life and thought of Al-Ghazali, a prominent figure in Islamic intellectual history. We delve into Al-Ghazali's multifaceted contributions to Islamic law, philosophy, and theology, highlighting his major works, such as "The Revival of Religious Sciences" and "Deliverance from Error and the Beginning of Guidance." We examine his ethical system of economic thought, existential crises, and his impact on modern economic theory, ethics, and the philosophical landscape. The conversation also touches upon the relevance of Al-Ghazali's ideas in today's global economy and ethical contexts.

    01:00 Introduction

    01:28 Who Was Al-Ghazali?

    04:04 Al-Ghazali's Journey and Spiritual Crisis

    07:33 Al-Ghazali's Intellectual Contributions and Influence

    09:59 The Philosophical Environment of Al-Ghazali's Time

    15:12 Al-Ghazali's Ethical Economics and Pursuit of Happiness

    29:24 Al-Ghazali's Views on Wealth and Economic Engagement

    30:49 Active Engagement in Society and Wealth

    31:44 Critiques of Materialism and Balance

    32:56 Ethical Economics and Wealth Distribution

    35:04 Islamic Perspectives on Capitalism and Socialism

    39:02 Modern Islamic Economics and Finance

    43:24 Connections to Western Philosophers

    46:52 Historical Contributions and Misconceptions

    51:47 Relevance of Classical Thinkers Today

    01:00:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Sami Al Daghistani is Associate Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islamic Studies at Lund University, Associate Faculty at the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research, and Research Scholar at Columbia University’s Middle East Institute. His research explores intersections of Islamic economics, ethics, law, and the environment through interdisciplinary and historical approaches. He is the author of The Making of Islamic Economic Thought (Cambridge, 2022) and AbΕ« Ḁāmid al-Ghazālī’s Ethical Teachings (Anthem, 2021), among other works. Sami holds a PhD from Leiden University and previously held fellowships in Oslo and New York.

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Samer Abboud | Syria's Political History From 1946 Jun 09, 2025
    Show notes

    Professor Samer Abboud from Villanova University is an expert on Syrian politics. He joins us to discuss the intricacies of Syria's political history from 1946 to the present, including the impact of French colonial rule, frequent coups, the United Arab Republic, the rise and governance of the Ba'ath Party, and the shift towards crony capitalism in the 2000s. Abboud shares insights on the lived experiences of Syrians through various political changes, the role of the military, and the economic philosophies underpinning different regimes. He also delves into the contemporary relevance of this history and offers a reading list for those interested in learning more about Syria.

    00:00 Introduction

    02:27 Overview of Syrian Political History

    02:56 French Colonial Rule and Frequent Coups

    08:21 United Arab Republic (UAR) and Its Impact

    16:43 Ba'ath Party and the 1963 Coup

    30:55 Brutality and Efficiency of the Regime

    33:36 21st Century Syrian Politics

    41:16 Role of Security Apparatus and Loyalty

    47:38 Journalistic Perspectives on Syria

    57:49 Recommended Readings and Films on Syria

    Samer Abboud is Associate Professor of Global Interdisciplinary Studies at Villanova University and the author of Syria (Polity, 2018), a book that explores the outbreak and trajectory of the Syrian uprising. His research is broadly interested in warfare in Syria and the emergence of an illiberal post-conflict order in the country. He has recently published articles in journals such as Citizenship Studies, Peacebuilding, Middle East Policy, and The Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding that explore themes of illiberalism, post-conflict order, knowledge production, and Syrian reconstruction. His current research project is interested in the production of fear as a central mechanism of political rule prior to, and during, the period of the conflict, and how Syrians have differentially envisioned and acted upon this fear in cultural production. Samer sits on the Editorial Board of Security Dialogue and is a co-editor of Jadaliyya’s Syria page.

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    The MENA's Pop Culture Landscape | With Editor-In-Chief of Dazed MENA Ahmad Swaid Jun 02, 2025
    Show notes

    Previously Editor-in-Chief for GQ Middle East and currently for Dazed MENA, Ahmed Swaid has had an extensive career in media. He joins us to talk about his multicultural upbringing, from the UK, Syria and Lebanon, to Sierra Leone, and explores how his diverse background helps shape his unique vantage points in the media landscape. We discuss the challenges and insights of working in different media settings, the importance of representing various voices in the region, and Swaid's personal journey in creative industries. With engaging anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, this episode dives into the intricacies of cultural perspectives, identity, and the evolving content game in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

    00:00 Introduction

    00:33 Swaid's Multicultural Background

    03:58 Early Influences and Pop Culture

    09:08 Career Beginnings and Media Journey

    12:02 Content Creation in Different Regions

    16:53 Challenges in Media and Storytelling

    24:11 Creativity in the Age of Chaos

    31:43 Exploring the Meaning of "Dazed"

    32:26 Cultural Significance and Global Reach

    36:10 Casting and Featuring Diverse Talent

    39:00 Challenges and Strategies in Media Representation

    45:12 Pop Culture in the Arab World

    52:56 Rapid Fire Questions


    Ahmad Swaid is the founding Editor-in-Chief of Dazed MENA and previously EIC of GQ Middle East. He has led content for Dazed, AnOther Magazine, and Nowness, championing underrepresented voices and regional talent. Raised across London, Beirut, Freetown, and Aleppo, he brings a global perspective to his work, focusing on authentic storytelling from the Middle East and North Africa. He co-founded Creatives for Lebanon to support artists after the 2020 Beirut explosion and mentors young designers through the QASIMI RISING Talent Incubator.

