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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 ‎work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community walks away with a new‎found curiosity, and recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into head first. ‎

    Advertise

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

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    Latest Episodes:
    Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and The Birth of History | Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid May 12, 2025
    Show notes

    We sit down with Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid, author of "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and The Birth of History" an honorary fellow at Wolfson College, University of Oxford. She takes us on an incredible journey through ancient Mesopotamia, exploring the region's rich history, significant cultural innovations, and the development of the first writing system. We delve into the lives and contributions of notable Mesopotamians, including the first named author, princesses, and everyday people. We learn about ancient astronomy, the role of women in Mesopotamia, and the deep historical roots of many concepts we consider modern today. Tune in to understand why studying this ancient civilization remains crucial for our understanding of the present.
    00:00 Introduction
    00:31 Exploring Mesopotamia: Location and Significance
    02:31 The Origins and Use of the Term "Mesopotamia"
    03:15 Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization
    05:52 The Birth and Impact of Writing Systems
    09:11 Deciphering Cuneiform: The Rosetta Stone of Mesopotamia
    12:51 The Importance of Studying Ancient History
    15:16 Personal Stories and Objects from Mesopotamia
    31:43 Understanding Heartbreak and Anxiety
    32:45 The Evolution and Loss of Knowledge
    35:45 Ancient Mesopotamian Medical Practices
    37:20 Origins and Impact of Astrology
    43:51 Women in Ancient Mesopotamia
    51:53 Top Five Mesopotamians: Dead or Alive
    57:09 Recommendations
    Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid is an assyriologist and historian based at Wolfson College, University of Oxford, who specializes in cuneiform and the history of science in ancient Mesopotamia. Thousands of cuneiform tablets preserve breathtaking moments in early scientific endeavor, like a 4,000-year-old approximation of pi and ancient observations of Halley's Comet — moments she hopes to bring to a wider audience. She's written "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and The Birth of History," and practices archaeology in her home country of Saudi Arabia to learn more about the its rich ancient history, from early writing to wild camels in rock art.
    Connect with Dr Al-Rashid 👉 https://www.instagram.com/drmoudhy/
    Get the book 👉 https://shorturl.at/TFyZl

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 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 Future of Energy After Oil in the GCC | Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin May 05, 2025
    Show notes

    Senior visiting research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, Dr Shihab-Eldin joins us on The afikra Podcast to discuss his extensive career in nuclear and solar energy research, particularly his work in Kuwait on pioneering solar energy projects. We explore the challenges and potential of transitioning away from fossil fuels, the energy trilemma of affordability, security, and sustainability, and the role of decarbonization technologies. Dr Shihab-Eldin also reflects on the historical and future perspectives of energy supply and demand, the impact of carbon emissions, and the viability of nuclear power. We conclude with a discussion on climate change impacts in the Arab world and the necessity of international cooperation for future energy solutions.
    00:00 Introduction
    01:12 Early Career and Solar Energy Initiatives
    04:10 Challenges and Opposition to Solar Energy
    05:37 Energy Reserves and Future Predictions
    09:19 The Energy Trilemma
    11:57 Environmental Impact and Efficiency
    23:40 Global Emissions and Climate Change
    29:51 Global Race and Industrialization
    31:04 Direct Air Capture Technology
    33:33 Scaling and Cost Challenges
    34:33 Political Will and Global Cooperation
    40:35 Renewable Energy and Solar Power
    43:59 Global Warming and Climate Change in the Arab World
    54:11 Nuclear Energy: Past, Present and Future
    59:24 Final Thoughts
    Adnan Shihab-Eldin is a senior visiting research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and a board member of the Kearney Energy Transition Institute. A former research physicist at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, he has held academic and visiting positions at institutions such as Kuwait University, UC Berkeley, Harvard, and CERN. He previously served as director general and board member of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, and held senior roles at organizations including the IAEA, UNESCO, and OPEC. A long-standing member of the World Federation of Scientists’ Energy Permanent Monitoring Panel, he also co-chairs its Management of Catastrophic Risks panel. Shihab-Eldin has received numerous honors, including the IAEE’s 2023 award for Outstanding Contributions, the 2022 Spirit of Salam Award, and UC Berkeley’s 2017 Elise and Walter A. Haas International Award.
    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 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 Moriscos & the Purging of Muslim Spain (1492-1614) | Matthew Carr Apr 28, 2025
    Show notes

