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A special edition of this year's Abu Dhabi Festival

Duration: 0:11:54.730666

The Louvre Abu Dhabi and the cultural scene in the United Arab Emirates offer a unique insight into the diverse art scene. Abu Dhabi has become a beacon of culture in just a few years, attracting tourists from around the world. The Abu Dhabi Festival is a significant cultural event, showcasing ballet, opera, traditional Arab evenings, and classical music performances. Visitors to Abu Dhabi are impressed by the blend of global trade, history, contemporary architecture, and cultural heritage. Renowned musicians, like Tenor Ayo, bring their passion for music to audiences around the world. The city's appreciation for culture and diversity is evident in its beautiful mosques and cultural events. The love for music, opera, and Italian composers is shared with new audiences, like those in Abu Dhabi, allowing for a deep appreciation of different cultures. Artists, like American-African singer Jamal, advocate for diversity and represent their heritage with pride, aiming to bridge gaps and promote understanding among people. Regardless of differences, the world's citizens should always strive to act with respect and understanding. Music has the power to connect people and build bridges, facilitating mutual understanding and appreciation for different cultures. In a world where conflicts persist, music remains a powerful tool for peace and unity.

Language: Arabic
Topics: CultureCultural Renaissance in Abu DhabiMusic as a Bridge: Ahmed Shouman's Journey as an African-American Opera Singer in Abu Dhabi

Yalla Culture - Episode 29 - Kohl and Habhan

Duration: 0:07:19.854671

Welcome to episode 29 of Yalla Taqafa! Today marks the podcast's first anniversary, as the first episode was recorded in 2018. In this episode, we will be discussing the novel "Kahal wa Habahan" by the author Omar Taher, which is his first novel. I hadn't planned on doing another book review so soon after the last one, but when Omar Taher released this novel earlier this year, I fell in love with it and felt compelled to share my thoughts on it. The novel is a sensitive work that immerses readers in the memories of traditional Egyptian families, evoking sensations of taste, smell, and sound. It beautifully captures the essence of Abdullah, the protagonist, both as a teenager in his family home and as a young man navigating the streets of Cairo from 2008 to 2017. The novel is rich in imagery and explores themes of love, food, and culture. Overall, "Kahal wa Habahan" is a well-crafted novel and a promising start for Omar Taher. It is like a sweet dessert enjoyed with tea after a long and tiring day. Thank you, Omar Taher, for this wonderful literary work.

Language: Arabic
Topics: Omar Taher's Debut Novel Kehl wa HabahanCulinary Symbolism and Emotional Resonance in Kehl wa Habahan

Bashar Murad breaks taboos with singing

Duration: 0:13:28.704000

Welcome to the Culture program. Today, I am pleased to host a Palestinian artist whose songs address social issues, challenge norms, and fearlessly tackle taboos. Joining us in the studio is the martyr Morad, but sorry, I actually do not want anyone. Now, in the studio, we have Bashar Morad. Welcome, Bashar. Your name has become famous recently after making it to the finals of the Icelandic song competition in Eurovision, which is considered one of the most important competitions in Europe. How was this journey from Jerusalem to Eurovision? Bashar talks about his experience trying to break into the Icelandic music scene and how he faced challenges and overcame them. He discusses the process of writing and presenting his songs, and the impact of music on his life and identity. He also mentions his family's musical background and the influence of Palestinian musicians on his work. Bashar emphasizes the importance of music in overcoming difficulties and expressing himself creatively. Overall, Bashar's story sheds light on the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds and circumstances. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and artists everywhere.

Language: Arabic
Topics: MusicMusical Family in JerusalemJourney of Bashar Murad to Eurovision

Yalla Culture - Episode 08 - Magical Realism

Duration: 0:07:10.403628

Welcome to episode eight of Yalla Fekra! Today, we will be talking about magical realism in literature. Magical realism and realism never meet. So, what brought these two together? Let's start from the beginning. Common knowledge suggests that magical realism emerged in literature or is specifically present in literature, but this is incorrect. It is closely linked to Latin America rather than the Arab world. In fact, in the 1920s in Germany, there was an exhibition on the New Objectivity. The term magical realism was coined by Latin American authors, such as Isabel Allende from Chile, Salman Rushdie from India, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez from Colombia. Marquez, in particular, gained fame for his novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude." He even won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982. Other notable authors in this style include Haruki Murakami from Japan and Naguib Mahfouz from Egypt. So, what can bring together realism and fantasy in a narrative? A novel that combines elements of both can seem quite ordinary with a touch of imagination or fantasy. It can feel like watching a movie or living an ordinary life suddenly filled with magical occurrences. The debate between critics about magical realism continues. The boundaries of magical realism are not clear, making it difficult to define and categorize. In conclusion, the term magical realism originated in Germany and was later adopted in literature. However, as different authors began using it, the definition became blurry. Magical realism combines realism with elements of fantasy, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. It's a clash where it's hard to distinguish what is real and what is magical. Ultimately, magical realism remains a unique and captivating genre.

