The afikra Podcast

In this episode of The afikra Podcast, Professor Natalie Koch – the author of "Arid Empire: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and Arabia" – helps us dive into the unexpected connections between the deserts of Arizona and the Arabian Peninsula, beginning with the story of Hi Jolly and the camel experiments of the mid-19th century. The discussion explores how these arid spaces serve as political and imperial tools, the role of white experts in influencing desert landscapes, and the intricate history of agricultural projects that link these seemingly distant regions. Chapters include the origins of Koch's interest in the subject, detailed histories of desert colonization, and the broader implications of these transnational connections. 00:00 Introduction to Desert Politics 01:20 The Unlikely Connection: Arizona and Saudi Arabia 02:53 The Story of Hi Jolly and the Camel Experiment 11:40 Geography and Its Modern Implications 14:45 The Political Significance of Deserts 18:38 Colonial and Imperial Narratives 22:14 The Role of White Experts in the Arabian Peninsula 24:17 Arizona's Colonial History 27:46 The Influence of Old World Desert Knowledge 30:49 Recruiting White Settlers to Arizona 31:41 The Role of Railroads and Pamphlets 32:56 Western Mythology and Camels in Films 34:41 California's Date Industry and Arabian Influence 36:43 The Short-Lived Camel Experiment 37:40 Global Connections of Deserts 43:42 Transnational Agricultural Projects 51:23 Controversies and Misappropriations 52:50 Recommended Readings and Resources Natalie Koch is a political geographer working on the topics of geopolitics, nationalism, energy and environmental politics, science and technology studies, and sports geography. Empirically, her research focuses on the Arabian Peninsula, where she studies the many transnational ties that bind the Gulf countries, actors, and ideas to other parts of the world. She has published extensively in journals such as Political Geography, Geopolitics, and Society and Natural Resources, and she is the author of "Arid Empire: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and Arabia," "The geopolitics of spectacle: Space, synecdoche, and the new capitals of Asia" (Cornell University Press, 2018), and co-editor of the Handbook on the changing geographies of the state: New spaces of geopolitics (Edward Elgar 2020). She is currently a professor at Syracuse University in the Department of Geography and the Environment, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs. Find Koch's books 👉 https://nataliekoch.com/ [https://nataliekoch.com/] Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb] Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns [https://spoti.fi/47I59ns] Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb] FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743 [https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze [https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869 [https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869] THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK  Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared] ABOUT AFIKRA afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity. 📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

The CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Dr Slim Slama, joins us on this episode of The afikra Podcast to give an in-depth look into the complexities and challenges facing global health today, including the rise of non-communicable diseases, the impact of urbanization, and the inequity in health systems worldwide. The conversation also explores the innovative approaches in healthcare, the role of AI, and the specific health issues pertinent to the Arab world. Through his diverse experiences working in crisis-affected areas and his insights on the evolving dynamics between the East and the West, Dr Slama provides an enriching perspective on how to advance global health for all.  This episode was recorded on March 6 and is brought to you in collaboration with Qatar Foundation. 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Defining Global Health 04:12 Evolution of Public Health Issues 06:59 Health Challenges in the Arab World 11:00 Healthcare in Crisis-Affected Areas 14:22 Ministries of Health: Performance and Challenges 25:19 Global Health Workforce Shortages 28:34 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges 38:12 Healthcare in Gaza: Current Situation and Future 41:42 Impact of Political Decisions on Global Health 45:03 Future of Healthcare in the Arab World 47:11 Conclusion and WISH's Future Plans Dr. Slim Slama is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) at Qatar Foundation. He is an internal medicine specialist and a public health expert with over 25 years of experience in global health. For more than a decade at the World Health Organization (WHO), his role was Regional Adviser for Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention and management at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. He transitioned to the Head of the Management-Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Unit (MND) where he provided strategic leadership and oversaw the development and implementation of a portfolio focused on early detection, diagnosis, and management of NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, oral health, and digital health solutions. His work also extended to implementation research and managing NCDs in humanitarian settings. Connect with Dr Slama 👉 https://ch.linkedin.com/in/slimslama [https://ch.linkedin.com/in/slimslama] Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb] Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb] FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743 [https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze [https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869 [https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869] THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK  Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared] ABOUT AFIKRA afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity. 📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