    The author of "Blood and Faith: The Purging of Muslim Spain, 1492 to 1614," delves into the complex history of Muslim Spain, starting from the arrival of Muslims in Spain in 711 under a North African general, the formation of al-Andalus, and its eventual decline. Matthew Carr explains how the Spanish Christians perceived the conquest of Granada in 1492 as a divine and final victory, leading to the expulsion of Jews and Muslims. The discussion highlights the forced conversions, the life of the Moriscos (converted Muslims) under Christian rule, and the extreme measures taken by the Spanish Inquisition to ensure religious uniformity. Carr also reflects on the modern parallels of ethnic cleansing in Palestine and societal intolerance, linking historical events to contemporary issues.
    00:00 Introduction: The Concept of Blood and Faith
    01:10 Historical Context: Muslim Arrival in Spain
    02:24 The Fall of Granada and Its Aftermath
    03:37 Carr's Inspiration for Writing the Book
    03:59 The Moriscos: A Forgotten History
    05:20 The Expulsion of the Moriscos from Spain
    18:49 The Concept of Purity of Blood
    22:54 The Fall of Granada: A Religious and Political Triumph
    31:07 The Aftermath of 1492: Forced Conversions and Rebellions
    34:15 Forced Conversions in Spain
    34:50 Muslim Workers in Valencia
    37:48 Christian Intolerance and Inquisition
    40:38 Cultural Resistance and Rebellion
    45:27 The Expulsion of the Moriscos
    54:32 Historical Reflections and Modern Parallels
    Matthew Carr is a writer, journalist, and author of several books of nonfiction, including Blood and Faith :The Purging of Muslim Spain. He has written for a variety of publications, including The New York Times, The Observer, The Guardian and others.
    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 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.


    Desert Geography: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and the Arabian Peninsula | Natalie Koch Apr 21, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode of The afikra Podcast, Professor Natalie Koch – the author of "Arid Empire: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and Arabia" – helps us dive into the unexpected connections between the deserts of Arizona and the Arabian Peninsula, beginning with the story of Hi Jolly and the camel experiments of the mid-19th century. The discussion explores how these arid spaces serve as political and imperial tools, the role of white experts in influencing desert landscapes, and the intricate history of agricultural projects that link these seemingly distant regions. Chapters include the origins of Koch's interest in the subject, detailed histories of desert colonization, and the broader implications of these transnational connections.
    00:00 Introduction to Desert Politics
    01:20 The Unlikely Connection: Arizona and Saudi Arabia
    02:53 The Story of Hi Jolly and the Camel Experiment
    11:40 Geography and Its Modern Implications
    14:45 The Political Significance of Deserts
    18:38 Colonial and Imperial Narratives
    22:14 The Role of White Experts in the Arabian Peninsula
    24:17 Arizona's Colonial History
    27:46 The Influence of Old World Desert Knowledge
    30:49 Recruiting White Settlers to Arizona
    31:41 The Role of Railroads and Pamphlets
    32:56 Western Mythology and Camels in Films
    34:41 California's Date Industry and Arabian Influence
    36:43 The Short-Lived Camel Experiment
    37:40 Global Connections of Deserts
    43:42 Transnational Agricultural Projects
    51:23 Controversies and Misappropriations
    52:50 Recommended Readings and Resources
    Natalie Koch is a political geographer working on the topics of geopolitics, nationalism, energy and environmental politics, science and technology studies, and sports geography. Empirically, her research focuses on the Arabian Peninsula, where she studies the many transnational ties that bind the Gulf countries, actors, and ideas to other parts of the world. She has published extensively in journals such as Political Geography, Geopolitics, and Society and Natural Resources, and she is the author of "Arid Empire: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and Arabia," "The geopolitics of spectacle: Space, synecdoche, and the new capitals of Asia" (Cornell University Press, 2018), and co-editor of the Handbook on the changing geographies of the state: New spaces of geopolitics (Edward Elgar 2020). She is currently a professor at Syracuse University in the Department of Geography and the Environment, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs.
    Find Koch's books 👉 https://nataliekoch.com/
    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 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.