    Connect with Swaid πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/ahmadaswaid/?hl=en

    Explore Dazed MENA πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/dazedmiddleeast/

    Hosted by:

    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

    Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani πŸ”Š https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Data-Driven Storytelling & Anti-Authoritarian Journalism | Mona Chalabi May 26, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode of The afikra Podcast, we're joined by renowned journalist Mona Chalabi who discusses her latest animated series "#1 Happy Family USA" with comedian Ramy Youssef, her unique data-driven and illustrated approach to journalism, and the use of humor as an effective communication tool. The conversation delves into Chalabi's upbringing, her views on authority and respect in journalism, the importance of lived experiences in storytelling, and the ethical complexities of representing marginalized voices. We also explore the challenges of the journalism industry, the impact of social media, and the significance of platforming diverse perspectives in media.
    00:00 Introduction
    03:18 Childhood Interests and Ambitions
    04:53 No to Fan Culture
    07:47 Data Journalism and Human Stories
    12:15 Challenges in Journalism and Representation
    16:39 Economic Crisis in Journalism
    21:27 Growing Up During the Iraq Invasion
    23:12 The Role of Journalists in Shaping Consent
    24:35 The Challenges and Resilience of Protest Movements
    26:41 The Importance of Local Reporting
    29:12 Journalistic Integrity and Future Reflections
    33:16 Balancing Activism and Media Consumption
    34:33 The Process of Creating and Revising Work
    39:23 The Debate on Platforming Opposing Views
    44:46 Final Thoughts
    Mona Chalabi's work has earned her a Pulitzer Prize, a fellowship at the British Science Association, and an Emmy nomination and recognition from the Royal Statistical Society. In recent years, her art has been exhibited at the Tate, the Brooklyn Museum, the Design Museum, and the House of Illustration. She studied international relations in Paris and Arabic in Jordan. Mona works beside windows, sometimes in her hometown of London but usually in Brooklyn where she is writing a book about the ways we talk about money. It has been optioned by A24 as a documentary series. She is also the executive producer and creative director of an upcoming animated TV show with Ramy Youssef, A24 and Amazon Studios. Her writing and illustrations have been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian where she is currently the data editor. Her video, audio, and production work has been featured on Netflix, NPR, the BBC, and National Geographic.
    Connect with Chalabi πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/monachalabi/
    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani πŸ”Š https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    The Evolution and Impact of Saudi Art | Mohammed Hafiz of ATHR May 19, 2025
    Show notes

    We talk to Mohammed Hafiz, the founder of ATHR Gallery and Foundation, about his journey in the art world, the evolution of Saudi contemporary art, and the founding of ATHR Gallery and the Saudi Art Council. Hafiz shares personal stories from his first experiences with art, the creation of ATHR, and the "Edge of Arabia" exhibition. He discusses the development of the Saudi art scene, its impact on the global stage, and the role of major initiatives like the Islamic Biennale and certain art weeks across the Middle East. Hafiz also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the art industry, highlighting the importance of being agile and responsive to dynamic cultural developments.
    00:00 Introducing Mohammed Hafiz and His Unique Approach to Art
    02:30 Hafiz's Early Encounters with Art
    05:19 The Birth of ATHR Gallery
    08:55 Challenges and Successes in the Art World
    17:42 The Evolution of the Saudi Art Scene
    21:30 The Role of Jeddah and the Saudi Art Council
    28:10 The Life of an Artist: Challenges and Realities
    32:29 The Struggles of Becoming a Full-Time Artist
    33:28 Contemporary Art Trends and Public Interest
    34:46 Building Saudi Arabia's Art Ecosystem
    37:39 Global Art Competitions and Collaborations
    41:14 Economic Impact of Creative Industries
    46:49 The Future Vision for Saudi Art
    57:19 Exploring Art in the Arab World
    Mohammed Hafiz (b. 1975, Jeddah) is a prominent advocate for Saudi art, known for transforming the perception of contemporary Saudi art locally and internationally. He supported Edge of Arabia’s touring exhibitions (2008–2014) and curated its first major Jeddah show in 2012. In 2009, he co-founded ATHR with Hamza Serafiβ€”now one of the Kingdom’s leading contemporary art spaces, with a strong educational mission. In 2014, he helped establish the Saudi Art Council and served as Vice Chairman, launching the annual 21,39 Jeddah Arts exhibitions (2014–2022), showcasing Saudi modern and contemporary art. Hafiz was CEO of Al Sawani Group (2005–2020) and currently sits on the boards of Madina Art Center, Misk Art Institute, and Dar Al Fikr Schools.
    Explore ATHR πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/athrart/
    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani πŸ”Š https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna πŸ‘‰ https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    Β» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    Β» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    Β» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869
    THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
    Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared
    ABOUT AFIKRA
    afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
    πŸ“ Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
    🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
    ⚑ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
    πŸ”— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    πŸ”— Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    πŸ”— Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


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