The afikra Podcast

• Curating Art Shows at Jaou Tunis & Navigating Artistic & Cultural Politics | Taous Dahmani

  In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna chats with Dr Taous Dahmani, a London-based art historian, writer, and curator. She discusses her career, her ties to Tunis, and curating the exhibitions Unstable Point and Assembly at Jaou Tunis. She explores the socio-political themes in these works, the challenges of political expression in art, and fostering dialogue among artists from Africa and Southwest Asia, reflecting on their impact amid global issues.00:00 Introduction 02:01 Connection to Tunis and Curatorial Challenges04:02 Unstable Point Exhibition06:40 Curatorial Process and Artist Selection20:35 Political Context and Art27:21 Emotional and Political Dimensions of Art35:16 Featured Artists at Jaou Tunis and Their Work48:31 Upcoming Projects and Final ThoughtsDr Taous R. Dahmani is a historian of photography, researcher, and writer, who divides her time between London and Marseille. Her PhD focused on the intersection of political actions and photographic practices. She is also editor and content advisor at The Eyes, a trustee of the Photo Oxford Festival, and is on the editorial board of MAI: Visual Culture and Feminism.Connect with Taous 👉 https://www.instagram.com/taous_r_dahmani/?locale=fr_ca&hl=enExplore Jaou Tunis 👉 https://www.instagram.com/jaoutunis/ Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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  50:47
• Nadia Maftouni on the Legacy of Ibn al-Haytham in Camera Obscura | With Fujifilm & Gulf Photo Plus

  The afikra podcast is back with a new season hosted by Mikey Muhanna. We kick off with an episode in partnership with Fujifilm and Gulf Photo Plus with Iranian academic, philosophical author, and artist Nadia Maftouni, who delves into the groundbreaking contributions of Ibn al-Haytham to modern science. Known as the father of modern optics, Ibn al-Haytham's extensive work on camera obscura, empirical science, and mathematics laid the foundation for future scientific advancements. Maftouni explores his methodology, significant works like the "Book of Optics," and how his concepts influenced later scholars such as German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler. Additionally, Maftouni sheds light on Ibn al-Haytham's time under house arrest and his enduring impact on science and philosophy.00:00 Introduction01:34 Historical Background of Camera Obscura03:16 Ibn al-Haytham's Contributions to Optics04:50 Ibn al-Haytham's Methodology and Scientific Approach06:49 Ibn al-Haytham's Influence on Later Scientists07:51 House Arrest and Major Works12:07 Philosophical Views and Scientific Method16:19 Transmission of Knowledge to Europe17:45 Ibn al-Haytham's Legacy and Influence31:44 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsNadia Maftouni is an Iranian academic, philosopher, author, and artist. She's a leading scholar of Farabian, Avicennian, and Suhrawardian philosophy, and also specializes in Jurisprudence and Islamic History. She is a professor at the University of Tehran, a Senior Research Scholar at Yale Law School, and serves on the History of Philosophy Quarterly editorial board. Explore Gulf Photo Plus 👉 https://gulfphotoplus.com/ Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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  33:06
• Dr Sohaira Siddiqui | Al-Mujadilah: Center & Mosque for Women

  In this episode of the afikra podcast produced in collaboration with Qatar Foundation, we discover the impactful contributions and current challenges faced by Muslim women as Dr Sohaira Siddiqui discusses the vision and mission of the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in Qatar. We explore the center’s role as a community hub fostering civic engagement, education, and debate for Muslim women. Dr Siddiqui provides insights into the unique and essential space aimed at creating a sense of belonging and addressing contemporary issues within the framework of Islamic tradition. Learn about the historical context of Muslim women's participation in public life, as well as the center's efforts to support their development and empowerment globally.00:00 Introduction: Unrecognized Contributions of Muslim Women00:26 The Vision Behind Al-Mujadilah01:22 What is Al-Mujadilah02:00 The Importance of a Dedicated Space for Muslim Women04:37 Building Al-Mujadilah from the Ground Up06:28 The Meaning Behind the Name "Mujadilah"09:15 Civic Engagement and Women's Agency13:57 Three Pillars of Al-Mujadilah's Work16:11 Challenges Faced by Muslim Women21:09 Community Response and Program Offerings27:57 Understanding Opinions vs Analysis29:46 Navigating Religious Questions31:57 Case Studies and Key Scholars34:53 Historical Context of Islamic Law38:48 Colonial Impact on Islamic Law53:05 Future Vision for Al-MujadilahDr Sohaira Siddiqui is the Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah and Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University in Qatar. Her work focuses on the relationship between law, theology and political thought in classical Islam; Islamic law during British colonization; Islamic law in contemporary Muslim societies; and secularism and modernity in relation to Muslims in the West. She is the author of Law and Politics Under the 'Abbasids: An Intellectual Portrait of al-Juwayni (Cambridge University Press, 2019) and Locating the Shari'a: Legal Fluidity in Theory, History and Practice (Brill, 2019). She has also published numerous articles in Islamic Law and Society, Journal of Islamic Studies, Journal of the American Oriental Society, and Middle East Law and Governance. She has held fellowships at Cambridge University, Tubingen University and Harvard Law School. Connect with Dr Siddiqui 👉 https://www.instagram.com/sohairasiddiqui/Al-Mujadilah is a center and mosque that seeks to cultivate a community of women who are committed to their own growth and that of their communities. It's a community of women who engage meaningfully and sincerely with their histories, who bravely address the injustices they identify, who are inspired by conversation, dialogue and debate, and who are continuously seeking new horizons.Explore Al-Mujadilah 👉 https://www.instagram.com/almujadilah.qahttps://www.facebook.com/almujadilah.qahttps://x.com/almujadilah_qa Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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  58:16
• Maha El Akoum | Obesity Epidemic & Health Policy in the Arab Gulf