    Let's Diagnose Global Health Today | Dr Slim Slama Apr 17, 2025
    Show notes

    The CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Dr Slim Slama, joins us on this episode of The afikra Podcast to give an in-depth look into the complexities and challenges facing global health today, including the rise of non-communicable diseases, the impact of urbanization, and the inequity in health systems worldwide. The conversation also explores the innovative approaches in healthcare, the role of AI, and the specific health issues pertinent to the Arab world. Through his diverse experiences working in crisis-affected areas and his insights on the evolving dynamics between the East and the West, Dr Slama provides an enriching perspective on how to advance global health for all.
    This episode was recorded on March 6 and is brought to you in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.
    00:00 Introduction
    01:23 Defining Global Health
    04:12 Evolution of Public Health Issues
    06:59 Health Challenges in the Arab World
    11:00 Healthcare in Crisis-Affected Areas
    14:22 Ministries of Health: Performance and Challenges
    25:19 Global Health Workforce Shortages
    28:34 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
    38:12 Healthcare in Gaza: Current Situation and Future
    41:42 Impact of Political Decisions on Global Health
    45:03 Future of Healthcare in the Arab World
    47:11 Conclusion and WISH's Future Plans
    Dr. Slim Slama is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) at Qatar Foundation. He is an internal medicine specialist and a public health expert with over 25 years of experience in global health. For more than a decade at the World Health Organization (WHO), his role was Regional Adviser for Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention and management at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. He transitioned to the Head of the Management-Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Unit (MND) where he provided strategic leadership and oversaw the development and implementation of a portfolio focused on early detection, diagnosis, and management of NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, oral health, and digital health solutions. His work also extended to implementation research and managing NCDs in humanitarian settings.
    Connect with Dr Slama 👉 https://ch.linkedin.com/in/slimslama
    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 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.


    Camera Obscura and Photography's Roots in Tehran | Behzad Khosravi Noori at Quoz Arts Fest Mar 24, 2025
    Show notes

