Culture

Islamic history

The critic of Sufism who became its archivist

In the 12th century, the scholar Ibn al-Jawzi wrote "Talbis Iblis" or "The Devil's Deception" to expose Sufism as heresy. Today, his text is read in two ways: as a critique and as a captivating snapshot of Sufi teachings.
By Abdulrahman Afif
"Archiving Gaza" anthology

A vivid record of life before the war

"Archiving Gaza in the Present" brings together essays on Gazan art, literature, music and archaeology. By preserving the memory of a once-vibrant cultural world while confronting the scale of its loss, it stands as one of the most important recent books on Gaza.
By Asmaa al-Ghoul
Films on Sudan

Stories from elsewhere

The war in Sudan has made displacement a fact of life for millions. Two new films, with Sudanese women at their core, reflect this reality through very different lenses. A review of "Aisha Can't Fly Away" and "Cotton Queen".
By Schayan Riaz
The murder of Ben Barka

New revelations from Israel's archives

The book "L'Affaire Ben Barka" reveals new details about the assassination of Moroccan opposition leader Mehdi Ben Barka. Long-secret Israeli documents show the role of Mossad in one of the 20th century's most mysterious murders.
By Imad Stitou
Jafar Panahi's film "It Was Just an Accident"

Humanism and humour

In the Iranian director's most critical film yet, Jafar Panahi presents a cross-section of society, takes aim at the practice of torture and shows fearless women claiming space. But there's still room for comedy.
By Amin Farzanefar
Historical photographs of Syria

An obsessive archivist

Ahmed Hasan sold his house to pursue a passion for historical photographs. His collection traces Syria's history through everyday life.
By Sham al-Sabsabi
Literature in Yemen

The last bastion of beauty

Yemen's cultural scene has been hard hit by years of war, but not completely silenced. While many writers and intellectuals have left the country, the small literary club Alamaqah remains active, a testament to the resilience of Yemeni culture.
By Rehab Eldin Elhawary
Architecture in Libya

Reclaiming a vanishing colonial heritage

As Benghazi’s Italian-era architecture slowly disappears, an exhibition brings together architects and artists rethinking the city’s history — reassessing the colonial past without celebrating it.
By Naima Morelli
Cherien Dabis's "All That's Left of You"

Palestinian identity on screen

In "All That's Left of You", Cherien Dabis intertwines a three-generation family saga with the history of Israel and Palestine, placing her within a growing movement of filmmakers negotiating Palestinian identity through cinema.
By Amin Farzanefar
"In the Land of the Forgotten" by Aliyeh Ataei

Stories of war and the fight for freedom

With a keen sense for nuance, Aliyeh Ataei describes a life between Iran and Afghanistan, one marked by resistance, a search for identity and constant confrontation with social norms.
By Gerrit Wustmann
Algeria

A DIY cultural renaissance

A new independent, youth-led movement is reshaping Algerian culture. Four young artists reflect on their experiences and efforts to carve out space outside of official frameworks.
By Nourredine Bessadi
Art in Istanbul

Curating on shifting ground

The art world came to Turkey in September for two high-profile events: Contemporary Istanbul and the 18th Istanbul Biennial. Against a backdrop of political crisis and growing censorship, organisers and artists found creative ways to stay relevant.
By Naima Morelli