NYUAD Institute
263 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingThe NYUAD Institute is a center of advanced research, scholarly and creative activity, and public workshops. Institute programs facilitate discussion between academics, students, professionals, and leaders from the UAE and from around the world.
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Episodes
Information and Disinformation in Global Conflict
April 04, 2024 15:04 - 58 minutes - 67 MBObtaining accurate and current information from conflict zones has long posed numerous challenges for global media. The rise of generative AI and its use in targeted disinformation campaigns presents many new challenges that threaten to undermine the credibility of reporting and sway opinion. In this panel, four distinguished panelists will consider the problems posed by disinformation and generative AI from various perspectives, focusing in particular on the current research about the role o...
Sensing the Future: How Continuous Data Is Shaping Child Development Research
April 04, 2024 14:58 - 48 minutes - 55.1 MBThis talk highlights the advanced use of sensing systems that collect continuous data from wearable devices, such as location trackers and voice-activated recorders, to deepen our understanding of human behavior and development. The speaker will explain behavioral imaging, which involves creating a dynamic multimodal representation of behavioral data over time. The focus will be on a specific sensing system and its application in two key studies in preschool environments. The first study inve...
Boom.Diwan: Musical Cosmopolitanism from the Arabian Gulf to the Swahili Coast
March 28, 2024 18:12 - 1 hour - 70 MBKicking off a week-long New York City residency by Kuwaiti music ensemble Boom.Diwan, this panel explores the history and intercultural dynamics of musical cultures in the Arabian Gulf and Africa’s Swahili Coast. Based in mercantile trade and cultural exchange dating back many centuries, the music of the Gulf and Western Indian Ocean have developed uniquely rich and cosmopolitan song forms and styles infrequently explored and heard in the West. The panel discusses their ongoing research on th...
The Ethicist Speaks of Identity
March 28, 2024 18:10 - 52 minutes - 59.9 MBThis talk navigates the complex waters of ethical understanding, guided by insights from the author of The New York Times Sunday Magazine's The Ethicist column. Professor Appiah examines how social identities, including race, gender, sexuality, and religion, intersect with and inform our ethical choices, and describes our identities as a social possession, one that we make together with others. Speaker Kwame Anthony Appiah, Professor of Philosophy and Law, NYU
What Is the Role of Motherhood in the Public Domain?
March 22, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 80.4 MBThe roles of mothers across the public/private divide have long been contested and negotiated. How have women leveraged their identities as mothers to assert change in the public sphere? Beyond their achievements, what are the costs borne from these sacrifices? How has motherhood been instrumentalized or weaponized, and whose motherhood counts and whose is discounted? This talk will bring together three speakers to discuss the ways mothers assert agency in public domains and discourses. Their...
Harmonizing Hope
March 22, 2024 13:52 - 1 hour - 76 MBIn this talk, Dr. Sarmast, Founder and Director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), shares the inspiring journey of ANIM—a remarkable institution that has overcome adversity to emerge as a national and global symbol of hope, resilience, and artistic freedom. The presentation explores how ANIM—known as Afghanistan’s happiest place— plays a critical role in preserving the nation’s rich musical heritage, while offering a platform for all young Afghans to find their voices and ...
Territory and Self-Determination
March 22, 2024 13:51 - 42 minutes - 48.5 MBIn this talk, the speaker discusses the often overlooked significance of territory—the geographical domain of the modern state—in political theory, political science, international law, and international relations. While traditional discussions emphasize the rights and duties between states and citizens, the concept of territory remains underexplored. Many global conflicts revolve around territorial disputes, including issues of borders, belonging, secession, and annexation. This talk aims to...
Shehan Karunatilaka: Writing Across Borders
March 22, 2024 13:51 - 1 hour - 72 MBExplore the captivating realm of Shehan Karunatilaka’s fiction, which masterfully intertwines the surreal and humorously dark. "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" is noted as “an afterlife noir” that reflects Sri Lanka’s tumultuous history through a unique lens. In this session, Shehan will share excerpts from his work and discuss his artistic craft, inspiration, and the nuances of addressing conflict and contested memories in writing. Drawing influence from global literary icons like Kurt Von...