    Artist, archivist, and educator Behzad Khosravi Nouri, and Richard Lackey from Fujifilm Middle East delve into Behzad's unique exhibition at Gulf Photo Plus, titled "The Life of an Itinerant Through a Pinhole," which explores his grandfather's photographic work in Tehran during the 1950s and 60s using a handcrafted camera. Richard explains Fujifilm's involvement in creating a giant walk-in camera obscura for the exhibition. We discover the historical and emotional significance behind Behzad's work and how it sheds light on the working-class immigrant community in Tehran, the democratization of photography, and the concept of "soul catcher" cameras.
    This special episode of The afikra Podcast was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is one in five episodes which were published on this podcast or Quartertones. Make sure to check them out!
    00:00 Introduction to the Soul Catcher Camera
    01:15 Behzad's Exhibition Overview
    02:18 Fujifilm's Role in the Camera Obscura Project
    04:30 Behzad's Personal Connection to Photography
    05:38 The Historical Context of the Archive
    06:31 Discovery of the Pinhole Camera
    08:27 The Concept of the Soul Catcher
    10:43 Photography as a Violent Act
    16:07 Self-Orientalism in Photography
    17:01 The Itinerant Theme in the Exhibition
    18:38 Final Thoughts
    Behzad Khosravi Noori is a PhD, artist, writer, educator, playgrounder and necromancer. His research-based practice includes films, installations, as well as archival studies. His work investigate histories from The Global South, labor and the means of production, and histories of political relationships that have existed as a counter narrative to the east-west dichotomy during the Cold War. His work has been shown at Kalmar Museum, Malmö art Museum, Timișoara Biennale, 12.0 Contemporary Islamabad, Tensta Konsthall, Venice Biennale, HDLU Zagreb, WHW Zagreb, Botkyrka Konsthall, CFF (Centre of Photography, Stockholm), Marabouparken, and Centre of Contemporary art, Riga, among other venues.
    Connect with Behzad 👉 https://www.instagram.com/behzad.khosravi.noori
    Gulf Photo Plus is a center for film photography in the UAE which cultivates visual practices through year-round workshops, art programs, exhibitions, community events, publishing, state-of-the art printing services, and specialized photography resources.
    Explore Gulf Photo Plus 👉 www.gulfphotoplus.com
    Hosted by:
    Bayan Dahdah 👉 https://www.instagram.com/bayandahdah
    Bayan Dahdah is a multidisciplinary designer and the founder of Sarj - a mobile seat made for sketching, with which she gives traveling observational sketching workshops in groups. Using the tactile touch of art (sketchbooks, memorabilia), and the freedom/accessibility of digital art (graphic design elements/photographs) she aims to retell her memories and document her journeys. Hailing from an architectural background, she has dabbled in the fields of photography, graphic design and film. Writing and directing a short film titled Shishbarak with the Doha Film Institute, which screened at the Malmo Arab Film Festival and the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, has allowed her to understand the fundamentals of narrative storytelling, as well as how to manifest this visually.

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 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.


    Using Urban Fabrics Literally To Explore Layers That Shape Our World | Zé Tepedino at Quoz Arts Fest Mar 17, 2025
    Show notes

    Brazilian artist Zé Tepedino tells his fascinating story of journeying from Rio to Dubai, his innovative public art residency, and the creative process behind his large-scale fabric installation. He shares his unique perspective on materials, their histories, and their transformation into art. Host Bayan Dahdah helps him delve into his childhood, inspirations, and his ritualistic approach to experiencing new cities, culminating in an engaging discussion about his exhibition Passion Fruit.
    This special episode of The afikra Podcast was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is one in five episodes which will be published on this podcast or Quartertones. Make sure to check them out!
    00:00 Introduction to the Artist and Fabric as a Medium
    01:45 Zé Tepedino's Journey to Dubai
    04:44 Childhood Inspirations and Early Artistic Influences
    07:14 The Significance of Objects and Materials
    13:35 The Creative Process and Studio Rituals
    18:43 Experiencing and Adapting to Dubai
    23:47 The Story Behind "Passion Fruit"
    26:23 Closing Remarks
    Zé Tepedino was born in 1990 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a contemporary artist renowned for his minimalist approach to abstract forms. He holds a bachelor's degree in Visual Communication from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (2017) and has further honed his craft under the mentorship of Charles Watson at Atelier Novo Mundo in 2016. His artistic practice is characterized by a deep engagement with his surroundings in Rio de Janeiro. He meticulously selects everyday materials and objects, transforming them through techniques such as sewing, painting, and sculpting. His work spans various mediums, including sculptures, installations, and performances, all reflecting a profound connection to Brazilian culture and traditions.
    Connect with Ze 👉 https://www.instagram.com/zetepedino/
    Quoz Arts Fest is a neighborhood festival by alserkal, where the freshest contemporary culture and creativity collide in one community event that welcomes young, old, families and pets. It features live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, pop-up shops plus a line-up of hands-on workshops, talks, and film screenings that aim to inspire. Artists transform the alserkal avenue's galleries and public spaces with immersive installations, and you get a close-up on them as well as rising musicians and DJs making waves through conversations on stage.
    Follow alserkal 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue
    Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://quozartsfest.alserkal.online/
    Hosted by:

