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Yalla Culture - Episode 12 - Presentation of the novel The Pessimist

Duration: 0:05:30.814693

Welcome to episode 12 of Yalla Thaqafa! Today, my family is searching for happiness. The novel we will discuss for the first time is "The Day of the End of the World," which is one of the top 100 Arabic novels. The novel is unique and not easily found in bookstores, making it an exciting read. The protagonist, Sa'id, comes from a family of skeptics who have been unsure of their optimism for generations. Sa'id's character is complex, embodying contradictory qualities that make him difficult to understand. The novel delves into the conflict between Palestine and Israel, exploring themes of identity and struggle. The modern Arabic novel often presents a realistic portrayal of the Arab world's complexities, drawing readers in with its depth and emotion. I encourage you to read this novel, despite its linguistic challenges, as it offers a unique perspective on the Arab experience. Looking forward to seeing you in the next episode, thank you.

Language: Arabic
Topics: LiteraturePalestinian LiteratureComplex Characters and Sociopolitical Commentary

Yalla Culture - Episode 09 - Bohemianism

Duration: 0:06:44.024739

Welcome to episode nine of Yalla Fakasah! Today's episode is titled "Bohemian," and we will be discussing the concept of bohemian style. Whether it's a summer bohemian vibe on something or someone, we will explore the different aspects of this lifestyle. The bohemian lifestyle is all about freedom, creativity, and breaking away from societal norms. Through a comedic film scene featuring the late actor Farid Shawqi and Ahmed Rateb, we see the portrayal of a bohemian character with a carefree and unconventional approach to life. The term "bohemian" originated from the French Bohemian people who were known for their unconventional ways. In modern times, Bohemia is located in the Czech Republic and is associated with high-quality Bohemian crystal. Bohemian style in decor and fashion is characterized by free-spirited and eclectic elements, often incorporating beads and bold colors. The bohemian lifestyle values individuality and artistic expression, rejecting societal expectations. As the episode concludes, we invite you to explore and embrace the bohemian spirit in your own way. See you in the next episode!

Language: Arabic
Topics: Bohemian LifestyleFashion

Yalla Culture - Episode 31 - The Oppressed Age

Duration: 0:13:37

Hello and welcome to episode 31 of Yalla Thaqafa. I am very happy that the listening audience continues to grow steadily despite the hiatus from the podcast. I am eager to know more about the statistics of Fatma Anan's listeners, but unfortunately I have to pay a subscription larger than snakes to access it. However, this does not stop me from feeling a bit proud of Yalla Thaqafa podcast, which has no sponsors and relies solely on personal efforts. Today's episode is titled "The Middle Ages", and I want to delve deeper into historical eras because it's hard to forget the cultural and historical content of Christianity. Starting from the Middle Ages, I found myself diving into a sea of information. In today's episode, we will discuss why the Middle Ages are named so and how it influenced European culture. This period marked the entrance of Islam, expansion, and influence of the Islamic state into Europe, leading to a literary and musical renaissance. Join me as I explore the misunderstood era of the Middle Ages and provide insights from various research materials.

Language: Arabic
Topics: the Middle AgesUnveiling the Middle Ages: Myths and RealitiesInnovations in the Middle Ages

Yalla Culture - Episode 24 - Banned Books

Duration: 0:09:36.246122

Welcome to episode 24 of Yalla Thaqafa. In this episode, I will be discussing the reasons behind banning books. The first reason is the celebration of Banned Books Week, which has been observed in the last week of September every year since 1982 in America. This event raises awareness about books that have been banned and the reasons behind it. The second reason is the winter in Kuwait, where authorities have been adding more books to the banned list, which now includes over 4000 books. Banning books has been a practice since the early days of writing, and it is still prevalent in many countries. The responsibility for banning books lies with both the government and the public. Reasons for banning books can be religious, ethical, or contain controversial topics. Some famous banned books include religious scriptures, such as the Bible and the Quran, as well as works of fiction like "The Da Vinci Code" and "Lolita". In Egypt, books like "The Da Vinci Code" and "Children of Gebelawi" by Naguib Mahfouz have faced controversies and were banned for a long time. In recent years, some of these books have been allowed back in the market. Other controversial books include "The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie, which sparked outrage in the Muslim world. Ethical reasons for banning books include topics that are deemed morally questionable or contain explicit content. Books like "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence have been banned due to their controversial themes. Overall, banning books remains a contentious issue that reflects societal values and norms.

Language: Arabic
Topics: Censorship of LiteratureThe Evolution of Banned Books: From Religious Texts to Contemporary Novels

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
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