Sands, Seas, and Stars: Tracing Emirati History and Culture through Its Cuisine
March 21, 2024 13:19 - 40 minutes - 46 MBIn celebration of UAE National Day, this talk offers an overview of the origins and evolution of Emirati cuisine as an expression of Emirati culture and history. Emirati foodways have grown in tandem with the development of the region within the contexts of trade across the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean regions. The rise of an Emirati cuisine parallels the remarkable transformation of the UAE into a global leader in technology and culture, as well as in the transition to a more sustainab...
Can Our Understanding of Climate Keep Up With Observed Changes?
March 21, 2024 13:18 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBClimate change is increasingly apparent to the general public through increasing heat waves, intense rainfall, flooding events, and sea level rise. However, while there have been great increases in climate model skill in the last decade across a swathe of important areas, there are still persistent biases and common assumptions that limit their utility at local or regional scales despite the growing demand for such information. This talk discusses the paths forward to increase climate model u...
Nine Parts: A One-Woman Film About the Lives and Loves of Iraqi Women
March 21, 2024 13:16 - 42 minutes - 48.4 MBNearly 20 years ago Heather Raffo’s play, 9 Parts of Desire, premiered to widespread acclaim in London and Off-Broadway, later becoming a global theatrical phenomenon. Now, Raffo adapts her multi-award winning solo play about Iraqi women for the screen and for our current time. With a radical retelling, she brings these stories from Iraq to Michigan, offering a celebration of the Iraqi female experience and an explicit warning—the divisions Iraq endured are not unique, Iraq is a bellwether fo...
Exposing the Secrets of Black Holes
March 21, 2024 13:15 - 55 minutes - 63.5 MBBlack holes are one of the most interesting and confusing objects in the universe. Their inevitable possibility is predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity, and their existence is confirmed by numerous experimental observations. Thus, we have to contend with the reality of black holes and seek to understand their ins and outs. In this talk, we journey from the knowns of black holes as one-way streets into an unavoidable end and venture into the unknowns which suggest that the insi...
The Search for a Contemporary Art Scene in the UAE: From the Sand Palace to the Venice Biennale
March 21, 2024 13:13 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBDoes the UAE have an art scene? A group of European curators concluded it did not, after they visited in search of contemporary art and artists in the 1990s. In fact, that decade was a vibrant period in the UAE, and a tightly-knit cluster of artists was experimenting with the outer limits of what art can be. At the heart of that group was Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim. Maya Allison curated his solo exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2022, and in this presentation, she traces why the UAE’s art histo...
The Parrot and the Igloo: Sherwood Rowland’s Question
March 21, 2024 13:12 - 54 minutes - 62.5 MBSherwood Rowland was a Nobel-winning climate scientist who asked, in 1986, in The New Yorker: “What’s the point of having developed a science well enough to make predictions—if, in the end, all we’re willing to do is stand around and wait for them to come true?” In 1979, scientists warned lawmakers to expect the climate shifts in “forty years.” And in 1956, scientist and scholar Roger Revelle warned Time readers: “In fifty years or so, this process [carbon dioxide warming] may have a violent ...
NYUAD Alumni: On Training and Becoming Professional Artists
March 21, 2024 13:10 - 44 minutes - 50.6 MBThis panel focuses on the journeys of four outstanding theater professionals who found their voices at NYU Abu Dhabi and are making their way in the US as playwrights, screenwriters and actors—each unique, but having shared the experience of studying and exploring the arts in Abu Dhabi. Image credit: Rubén Polendo Panel Members Fatima Maan, Playwright, NYUAD ’18 Adam El Sayigh, Playwright, Screenwriter and Dramaturg, NYUAD ‘18 Arianna Gayle Stucki, Actor and Playwright, NYUAD ‘18 Attilio Ri...
The Necessity of Young Adult Literature: A Conversation
March 21, 2024 13:09 - 1 hour - 84.7 MBWhat can young adult literature teach us about the problems confronting the world today? Can these books possibly help us find potential solutions to these problems, no matter how old we are? The panel explores these questions, discusses the importance of grownups reading YA, and offers suggestions about what to put on your YA reading list. Panel Members Nur'aishah Shafiq, NYUAD Alumnus 2022, NYU Liberal Studies Zoe Patterson, NYUAD Alumnus 2020, NYU Liberal Studies Deborah Williams, Author,...
How Is Biological Form Encoded?
