Culture
Borders and Ballads
Cultural exchange between India and Pakistan — which has continued via cinema, music and fashion despite official restrictions — is now under unprecedented strain due to the recent political conflict. As artists face tighter regulations and digital borders harden, nationalism is threatening a shared cultural heritage.
Saving Sounds
In a world where memories can fade and history is often erased by the forces that seek to control it, Afghan-American collector Omid J. reminds us that preserving stories — whether through songs, films or simple moments captured on a cassette — can be an act of resistance.
Detty December Is Pricing Nigerians Out of the Salon Chair
Last December, 29-year-old Jennifer Asimobi, a lawyer based in the United States, had just touched down in Lagos for her annual visit, prepared for a month of parties, concerts, clubbing, beach days and dining with family and friends for what is affectionately known as Detty December in Nigeria. But before…
Omani Women Are Reinventing the Ancient Art of Silversmithing
While silversmithing has traditionally been the purview of men smithing and selling their wares in the souks, more and more of these traditional shops are shuttering their doors as men pursue salaried government jobs, and women step in to keep silversmithing traditions alive.
In Egypt, Foreigners Dominate Belly Dancing
Foreign belly dancers, who hail from Eastern Europe, Latin America and the United States, were brought in to fill the space left by Egyptian dancers and now uphold what is viewed as a quintessential Egyptian art.
The Shifting Cultural Role of Clothes
Every society has its traditional clothing and almost every society has moved radically away from these traditions in recent times. Nevertheless, clothes play a significant cultural role in creating a sense of belonging, unity and collective identity.
Syrian Kitchens Come to Life in the Winter
Winter is the season of naranj, these small bitter oranges that used to grow in most traditional houses in Damascus and Aleppo, Syria’s competing cities on everything culinary.