Language: Arabic
Topics: LiteratureMagical Realism in Literature

Yalla Culture - Episode 16 - The Maestro

Duration: 0:04:59.512743

Welcome to episode 16 of Yalla Thaqafa. In today's episode, we will answer some questions. The first question is: what does the man standing in front of the orchestra, holding a baton and showing his back, need? The second question is: what does the baton signify? The third question is: who moves his hands right and left? And the fourth question is: who are the most famous figures in this field that today's episode is about the maestro? The word "maestro" is Italian and means master or leader, indicating a leadership quality in the person in the middle of the hub. Renowned German composer Richard Wagner, who was an orchestra conductor, said the most important thing a conductor does is maintain the speed and harmony of the music. All the musicians present keep in mind the composer they torture and beat to death. Alone with each other, what is the role of the maestro committee? In an orchestra hall with over 50 musicians who can reach up to a hundred players, for example, place a violinist on the far left. Ask him what he wants in the counterbass film. On the other side, you may find environmental musicians like pure or in front of pure, depending on the rhythm players if any of them know when to start. However, if one of them starts early, whether it is a year or late, what will happen in the orchestra's work because it is supposed to bring out the creature and the sound as one. But what will happen if one gets up early and another is sorry or starts earlier or in the morning? And if the second one needed someone all the musicians saw him and followed behind. But isn't that it? Isn't that everything, even if, for example, heard my own cut or the symphony more than once and from more than one source, we have to find the difference or whether it is a slight difference that expresses the maestro's personal vision of the work? Then what will happen if everyone has a vision of the work they are playing with their own view? Will it be chaos? The movement of the baton always be like as the communication language between me and the musicians in the buildings, for example, in the tunes, the stick in their hands, the left hand and the right stick, are known to determine the speed and harmony of the music played on the oboe. For example, a maestro like Nader Abbasi in Egypt uses hand gestures primarily and the baton they use is only for show with hand movements.

Language: Arabic
Topics: Classical Music

Yalla Culture - Episode 26 - The Stanford Prison Experiment

Duration: 0:13:57.458435

Welcome to episode 26 of Yalla Thaqafa. In episode 19, we talked about an experiment that took place in America, which was a scientific experiment in the field of medicine. Today, we will talk about the Stanford Prison Experiment, which was another strange experiment that took place in America. This experiment will make you think about painful memories and delve into the field of psychology. The interesting thing about this experiment is that it allows us to discuss this topic at the same time. Let's listen and see what happened. If we are not interested in reading and want to know about the impact of environment or situation on a person's character, there are various ways to experiment. For example, going to a place like Sultan Center and observing people's behavior. However, it may not be feasible to observe people in places where they are not conscious of being observed. At Stanford University, a group of scientists decided to conduct a mini prison experiment by recruiting volunteers and simulating a prison environment. This was a good method because the volunteers were successful and they could control the experimental conditions to ensure accurate results. The experiment took place in 1971 and was supposed to last a week but was halted after six days as it veered off its main goal. The aim of the experiment was to understand the psychological effects on individuals in positions of power and authority. It was conducted at Stanford University in America. The information provided in this episode is derived from the official website of the experiment, conducted by Dr. Phil Zimbardo. Dr. Zimbardo is still alive, and he created the website around 1999 or 1990, approximately. The experiment is very famous and has sparked controversy. There are even movies and interviews about it. In 2015, a film was made about the subject which is quite intriguing. The experiment is thought-provoking and may be considered painful. Links to the movie trailer and the official recruitment website are provided for further information. The experiment took place in the basement of the psychology department at Stanford University, resembling a prison environment with steel doors. The basement restroom was the only place where prisoners could escape, and even then, they had to ask for permission from guards to use it.