    Bayan Dahdah 👉 https://www.instagram.com/bayandahdah

    Bayan Dahdah is a multidisciplinary designer and the founder of Sarj - a mobile seat made for sketching, with which she gives traveling observational sketching workshops in groups. Using the tactile touch of art (sketchbooks, memorabilia), and the freedom/accessibility of digital art (graphic design elements/photographs) she aims to retell her memories and document her journeys. Hailing from an architectural background, she has dabbled in the fields of photography, graphic design and film. Writing and directing a short film titled Shishbarak with the Doha Film Institute, which screened at the Malmo Arab Film Festival and the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, has allowed her to understand the fundamentals of narrative storytelling, as well as how to manifest this visually.

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


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    On Lifting the Hijab Ban in Basketball, Growing Up Sudanese in Britain & Finding Home in Poetry | Asma Elbadawi at Quoz Arts Fest Mar 10, 2025
    Show notes

    We dive into the multifaceted life of Asma Elbadawi, a Sudanese British poet, photographer, basketball player, and activist. From her early struggles with dyslexia to lifting the hijab ban on women's basketball, Asma's story is one of perseverance and empowerment. We get an intimate look at her relationship with Sudan and how it influences her art. Asma gives a special poetry performance that encapsulates her experiences and emotions.
    This special episode of The afikra Podcast was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is the first in five episodes which will be published on this podcast or Quartertones. Make sure to check them out!
    00:00 Introduction
    01:16 Meet Asma Elbadawi
    02:04 Asma's Multifaceted Journey
    03:56 Exploring Poetry and Photography
    05:20 Connection to Sudan
    08:18 Artistic Expression and Vulnerability
    13:08 Cultural and Religious Influences
    15:16 Parental Support and Personal Growth
    17:20 The Power of Dua and Career Breakthroughs
    21:11 Closing Remarks and Poetry Performance
    Asma Elbadawi is a Sudanese-British spoken word poet, athlete and photographer. She is known to have petitioned and succeeded in convincing the International Basketball Association (FIBA) to remove a ban on hijabs and religious headwear in the professional sport. She brings unique stories to life through sport, poetry, and visual arts, with a distinctive approach that blends creativity with purpose. Her work is rooted in cultural storytelling, empowering individuals, and creating lasting impact.
    Connect with Asma 👉 https://www.instagram.com/asmaelbadawi
    Quoz Arts Fest is a neighborhood festival by alserkal, where the freshest contemporary culture and creativity collide in one community event that welcomes young, old, families and pets. It features live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, pop-up shops plus a line-up of hands-on workshops, talks, and film screenings that aim to inspire. Artists transform the alserkal avenue's galleries and public spaces with immersive installations, and you get a close-up on them as well as rising musicians and DJs making waves through conversations on stage.
    Follow alserkal 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue
    Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://quozartsfest.alserkal.online/
    Hosted by:
    Lulwah Ayyoub 👉 https://www.instagram.com/lulwahayoub/
    Lulwah is the Director of Social Protection at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in KSA. She previously worked at The World Bank, holding roles as a Social Protection Specialist and consultant in the Poverty and Equity and Social Protection Global Practices. She's also worked in the Behavioral Economics Unit at Hawaz and occupied various research roles at Georgetown University, The Brookings Institution, and Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD).