February 06, 2024 16:10 - 46 minutes - 53.5 MBThis talk explores morphogenesis, the fascinating process of form development in biology. It examines how complex 3D organisms evolve from a single fertilized egg, involving intricate cell divisions, movements, and shape changes. The focus is on the mechanical processes that influence cell and tissue transformation and their regulation across space and time. The discussion integrates genetics, mechanics, and geometry to understand how these factors encode cell behaviors essential for developm...
System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot
February 06, 2024 16:01 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBThis talk explores the unintended consequences of technology's pursuit of optimization, unveiling how it perpetuates discrimination, compromises privacy, displaces workers, and contaminates information flows. It examines the tension between corporate values driven by big tech and the ideals of a democratic society. The speaker will highlight the pervasive issue where meaningful aspects of life remain unmeasured by tech optimizers, whose large-scale disruptions inadvertently dictate societal n...
True Grit: Striving in the Face of Adversity
February 06, 2024 15:55 - 44 minutes - 50.9 MBThis talk discusses how it's common to embark on a challenging pursuit without knowing the likelihood of success. As we encounter hurdles and setbacks, we face a crucial decision: to give up or persevere. Optimism about our chances can prevent premature despair. The talk argues that "grit"—persisting in adversity—is rational only if it avoids unrealistic optimism. Rational striving requires close attention to our abilities and strengths and assessing whether our circumstances will likely supp...
Field Notes from Aridly Abundant Landscapes
February 06, 2024 15:50 - 46 minutes - 52.8 MBFaysal Tabbarah, the 2023 NPUAE Curator, leads a compelling exploration into the potential of arid environments at the National Pavilion UAE during the 18th International Architecture Exhibition. His work focuses on unveiling the hidden possibilities within arid landscapes, especially those in the UAE, such as desert plateaus, wadis, and coastal plains. This talk highlights innovative architectural designs tailored for arid climates, challenging traditional perceptions and exploring these env...
Climate Law and Net Zero: Challenges and Opportunities
February 06, 2024 15:45 - 56 minutes - 64.9 MBAddressing the urgency of climate change and the foundational role of international agreements like the Paris Agreement of 2015, countries are urged to adopt concrete domestic measures. Beyond the realms of international directives, the evolution of 'climate law' encompasses various sectors, including administrative, commercial, human rights, and more. As nations worldwide adopt distinctive models for this, such as the UK, France, and the USA, understanding these shifts becomes paramount. Thi...
Climate Change and the Rights of Nature
February 06, 2024 15:40 - 53 minutes - 60.9 MBThis talk explores the rise in greenhouse gas concentrations since 1992, leading to the 2023 declaration that "Climate breakdown has begun." Traditional approaches to address climate change have been ineffective. However, ancient insights from indigenous peoples and overlooked spiritual traditions offer fresh perspectives. With rights of nature now recognized in 24 countries, this session will spotlight the potential of reimagining our relationship with nature. Speakers Dale Jamieson, Profes...
On Water: A Natural Perspective!
February 06, 2024 15:30 - 43 minutes - 49.2 MBIn this talk, the speaker will trace humanity's bond with water, from historical ties to future implications. Despite water's perceived abundance, most is inaccessible in oceans. Addressing these challenges intertwines with key sustainability objectives. In an era marked by climate change, how do we address water issues? The discussion will emphasize the vital role of the environment we aim to protect: Nature. Speakers Saeed Alhassan, Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Khalifa ...
The Jazz of the Cosmos
February 06, 2024 15:25 - 1 hour - 76.2 MBExplore the intriguing connections between the realms of physics, cosmology, and quantum physics with the music that defines an era. This talk examines the narrative of cosmic structure, interpreting it through the elements of jazz music, and unveiling the harmonious relationship between these diverse yet unified fields. Speakers Stephon Alexander, Professor of Physics, Brown University In conversation with Arlie Petters, Provost, NYUAD
Mobility Diplomacy: How States Maximize Passport Power
January 05, 2024 16:03 - 47 minutes - 54.1 MBPassport rankings demonstrate that access to visa-free travel is highly stratified globally. How do states ascend these ranks? This talk introduces the concept of mobility diplomacy and argues that neither wealth nor political stability are sufficient conditions for unlocking visa-free travel. To be successful, developing countries must persuade highly developed countries—especially the European Union—that their citizens will not become migrants. The talk discusses the most successful case of...
