Tarwida

Nai Barghouti - Palestinian singer, flutist and composer discovered the power of her voice at age four, when the occupation forces moved into her building during the Second Intifada. Since then, Nai uses music as a form of defiance and identity. 

In this episode, she shares how legendary artists like Umm Kulthum, Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani shaped her sound and how she re-imagines Palestinian folklore through a unique fusion of jazz, blues and tarab styles. 

She explains her signature vocal technique, “Naistrumentation,” a style where the voice itself becomes an instrument — blending scat-inspired jazz vocalization, Arabic ornamentation, and Palestinian heritage. Expect discussion of her journey, creative collaborations, cultural roots and how music becomes resistance.

This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was recorded on November 24, 2025. You can watch it on Youtube here. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Nai Barghouti on Instagram (@naibarghoutiofficial)
• Listen to more of Nai’s music (Spotify, YouTube, Apple)
• Read more about the connection between Islamic music and the blues here
• Listen to Nai on Curious Ears
• Learn more about Ziad Rahbani 
• Buy tickets for Together for Palestine on December 9th, 2025 in Paris

Music included:

• قَلْبي يُحَدِّثُني - ناي البرغوثي | Qalbi Yuhadithuni 
• Li Fairuz 
• Xena 
• If I Must Die - Poem by Refaat Alareer, music by Nai Barghouti
• Steps
• Athem of the Land 
• Inta Omry, originally by Umm Kulthum, performed by Nai Barghouti
• Sallimli Aleih, originally sung by Fairuz and composed by Ziad Rahbani, performed by Nai Barghouti
• “Badri Aleina” - written and composed by Jalal Nader from Palestine. Children choirs from Gaza, directed by Fouad Khader and Jaber Thabet - trained in part at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) by Sheryn Zeidan.

When filmmaker Annemarie Jacir began searching for her next film, she found herself returning to a moment many prefer to forget, the 1936 revolt, when Palestinians rose together against the British colonial rule, long before today's occupation took shape. This film, Palestine36, eventually became a 9-year journey into archives, historic villages, and the ways history leaves its mark. In this episode, she reflects on how the film came to life, and we also dive into her three other feature films, all of which were submitted to the Oscars. 

Raised between Saudi Arabia and Bethlehem, and now living in Haifa, Annemarie has always existed between worlds. We delve deeper into how this has shaped her and how she and other Palestinian filmmakers manage to make creation possible under impossible conditions.

This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was recorded on November 5, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on socials @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Annemarie Jacir on Instagram (@annamariajacir)
• Find where to watch her newest film Palestine36, here
• Learn more about Farkha Village, here
• You can read Rashid Khalidi’s book, Palestinian Identity (1997), here, and The Hundred Years War on Palestine (2020), here

Watch Annemarie’s films below:

• Salt of this Sea (2008)
• When I Saw You (2012)
• Wajib (2017)

Mentioned Tarwida Episodes:

• Saleem Al Beik

When Suad Amiry’s father tried to return to his home in Jaffa after 1948, he found that an Israeli family had moved in. They refused to let him enter. And when he returned to their home in Amman, it was the first time Suad had ever seen him cry. Years later, Suad would build a career on remembering what others tried to erase. 

Palestinian architect and writer, Suad Amiry, shares how her parents’ strength, wit, and belief in her became the foundation of her own confidence and sense of humor. She reflects on a life lived as both an architect and storyteller, exploring the absurdities of daily life under occupation, the coexistence of heartbreak and humor, and the defiant power of laughter. 

From founding the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation in 1991 to writing her book Sharon and My Mother-in-Law in 2003, and many since, Suad Amiry has dedicated her life to preserving Palestine, its culture, and its stories. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was recorded on September 10, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on socials @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Suad Amiry on Instagram (@suad.amiry)
• Learn more about the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation
• See below to learn more about the books mentioned:
  • Mother of Strangers
  • Golda Slept Here
  • Murad Murad
  • Sharon and My Mother-in-Law
  • My Damascus

In this episode, we sit with Palestinian musician Samir Joubran, one of the three brothers behind Le Trio Joubran - a family of oud players and master luthiers who have carried the craft and soul of the instrument across generations.

We explore with him what it means to revive the oud today and how to make music that speaks without words. We also trace the deep intersection between music and poetry, guided by the legacy of renowned poet Mahmoud Darwish, whose words have long influenced Joubrans’ music.

Through reflecting on craft, heritage, and the spaces between sound and silence, this conversation is an invitation to listen differently. 

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This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was conducted in Arabic and recorded on October 11, 2025. You can watch it with English subtitles on YouTube through this link. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners, and more, about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on socials @tarwidapodcast

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Samir Joubran on Instagram (@samir_joubran)
• Follow Le Trio Joubran on Instagram (@triojoubran)
• Book your tickets to attend Le Trio Joubrans’ upcoming concerts
• Listen to Le Trio Joubran’s latest album

Mentioned Tarwida Episodes: 

• Listen to our episode with Joudie Kalla 
• Listen to our episode with Rola Azar

Born in Damascus, raised in London, and rooted in Palestine, chef, author, and activist Joudie Kalla speaks openly about living between worlds. Never fully belonging, yet finding a home through flavors, memories, and family stories. 