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


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    Inside the Islamic Arts Biennale | HE Rakan Altouq & Dr Julian Raby Mar 03, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode of the afikra podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with His Excellency Rakan Altouq – Vice Chair of the Diriyah Biennale Arts Foundation and Assistant Minister for Culture of Saudi Arabia – and Dr Julian Raby, one of the artistic directors of the Islamic Arts Biennale. Live from the historic Hajj terminal in Jeddah, they discuss the significance of this architectural marvel and its role as a fitting venue for the Biennale, aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of Islamic arts and culture. This edition, themed "وما بينهما," (AND ALL THAT IS IN BETWEEN), includes seven unique components that explore various aspects of Islamic art, from sacred texts and artifacts to contemporary installations. The conversation delves into the deep emotional and intellectual impact that the Biennale hopes to achieve, the inclusive and interdisciplinary approach adopted by the artistic directors, and the Biennale's resonance with both local and international visitors. The discussion emphasizes the Biennale's potential to reshape narratives, provoke new thoughts, and foster a sense of pride and identity among attendees.
    00:00 Introduction
    00:32 Significance of the Hajj Terminal
    06:00 Overview of the Islamic Arts Biennale
    10:06 Exploring ALBIDAYAH
    18:46 A Holistic Experience Beyond Objects
    25:09 Diversity of ALMADAR Section and ALMUQTANI Collection
    30:37 Looking at Islam and Islamic Arts Holistically
    43:45 The Role of Contemporary Art
    52:56 Impact and Future of the Biennale
    His Excellency Rakan Altouq is the Vice Chairman of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and assistant minister of culture of Saudi Arabia.
    Dr Julian Raby is a co-director of the Diriyah Islamic Art Biennale and the Director Emeritus of the National Museum of Asian Art of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC (formerly known as the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M Sackler Gallery). He served as director of these museums from 2002 until 2017, and previously, he was a university lecturer in Islamic Art & Architecture at the University of Oxford from 1979 until 2006.
    The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 provides a holistic platform for new discourse about Islamic arts, offering an unparalleled space for learning, research, and insight. By juxtaposing contemporary and newly commissioned artworks with historical objects from Islamic cultures, the Biennale explores how faith is experienced, expressed, and celebrated through feeling, thinking, and making. It offers a unique platform for artists to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and the intersection of past and present, while fostering cross-cultural connections and expanding the global understanding of Islamic art and culture.
    More about the Islamic Arts Biennale 👉 https://biennale.org.sa/en

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


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    Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market | Prof Adam Hanieh Feb 20, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with Professor Adam Hanieh, author of "Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market," to discuss the transformative role of oil in shaping global economics and politics. The conversation delves into the historical context of oil production, including the rise of Standard Oil and the dominance of the Seven Sisters, the emergence of the term "petrodollars," OPEC's influence, and the strategic movements of oil in the global market. The discussion also addresses the implications of oil on geopolitical relations, particularly in the Middle East, the US, and the emerging role of China. Prof Hanieh examines the flawed solutions proposed to address the climate crisis and the ongoing pervasiveness of fossil fuel reliance.
    00:00 Introduction
    01:05 Understanding Petrodollars
    02:52 The Genesis of "Crude Capitalism"
    05:30 Historical Context: Oil as a Commodity
    08:22 Oil and War: a Strategic Resource
    16:58 The Rise of the Seven Sisters
    23:51 US Hegemony and Petrodollars
    29:44 The Formation and Role of OPEC
    37:33 Oil and Financial Markets
    48:13 China's Role in the Global Oil Market
    56:39 The Stakes of Energy Politics
    01:00:44 Final Thoughts
    Adam Hanieh is a professor of Political Economy and Global Development at the University of Exeter’s Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies and a Distinguished Research Fellow at Tsinghua University. A leading scholar of Middle Eastern political economy, his work examines Gulf capitalism, class dynamics, and state formation. He is the author of Money, Markets, and Monarchies (2018) and Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market (Verso Books, 2024). His research has been widely published, and he holds a Political Economy Fellowship with the Independent Social Research Foundation, while also serving on several editorial and advisory boards.

    Hosted by:
    Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
    FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
    » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743
    » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze
    » 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.
    📍 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
    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
    🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
    🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra


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