A professor of Arabic literature in the US, Huda J. Fakhreddine has a good view of the cultural landscape. Speaking to Al Majalla, she ponders the continued worth of translating Arabic into English.
An Italian scholar notes that the Arab Mu'allaqat poets were profoundly aware and culturally sophisticated, unlike today's Italian publishers, who often use stereotypical images of migrants
One of Saudi Arabia's leading voices in literary criticism and theory thinks the discipline is 'rich and dynamic' in the Arab World—and that influence from the West has its benefits
Our fortnightly round-up of the latest Arabic books covering topics such as philosophy, science, history, politics, and culture, reflecting the latest trends and thinking in the Arab world
Speaking to Al Majalla, the Moroccan artist explains why he is captivated by surrealism and how a coverless book and some magazines helped start his journey as a writer.
The London-based Syrian author discusses the power of language, seeing things through a child's eyes, creating a world of odes, tales, and myths, and nursing the scars from 'the tyrant of Damascus'.
The famed Saudi writer tells Al Majalla why being a poet and a critic complement each other, how he channels emotion onto the page and why Vision 2030 has been revolutionary in the Saudi arts scene.
Zoli, among Saudi Arabia's most prominent poets for nearly twenty-five years, is finishing two new poetry works. He lets Al Majalla in on one of his most important lessons – when to put down the pen.
The depiction of a land-grabbing colonialist power turning on its weaker neighbour feels aimed at Israel, its advocates say. Yet supporters of Palestine should be up in arms, too.
US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack used his latest visit to Beirut to deliver what was, in effect, an ultimatum to the Lebanese government, though he took care not to present it as such
The moves by France, the UK and other Western states appear to be more about appeasing domestic critics with symbolic gestures rather than a genuine attempt to change Israel's behaviour