Mai Al-Nakib, Kuwaiti writer and professor of postcolonial studies and comparative literature at Kuwait University, sits down with Linda to talk about her new collection of short stories “The Hidden Light of Objects”. She also talks about the Kuwait she grew up in, how it has changed, and what she believes will help the Arab world for the future.

To purchase “The Hidden Light of Objects”:

Music featured on this episode:

[email protected]

Twitter: @arabiyaat

Theme song:

The post ‘We don’t value reading as much as we should’: The power of literature and imagination appeared first on KPFA.

Faisal Attrache, Syrian-American filmmaker and activist, joins us in studio to speak about his unique experiences making his documentary, “Growing Home”, at the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. Through the lens of a hyphenated-identity, at once insider and outsider, Faisal’s point of view is illuminating to many of us disconnected from the pertinent refugee crisis that has become a reality for far too many Syrians. Once the cameras leave, refugees live in a state of perpetual limbo, yearning for a life beyond the food and shelter provided by international organizations.

“Growing Home”

“From the Mountain”

Faisal’s TEDx Talk:

For more on Faisal:

Music featured in this episode:

You can reach us at: [email protected]

Follow us: @Arabiyaat

Theme song: Muqata’a – Ahya’ (Instrumental) @boikutt

The post Redefining Home: Faisal Attrache and Syrian refugees in Zaatari camp appeared first on KPFA.

Reem Assil, Syrian-Palestinian-American, activist and cook, joins us in studio to tell us about her new project: Reem’s – “Traditional Arab street food made with California Love!” Reem’s goes beyond the transaction of food to feature the warm hospitality of Arab culture. She offers a culinary discovery of the flavors, aromas, and techniques of local bakeries in Damascus, Beirut, and Jerusalem. Whether you’ve experienced Arab culture before or this is your first time, Reem’s baking up some treats! You can visit one of her pop-ups, food festivals or farmers market stands or attend one of her classes!

Update (9.12.16): Congratulations to Reem on raising $50,000 to open her own, “Arab Street Corner Bakery”!

For more information on Reem or to contact her, visit her website: reemscalifornia.com

Send Inquiries to: [email protected]

Follow us: @Arabiyaat

Theme song: Muqata’a – Ahya’ (Instrumental) @boikutt

The post Beyond Falafel: Reem Assil brings the manoushé to California appeared first on KPFA.

SF Bay Area: Palestinian-Americans, Majdi and Taghrid, join us in studio to speak about their experiences of being denied entry into their homeland of Palestine to visit family and friends. Our guests tell their stories but only used their first names because they don’t want to be prevented from seeing their families and homelands again.

The episode begins with UpFront’s, originally-produced segment on George Khoury’s denial of entry by Israel in July 2015:

Mondoweiss article:

Music featured in this episode:

Send Inquiries to: [email protected]

Follow us: @Arabiyaat

Theme song: Muqata’a – Ahya’ (Instrumental) @boikutt

The post Conditional Citizenship: Palestinian-Americans appeared first on KPFA.

Arabiyaat briefly explores the history of Arabs in America with guest Nadine Naber, author of “Arab America: Gender, Cultural Politics, and Activism.” The episode begins with reflections by Linda and Souraya followed by an interview with Dr. Nadine Naber. She puts this largely unknown history of the Arab migrants to America became an “invisible” community and how that invisibility has led to the ambiguous place Arabs hold in the US today.

Part 1(00:00 – 21:22): Linda and Souraya share thoughts on the status of Arabs in America

Part 2 (22:26 – 58:14): Interview with Nadine Naber

Music: Alexander Maalof “America ya Helwa” For more music from the first wave of Arab immigrants, go here: itunes.apple.com/us/album/music-a…ective/id2474581

“Are Arabs White?”

Email: [email protected]

The post ‘White but not quite’: A history of the Arabs in America appeared first on KPFA.

Why Arabiyaat? Get to know hosts Linda Khoury and Souraya A. and find out what Arabiyaat is all about.

The post Introducing Arabiyaat appeared first on KPFA.