Language: Arabic
Topics: Stanford Prison ExperimentEthical Concerns and Controversies in Psychological Experiments

Oum: Old songs pulsating with Marrakesh rhythms

Duration: 0:12:28.330666

Welcome to today's episode of "Culture" where we have the Moroccan artist and singer, Umm Al-Ghaith, known as Umm, to learn about her latest release, "Dakshi," which includes a beautiful collection of songs that reflect her artistic essence and her ability to explore different musical genres globally. Umm, it's been a while since we last met in 2019 with the album "Bomba Bomba." This album, which was recorded in Marrakech, marks a new chapter in your music career. What's new in this album and why the late return to Marrakech for recording? Because Marrakech is a place of magic and inspiration for you. The songs in this album are a mix of old and new hits, presented in a fresh and innovative way. By celebrating and exploring the new musical styles and sounds, Umm provides a unique and enchanting experience for her audience. The songs in this album reflect a sense of nostalgia and longing, creating a blend of traditional Moroccan music with modern influences. Umm's ability to experiment with different rhythms and musical styles shines through in each track, offering a rich and diverse musical journey for the listeners. Through her music, Umm invites the audience to celebrate the beauty of diversity and cultural richness, while also exploring the deep emotions and experiences that connect us all. With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Umm creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that captivates the hearts of her listeners, taking them on a musical journey filled with joy, love, and nostalgia. As a member of the musical family, Umm continues to inspire and delight her fans with her unique and enchanting music that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Her passion for music and her dedication to her art shine through in each song, making her a beloved artist in the hearts of many.

Language: Arabic
Topics: Music

"Beirut and Beyond": A project that transcends Lebanon's borders in supporting alternative music

Duration: 0:12:17.472000

Today on Culture, we will learn about the Beirut Jam Project, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The project, started by individuals who are passionate about straight music models in the Arab region, quickly became a standout among music festivals in the area. It provides a space for meetings, shows, and idea exchange. With the presence of Christians in Lebanon at this time, we have seen ten different major teams, each with its own unique style. Beirut Jam Project has been bringing together musicians from various Arab countries and beyond to attend the festival. Over the years, Beirut has experienced a golden age in terms of art, especially with the Arab youth movement and revolutions. Unfortunately, many challenges, including security issues and economic struggles, have impacted the project's priorities. The program aims to support alternative music industry challenges in Arab countries, including Lebanon. The program supports artists at various levels, providing opportunities for training and collaboration. The Beirut Jam Project has evolved over the years, adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining its core values of promoting music and cultural exchange within the Arab world.

Language: Arabic
Topics: MusicAlternative Music in Lebanon and the Arab World

Yalla Culture - Episode 27 - Arabji’s Memoirs

Duration: 0:09:23

Welcome to episode 27 of Yalla Thaqafa. In this episode, I am doing something special for the month of June this year. It is great news that now you can write in Arabic on Kindle. This means that all those who have Kindle can now access around 1000 free books in Arabic. These books are in the public domain, so you will find classics like Ibn Khaldun's introduction and works by Abbas Al-Aqqad, among others. The happy news is that you don't need a Kindle device to read these books. All you need is an Amazon account and the Kindle app on your phone, computer, or tablet. Just search for "Kindle Arabic Edition" and you will find these books available for free, without any copyright issues. The main focus of this episode is on the memoirs of the Egyptian artist Suleiman Naguib. He was a prominent figure in Egyptian theater and cinema, known for his comedic roles in films starring Najib Al-Rihani and Laila Murad. He also worked as a diplomat and had a close personal friendship with Mustafa Kamel, a leading figure in Egyptian politics at the time. The memoirs of Suleiman Naguib offer insight into the social and cultural landscape of Egypt at that time, reflecting on the past and nostalgia for bygone days. The main character in the memoirs, Mr. Hanafi, narrates tales of Egyptian society across various social classes. Through these memoirs, we gain a deeper understanding of the moral and ethical values prevalent in Egyptian society at that time. The narrative explores themes of addiction, societal change, and personal struggles, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in Egyptian society. Overall, these memoirs paint a vivid picture of Egyptian society in the past, highlighting both positive aspects and challenges faced by individuals. The nostalgia for the past depicted in the memoirs serves as a reminder that while times may have changed, certain societal issues remain constant.

Language: Arabic
Topics: Digital Accessibility of Arabic LiteratureLiterary Insights from the Memoirs of Suleiman Naguib
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