Known for her celebrated books Palestine on a Plate and Baladi, Joudie reflects on how cooking has always been a way to ground herself and celebrate Palestinian culture. She also reflects on how food is never separate from politics or empathy. 

This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was recorded on September 21, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners, and more, about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on socials @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Joudie on Instagram (@palestineonaplate) 
• Support Joudie and The House of Friendship by buying her cookbooks, Baladi and Palestine on a Plate 
• You can also attend Joudie’s supper clubs, where all profits go to charity, by signing up here
• Remember and learn more about Refaat Alareer and read more of his work in Gaza Writes Back
• Learn more about Mahmoud Darwish and read his poetry here
• Listen to the full version of Fairuz’s song, Ana Indi Haneen

Mentioned Tarwida Episodes: 

• Listen to our episode with Fadi Kattan
• Listen to our episode with Rola Azar

From the suburbs of Chicago to representing Palestine on a global stage, Olympic swimmer Valerie Tarazi 

carries Palestine in everything she does. Our first glimpse of her as a representative for Palestine was at the 2023 Arab Games in Algeria and then at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she held the Palestinian flag high. Beyond the pool, Valerie’s dedication to Palestine shines through her advocacy work, where she champions grassroots sports programs and opens doors for the next generation, with a special focus on empowering women to step into the world of athletics. Through her sport and advocacy, Valerie continues to fight for sport as a basic human right. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was recorded on September 10, 2025. You can watch the full video on YouTube, here. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Valerie on Instagram (@vswimt)
• Learn more about the Palestinian Olympic Committee
• 800 Palestinian athletes have been murdered by the Israeli Occupation since October 7. Keep their memory alive by learning their names and their stories.
• Learn more about the Olympic Council of Asia’s Gender Equity Committee
• Learn more about the International Olympic Committee’s Commission on Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Few artists have captured the soul of Palestine the way Sliman Mansour has. His paintings featuring olive trees, stone terraces, mud, and the steadfast women of the land have carried Palestine across generations and borders. 

In this conversation, Mansour looks back on his childhood as well as the mischief and hardships that shaped him. A pioneer of contemporary Palestinian art and a teacher who rooted creativity in local materials, he speaks with humor and sharp honesty about what art means to him,  sharing not only his achievements but also his moments of fragility and disappointments.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was conducted in Arabic and recorded on July 8, 2025. You can watch it with English subtitles on YouTube through this link. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Sliman Mansour on Instagram @sliman.mansour
• Purchase Mansour’s artwork through his website or on Zawyeh
• Learn more about Ismail Shammout
• Learn more about Bashar Khalaf

Walls, fences, and Israeli checkpoints try to dictate where bodies can and cannot move in Gaza, yet young athletes turn to parkour to reclaim freedom of movement under siege. Yalla Parkour, a film by Areeb Zuaitar, follows this story. In this episode, we sit with Zuaitar and parkour athlete Ahmad Matar to explore how their lives, though miles apart and shaped by different realities, become connected through Palestine, the only place they both feel ultimate belonging to. They share with us how each jump carries defiance and hope, and how, even amid destruction, Gazans continue to rise above the rubble, choosing life over despair.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This conversation was recorded on August 16, 2025 and is conducted in Arabic. To listen to this episode with English subtitles, please click this link (https://youtu.be/RWNIHFoZggA) to watch it on YouTube! 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Watch Yalla Parkour’s trailer
• Follow Areeb Zuaitar on Instagram @areebzuaiter
• Follow Ahmad Matar on Instagram @matargaza
• Follow Gaza Parkour on Instagram @gazaparkour
• Learn more about Gaza’s airport
• Watch this episode on Youtube, here

With a profound belief that artists bear the responsibility to witness and that art is an integral part of life, Susan Abulhawa, the internationally-acclaimed writer, weaves together history, activism and fiction. In this first episode of Tarwida, join us for an insightful conversation with Susan as we explore her multifaceted journey and discover how we can read our way into the depths of Palestinian culture. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This episode was recorded on August 27th, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Susan’s Instagram 
• Playgrounds for Palestine
• Palstine Writes 
• Buy Susan’s books through this link: 
  - Mornings in Jenin, 2006
  - My Voice Sought the Wind, 2013
  - The Blue Between Sky and Water, 2015
  - Against the Loveless World, 2019

In this episode of Tarwida, we revisit the life and legacy of George Qurmoz, a Palestinian composer and musician whose work became a soundtrack of resistance. We trace his journey through music collectives and movements, exploring how his melodies echoed not just melodies, but entire emotional geographies.

This episode was originally published on November 28, 2024 and is produced by Dom Tak, a Sowt Production podcast dedicated to Arabic music. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources: 

• Listen to Geroge Qurmoz’s songs
• Listen to Dom Tak’s episode on the initfada tapes 
• Browse George Qurmoz’s pictures from the 70’s 
• Follow Dom Tak on Instagram