Most recent articles by Suleman Taufiq
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Obituary: Oud virtuoso Said Chraibi
A genius bows out
Said Chraibi was famous throughout Morocco as an icon of traditional music and a genius with the Arab lute. The virtuoso oud player died in Casablanca on 3 March at the age of 65. An obituary by Suleman Taufiq
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Obituary: Fatima MernissiIcon of Arab feminism
The world famous Moroccan sociologist and writer Fatima Mernissi was a mediator between cultures and a charismatic advocate for a genuine Arab feminism. She died on 30 November 2015 at the age of 75
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Obituary: the Algerian writer Malek AlloulaA prophet unaccepted in his own country
The renowned Algerian essayist, literary scholar and poet Malek Alloula died in February at the age of 78. His ex-wife, the writer Assia Djebar, had died in exile in Paris only a few weeks previously. By Suleman Taufiq
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Obituary: Lebanese poet Ounsi el-HageOne of the founders of Arab surrealism
Last month, the Lebanese poet Ounsi el-Hage died at the age of 77. Alongside Adonis and Mahmoud Darwish, he was one of the pioneers of modern Arabic poetry. An obituary by Suleman Taufiq
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Interview with writer Kathleen GöbelSymbols of human strength and weakness
The Islamic tradition is rich in stories about animals. Kathleen Göbel has published a collection of fantastical tales, parables and stories of wisdom with entertainment value for both young and old. Suleman Taufiq spoke to the Islam scholar and writer about her book
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Interview with the Tunisian Theatre Director Meriam BousselmiFear of Religious Fanatics
The young Tunisian lawyer, dramatist and director, Meriam Bousselmi, was born in Tunis, where she still lives, in 1983. She's currently making a name for herself with sharp, critical works for the theatre, such as her latest production, "Sabra". She spoke to Suleman Taufiq
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The Khoury Trio''Our Art Is Not Politicised''
Elia, Basil and Osama Khoury have been performing together as a trio for a decade now. Each a virtuoso on his own instrument with a firm grounding in both western and oriental music, the Palestinian-born brothers seek to develop new musical ideas by merging different types of music. Suleman Taufiq spoke to the Khourys in Paris
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First Congress of Arab Music in 1932A Richly Diverse Palette of Rhythm and Timbre
The first International Congress of Arab Music took place in Cairo 80 years ago. Intended as a means of preserving the Arab musical heritage, it actually led to a regeneration of classical Arab music. By Suleman Taufiq
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Interview with Michèle ClaudeThe Wonderful World of Muwashshahat
The French percussionist explores the relationship between old Arab and early European music. In the cultural area that is the Mediterranean, where East meets West, she discovered her musical roots and the sounds of the "muwashshahat". Suleman Taufiq met her in Paris