The Lost Daughters of Bousbir
In 1930s Casablanca, a walled district called Bousbir drew European tourists with promises of “exotic” pleasure. But behind its ornate gates, hundreds of Moroccan women and girls were imprisoned by the French colonial authorities. Their stories are preserved in the desperate letters of families who tried to free them.
Cycling in Search of a Disappearing Europe
In 1978, the author’s father cycled through the Balkans. A trip following in his tire tracks reveals a continent grappling with globalization, uniform commercialism and rising nationalism.
Jeita Grotto and the Price of Heritage
When videos surfaced of a private wedding held inside Lebanon’s Jeita Grotto, the country erupted in outrage. But the story goes beyond one event: It speaks to a wider crisis in the Arab world, where heritage sites are being turned into spectacles of privilege.
Replanting Syria’s Lost Heritage
Across the fields and ruins of Idlib, a farmers’ initiative is taking root: to restore Syria’s agricultural autonomy by reviving the ancient practice of saving and replanting traditional “baladi” seeds — a practice nearly erased by war, displacement and industrial seed giants.
Hala Alyan Reflects on Motherhood, Exile and the Geography of Loss
Palestinian-American writer and poet Hala Alyan joins Faisal Al Yafai on the podcast to discuss her recent memoir, motherhood and the politics of writing during the Gaza war.