Developing Competencies in Medicine and Biotechnology for the UAE
January 05, 2024 15:58 - 37 minutes - 43.3 MBIn this talk, the speaker will discuss the evolution and importance of advancing competencies in medicine and biotechnology tailored for the UAE's unique needs and aspirations. Through a deep exploration of innovative strategies and practices, the talk will shed light on how the future of healthcare and biotechnological research is being shaped in the region. Emphasizing both regional successes and challenges faced, the discussion aims to inspire and guide professionals dedicated to driving e...
The Abbasid Caliph and His People: A View From the Centre
January 05, 2024 15:53 - 50 minutes - 58.3 MBThis talk explores the conventional representations of the Abbasid dynasty, highlighting its perceived trajectory from its rise in the mid-eighth century to its decline in the tenth century. The speaker examines historical and literary sources from the mid-tenth century, elucidating the role and influence of the Abbasid Caliph and Baghdad during a pivotal era of political and cultural transformation. Speaker Letizia Osti, Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, University of M...
Source of Life: Water Management in the Premodern Middle East
January 05, 2024 15:46 - 45 minutes - 52 MBIn the challenging climatic conditions of the Middle East, providing clean water has always been a significant concern. Yet, ancient cities like Abbasid Baghdad and Mamluk Cairo effectively supplied water to their populations. This talk explores these historical achievements, shedding light on the often misunderstood institutional strengths in the premodern Middle East. The discussion focuses on the diverse water systems in place and the reasons behind their sustainability. Speaker Maaike va...
Cooling the Arab Gulf: How Air-Conditioning Changed Everything
January 05, 2024 15:39 - 42 minutes - 48.6 MBIn the Arab Gulf, air-conditioning consumes about 60% of the domestic consumption of electricity. Yet, the ascendency of this technology is far from simple. Beyond simply providing coolness, air-conditioning transformed life as people knew it. In a remarkably short period of time, this seemingly innocent device reshaped houses, cities, practices of daily life, social relations, and even, bodies. Today, one can argue there is no society that is more air-conditioned than in the Gulf, where even...
Community Archives as a Model for Documenting the UAE's Recent Past
October 24, 2023 07:22 - 57 minutes - 66.2 MBThis talk explores the significance of communal efforts in capturing history by focusing on the concept of "community archives," that is, archives created by and for groups within a given community who seek to take a more active role in jointly preserving the documentation of their shared past. Through talks presented by two noted scholars in this field, this event will look at how this emerging movement in archives has evolved internationally, as well as examine case studies from the Gulf, w...
Researching the Leadership of the Prophet Muhammad
October 24, 2023 07:21 - 1 hour - 82.7 MBEvaluating historical leadership effectiveness poses challenges, particularly when analyzing figures like the blessed Islamic Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, a military leader involved in wars that created new power structures and a prophet who ushered in dramatically original and transformational ways of understanding monotheistic religion and its relationship with politics. Records often bear the bias of their authors, and attributing success or failure directly to a leader’s actions may overlook exter...
An Alchemist of the Self
October 24, 2023 07:20 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBJoin us for an engaging evening with Francisco Goldman, a distinguished and multi-award-winning author renowned for his remarkable contributions to both fiction and nonfiction literature. In this captivating talk, Goldman delves into the pages of his latest novel, Monkey Boy, a literary masterpiece celebrated by The New Yorker critic James Woods for its infusion of rebellious comedy and vitality. As a natural-born storyteller, Goldman will take you on a journey through his witty, intimate, an...
Documenting a Performing Arts History
October 24, 2023 07:19 - 1 hour - 98.7 MBKey figures involved in The Arts Center’s creation explore the significance and meaning of arts documentation while reflecting on their collaborative journey capturing seven years of The Arts Center’s history. They offer unique perspectives on their approaches and their individual and collective contributions toward this effort. Speakers Waleed Shah, Photographer, Creative Thinker, and Entrepreneur Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director, The Arts Center, NYUAD Nadine Khalil, Editor, Curato...
Why Experiment with Ancient Technologies?
October 24, 2023 07:19 - 42 minutes - 48.4 MBThis talk explores the groundbreaking achievements of our ancestors in ancient Abu Dhabi, highlighting the complexity and significance of their pioneering innovations in archaeology. Discover the techniques and methods employed by ancient societies to craft stone axes, domesticate animals, transport goods over long distances, and develop bronze, humanity's first composite artificial material. The talk also discusses the UAE's global role as an exporter of copper long before the advent of oil....
