In this episode (part of an ongoing series on colonialism in the Arab world,) we explore the Sykes-Picot Agreement, a secret deal that shaped the modern Middle East. We dissect the origins, intricacies, and repercussions of this pivotal agreement, shedding light on its lasting implications for the region's political landscape.

Special thanks:

Voice of Italy played by Melissa Sarno.

References:

Tucker, Spencer C.  Sykes-Picot Agreement; United Kingdom, Middle East Policy; World War I, Impact of. New York: ABC-CLIO, 2011.

Mamdani, Mahmood. Good Muslim, Bad Muslim : America, the Cold War, and the Roots of Terror. 1st ed. New York: Pantheon Books, 2004.  

Support the show

In this episode (part of an ongoing series on colonialism in the Arab world,) we explore the pivotal Hussein-McMahon Correspondence. This series of letters exchanged during World War I between Sharif Hussein of Mecca and Sir Henry McMahon, the British High Commissioner in Egypt, played a crucial role in shaping the modern Middle East. We explore the context of the correspondence, set against the backdrop of the disintegrating Ottoman Empire and the rising aspirations of Arab nationalism.

References:

Arthur Goldschmidt Jr., Chapter 3, “The Historical Context” in Deborah J. Gerner and Jillian Schwedler, eds., Understanding the Contemporary Middle East (Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2004).

Support the show

Welcome to Qalam & Culture. I'm Sabrina, a former journalist currently pursuing my master's degree in Middle East and Islamic Studies with a Secondary Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies. My research interests, focus on race, culture, history and the the influence of religious beliefs on contemporary politics. Through this podcast I hope to make complex topics accessible and challenge the narratives that have long dominated our understanding about topics at the intersection of history, religion, and politics. Join me as we explore and unravel the threads to better understand the world and reimagine it.  I'm so glad you're here.

Support the show