  In this episode of the afikra podcast, we chat with Maha El Akoum, the Manager of Content and Policy at WISH, to try to explore the causes of childhood obesity – especially in the Arab world and particularly in the Gulf – and to understand the complexities of dealing with it. Based in Qatar, Maha discusses the alarming rise in childhood obesity within the Gulf region, but also globally. She explores factors contributing to the epidemic such as lifestyle changes, dietary habits, economic factors, and urban planning. The conversation also covers potential solutions, highlighting successful policies in other nations and outlining the comprehensive approach needed to tackle obesity effectively. Maha emphasizes the societal efforts as well as the policy changes required for meaningful impact.00:00 Understanding the Complexity of Obesity00:18 Introduction to WISH and Its Mission02:38 Childhood Obesity in Qatar and the Region04:07 Factors Contributing to Obesity04:59 Impact of Lifestyle and Economic Development08:07 Global and Regional Contexts of Obesity11:23 Effective Policies and Solutions12:50 Understanding Taxation on Unhealthy Foods13:16 Challenges and Successes of Food Taxation14:33 Public Awareness and Healthy Eating Campaigns15:53 The Societal Impact of Obesity19:23 School-Based Interventions23:22 Trends and Statistics in Childhood Obesity27:20 Global Perspectives and Effective Policies28:56 Comprehensive Policy Interventions39:20 Next Steps and Future Plans41:41 Recommendations and ResourcesMaha El Akoum is the manager of Policy and Content Development at the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). Her particular research interests include genomics and precision medicine, global health, health policy, healthcare innovation and health systems development. With a strong interest in patient safety, Maha has led several initiatives on a national level, such as the Academy for Emerging Leaders in Patient Safety in collaboration with MedStar Health, as well spearheading several research projects looking into the role of nurses in creating a culture of safety. Maha also managed what was formerly known as the WISH Young Innovators program (from 2015-2019), where she was involved in the shortlisting of the candidates and overall execution of the program.Connect with Maha 👉 https://qa.linkedin.com/in/maha-el-akoum-mph-51228b66Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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  43:42
• Narcy at Habibi Festival 2024 With Appearances by Hamed Sinno, Nadine El Roubi, Omar Offendum & Niko | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub

  Habibi Festival is back for another year at Joe's Pub, bringing Arabs, comrades, and lovers of music together in New York in these difficult times that our nations continue to endure. And for another year, afikra was on stage to speak to the musicians and bring their conversations and performances to you on afikra's Quartertones podcast.Who better to kick off the season with than the one and only Iraqi-Canadian rapper, writer and teacher Narcy who's been – for decades – making music about the atrocities and racism that the Arab region and people have endured. Narcy calls on his friends and peers Hamed Sinno, Nadine El Roubi, Omar Offendum & Niko to join him on stage in an evening filled with poetry, music and solidarity. Narcy shares his journey of grieving the Iraq War and the blessing and importance of community in the ongoing healing process. He also discusses cultural production as a form of resistance, reflecting on when to be silent, when to be loud, and when to amplify one’s voice in protest. He and his wife, Sondos, have embodied these principles through Maktaba, their Montreal-based library dedicated to celebrating Arab culture, which he also speaks on.0:00 Narcy Intro Performance10:21 Poetry on Sudan by Nadine El Roubi 13:57 Narcy Invites Niko on Stage to Perform With Him21:36 Who Cares If Kamala's Black?: Narcy & Omar Offendum Perform Together 25:10 Poetry by Hamed Sinno29:36 Narcy Joins Hamed Sinno to Perform a Mashrou' Leila Track & Tribute to Narcy's Brother Nawaf37:41 Mikey Interviews Narcy on Stage Yassin Alsalman, better known by his stage name Narcy (formerly The Narcicyst), is an Iraqi-Canadian rapper, author, university instructor and actor who has shaped the music and culture of the Arab world. He currently resides in Montreal and has produced albums such as World War Free Now, We Are the Medium, and SpaceTime.Follow Narcy 👉 https://www.instagram.com/narcynarceCheck out Maktaba 👉 https://www.instagram.com/maktaba.bookshopCreated with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional music of the South West Asia North Africa (SWANA) region, every year Habibi Festival takes listeners on a journey of the sounds wafting through the airwaves and living rooms of cities spanning Marrakech to Baghdad. This performing arts festival (now in its fourth year) is a collaboration between the Director of Joe's Pub Alex Knowlton, artist/composer/curator Yacine Boulares, and curator/producer Meera Dugal who are bonded by the goal of creating more joyful spaces for performance, conversation, and storytelling from this part of the world.Follow Habibi Festival 👉 https://www.instagram.com/habibifestivalHosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_muFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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  1:03:29

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