Pharaonica, Flora, and Human Flesh
October 24, 2023 07:18 - 1 hour - 76.1 MBThis talk explores the profound insights of Abd al-Latif al-Baghdadi, an intellectual luminary who connected Aristotle's teachings with the emerging scientific method. Al-Baghdadi's meticulous observations of Egypt from eight centuries ago illuminate its diverse flora, fauna, and cultural intricacies. At the same time, they chronicle the challenges of famine and societal disruption in Cairo. Through the lens of Tim Mackintosh-Smith, the talk also touches upon the enigmatic tales of al-Baghdad...
Connecting Worlds
October 24, 2023 07:18 - 43 minutes - 49.4 MBPresenting two captivating works by director Ursula Biemann, explore the profound connections of Indigenous communities to their natural environments. In the enthralling oceanic journey titled "Acoustic Ocean," we are transported to the Arctic Islands of Lofoten. Here, a scientist delves into the realm of acoustic ecology, probing the mysteries of the oceans and forging connections across species. The film's poetic portrayal invites us to contemplate the ocean's hidden symphony—replete with ...
Shattered Glass of Beirut: Conserving Lebanese History Together
September 28, 2023 13:41 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBThe explosion at Beirut's port in 2020 wreaked havoc on the American University of Beirut (AUB) Archaeological Museum, shattering 72 valuable glass artifacts. This talk reveals the story of these vessels' journey from Beirut to the British Museum in London, through their recovery, conservation, and exhibition phases. And it underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration, training, and outreach in heritage conservation. Speakers Dr. Duygu Çamurcuoğlu, Senior Conservator and Resea...
The Power of Authenticity: A Conversation with Dr. Raja Al Gurg
September 21, 2023 15:14 - 54 minutes - 62.1 MBDr. Raja Al Gurg is one of the most successful businesswomen in the Arab world. Discover the insights behind her latest book, The Power of Authenticity: Three Principles of Leadership Success, as she unveils the challenges and triumphs that paved her path to becoming a prominent Emirati businesswoman. With a legacy as Chairperson and Managing Director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Dr. Al Gurg's journey embodies empowerment and leadership. Be inspired by her advocacy for Arab women entrepreneur...
The Wolf King: Ibn Mardanīsh and the Construction of Power in al-Andalus
July 07, 2023 15:33 - 59 minutes - 68.3 MBAl-Andalus is often depicted as a site of particular religious tolerance, and the twelfth century as its denouement, with foreign interlopers locked in holy war. Ibn Mardanīsh (r. 1147-72), known as the Wolf King, complicates narratives of religious enmity and of al-Andalus' distinct culture. This talk, based on the recently published book The Wolf King: Ibn Mardanīsh and the Construction of Power in al-Andalus, explores Ibn Mardanīsh's brief rule. It then considers how the memory of this rul...
Surviving the Heat: The Struggle of Marine Turtles Against Climate Change
June 12, 2023 15:52 - 42 minutes - 48.2 MBThe life of a marine turtle is a struggle for survival from the day they hatch, facing obstacles, natural predators, and various anthropogenic threats. Climate change exposes marine turtles to even more significant existential threats. Our warming climate may be driving marine turtles into extinction. But what does this mean for turtles along the warmest sea in the world? This presenter will provide insight into marine turtle conservation in Abu Dhabi and their latest findings assessing clima...
The Way We Move: Can Information and Technology Change It?
June 12, 2023 15:50 - 58 minutes - 67.2 MBThis talk focuses on the issue of urban mobility and the associated traffic congestion that is a concern in cities worldwide. With the increasing urban population and motorization rates, it is expected that congestion levels will continue to rise, along with negative externalities. The talk explores whether it is possible to predict how congestion spreads in a city, to develop proactive mitigation strategies, and to alleviate congestion by promoting more sustainable transportation modes. The ...
The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the Ottoman Period
June 12, 2023 15:08 - 59 minutes - 67.9 MBBy 1535, the Ottoman Empire gained control of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers from mountain to sea. This talk discusses the ramifications of this drastic political transition in the history of the longest rivers in West Asia. Above all, the unification of the Tigris and Euphrates allowed the Ottomans to rebalance a deep natural resource disparity along their eastern frontier, enabling them to move grain, metal, and timber from upstream areas of surplus in Anatolia to downstream areas of need ...
Crystals in Health and Disease
May 16, 2023 14:03 - 57 minutes - 66.4 MBThis talk explores the fascinating world of crystals and their role in biology and medicine. Crystals have always been admired for their beauty and value, and many believe they have powerful, magic properties. They play critical roles in various biological processes, such as supporting bones, grinding food, protecting shells, and more. However, crystals can also lead to diseases like kidney stones, atherosclerosis, and gout. The speaker will explain the study of crystal formation, assembly, a...
The Intellectual Crossroads of Al-Andalus
May 16, 2023 12:49 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBLiving in a land situated in one of the edges of the Islamic world, the inhabitants of al-Andalus saw themselves as somewhat isolated, an island surrounded both by the sea and the Christians. Their scholars exerted themselves to keep contact with the central lands of Islam by performing the travel of study (riḥla fī ṭalab al-ʽilm), bringing back books and ideas produced elsewhere. The traveling of knowledge, however, was not unidirectional: from very early on, Andalusi scholars made important...
Urban Modernity in the Contemporary Gulf: Obsolescence and Opportunities
May 16, 2023 12:44 - 46 minutes - 53.4 MBThis panel delves into the 20th century architectural production in the modernization era of the Arabian Gulf and its impact on the notions of locality, cosmopolitanism, and modernity. The speakers will examine the initiatives that have re-engaged with the ville moderne and reflect on the role of the urban fabric in narrating social growth, East–West dynamics, and citizens’ memories. The panel explores the concept of modern heritage in the context of the contemporary city, interrogate the val...
What Should 6G Be?
March 09, 2023 15:01 - 52 minutes - 59.8 MBThe role of Internet and Communication Technology (ICT) in bringing about a revolution in almost all aspects of human life needs no introduction. It is indeed a well-known fact that the transmission of the information at a rapid pace has transformed all spheres of human life such as economy, education, and health to name a few. In this context, this talk aims to: provide an envisioned picture of 6G; serve as a research guideline in the beyond-5G era; and review some of the recently-proposed g...
Decoding Mars with the "Hope" Probe: Uncovering the Red Planet's Secrets of Life
March 09, 2023 14:52 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBThis talk will examine the question of whether life existed on Mars and its transformation from a warm, wet planet to a cold, dry desert world. The speaker will discuss the Emirates Mars Mission, also known as the "Hope" probe, which is providing insight into the surface and atmospheric processes of Mars. The Mars research group at NYU Abu Dhabi's Center for Space Science is analyzing data from the probe to uncover answers to questions about Mars and its potential for life. The speaker will p...
Can We Cure Aging?
March 09, 2023 14:28 - 52 minutes - 59.8 MBRecent research has yielded a much better understanding of how aging happens and how it leads to the ills of old age. There is now a lot of interest in tackling human aging to prevent, delay, or compress the unhealthy period at the end of life. In laboratory animals it turns out to be possible to target aging with diet and with existing drugs to promote better health in late life. So, what if getting old did not mean getting frail and ill? Speakers Linda Partridge DBE, FRS, FRSE, FMedSci, Pr...
The Voyage of the Crooked: A Connected History of the Gulf and Indian Ocean
March 09, 2023 13:37 - 59 minutes - 67.9 MBThis talk charts out an oceanic microhistory, grounded in the voyages of the dhow called The Crooked from the port of Kuwait, captained by the Nakhoda ‘Abdulmajeed Al-Failakawi. It anchors itself in Al-Failakawi’s logbook and looks out from the deck of the dhow onto a world of texts, letters, accounts, and other writings by Nakhodas. From these writings we can gather histories that have been scattered along the coasts of Arabia, South Asia, and East Africa, and we can gain a sharper sense of ...
The Cairo Genizah as a Treasury of Arabic Literature
March 09, 2023 13:37 - 1 hour - 98.1 MBThe Cairo Genizah is a collection of Jewish manuscripts from the Middle Ages found in an ancient synagogue in Al-Fustat, Egypt. It is a valuable resource for understanding the history, culture, and everyday life of Jews in the medieval Islamic world. Recently, it has been recognized for its significance in the study of Arabic literature and culture, as Jews in the Genizah also wrote and copied poetry in Arabic for both sacred and leisurely purposes. This panel discusses the Genizah Collection...