Artist, archivist, and educator Behzad Khosravi Nouri, and Richard Lackey from Fujifilm Middle East delve into Behzad's unique exhibition at Gulf Photo Plus, titled "The Life of an Itinerant Through a Pinhole," which explores his grandfather's photographic work in Tehran during the 1950s and 60s using a handcrafted camera. Richard explains Fujifilm's involvement in creating a giant walk-in camera obscura for the exhibition. We discover the historical and emotional significance behind Behzad's work and how it sheds light on the working-class immigrant community in Tehran, the democratization of photography, and the concept of "soul catcher" cameras. This special episode of The afikra Podcast was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is one in five episodes which were published on this podcast or Quartertones. Make sure to check them out! 00:00 Introduction to the Soul Catcher Camera 01:15 Behzad's Exhibition Overview 02:18 Fujifilm's Role in the Camera Obscura Project 04:30 Behzad's Personal Connection to Photography 05:38 The Historical Context of the Archive 06:31 Discovery of the Pinhole Camera 08:27 The Concept of the Soul Catcher 10:43 Photography as a Violent Act 16:07 Self-Orientalism in Photography 17:01 The Itinerant Theme in the Exhibition 18:38 Final Thoughts Behzad Khosravi Noori is a PhD, artist, writer, educator, playgrounder and necromancer. His research-based practice includes films, installations, as well as archival studies. His work investigate histories from The Global South, labor and the means of production, and histories of political relationships that have existed as a counter narrative to the east-west dichotomy during the Cold War. His work has been shown at Kalmar Museum, Malmö art Museum, Timișoara Biennale, 12.0 Contemporary Islamabad, Tensta Konsthall, Venice Biennale, HDLU Zagreb, WHW Zagreb, Botkyrka Konsthall, CFF (Centre of Photography, Stockholm), Marabouparken, and Centre of Contemporary art, Riga, among other venues. Connect with Behzad 👉 https://www.instagram.com/behzad.khosravi.noori [https://www.instagram.com/behzad.khosravi.noori] Gulf Photo Plus is a center for film photography in the UAE which cultivates visual practices through year-round workshops, art programs, exhibitions, community events, publishing, state-of-the art printing services, and specialized photography resources. Explore Gulf Photo Plus 👉 www.gulfphotoplus.com [http://www.gulfphotoplus.com/] Hosted by: Bayan Dahdah 👉 https://www.instagram.com/bayandahdah Bayan Dahdah is a multidisciplinary designer and the founder of Sarj - a mobile seat made for sketching, with which she gives traveling observational sketching workshops in groups. Using the tactile touch of art (sketchbooks, memorabilia), and the freedom/accessibility of digital art (graphic design elements/photographs) she aims to retell her memories and document her journeys. Hailing from an architectural background, she has dabbled in the fields of photography, graphic design and film. Writing and directing a short film titled Shishbarak with the Doha Film Institute, which screened at the Malmo Arab Film Festival and the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, has allowed her to understand the fundamentals of narrative storytelling, as well as how to manifest this visually. Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb] FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743 [https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze [https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869 [https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869] THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK  Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared] ABOUT AFIKRA afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity. 📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

Brazilian artist Zé Tepedino tells his fascinating story of journeying from Rio to Dubai, his innovative public art residency, and the creative process behind his large-scale fabric installation. He shares his unique perspective on materials, their histories, and their transformation into art. Host Bayan Dahdah helps him delve into his childhood, inspirations, and his ritualistic approach to experiencing new cities, culminating in an engaging discussion about his exhibition Passion Fruit.  This special episode of The afikra Podcast was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is one in five episodes which will be published on this podcast or Quartertones. Make sure to check them out! 00:00 Introduction to the Artist and Fabric as a Medium 01:45 Zé Tepedino's Journey to Dubai 04:44 Childhood Inspirations and Early Artistic Influences 07:14 The Significance of Objects and Materials 13:35 The Creative Process and Studio Rituals 18:43 Experiencing and Adapting to Dubai 23:47 The Story Behind "Passion Fruit" 26:23 Closing Remarks Zé Tepedino was born in 1990 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a contemporary artist renowned for his minimalist approach to abstract forms. He holds a bachelor's degree in Visual Communication from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (2017) and has further honed his craft under the mentorship of Charles Watson at Atelier Novo Mundo in 2016. His artistic practice is characterized by a deep engagement with his surroundings in Rio de Janeiro. He meticulously selects everyday materials and objects, transforming them through techniques such as sewing, painting, and sculpting. His work spans various mediums, including sculptures, installations, and performances, all reflecting a profound connection to Brazilian culture and traditions.  Connect with Ze 👉 https://www.instagram.com/zetepedino/ [https://www.instagram.com/zetepedino/] Quoz Arts Fest is a neighborhood festival by alserkal, where the freshest contemporary culture and creativity collide in one community event that welcomes young, old, families and pets. It features live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, pop-up shops plus a line-up of hands-on workshops, talks, and film screenings that aim to inspire. Artists transform the alserkal avenue's galleries and public spaces with immersive installations, and you get a close-up on them as well as rising musicians and DJs making waves through conversations on stage.  Follow alserkal 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue [https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue] Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://quozartsfest.alserkal.online/ [https://quozartsfest.alserkal.online/] Hosted by: Bayan Dahdah 👉 https://www.instagram.com/bayandahdah Bayan Dahdah is a multidisciplinary designer and the founder of Sarj - a mobile seat made for sketching, with which she gives traveling observational sketching workshops in groups. Using the tactile touch of art (sketchbooks, memorabilia), and the freedom/accessibility of digital art (graphic design elements/photographs) she aims to retell her memories and document her journeys. Hailing from an architectural background, she has dabbled in the fields of photography, graphic design and film. Writing and directing a short film titled Shishbarak with the Doha Film Institute, which screened at the Malmo Arab Film Festival and the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, has allowed her to understand the fundamentals of narrative storytelling, as well as how to manifest this visually. Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb] FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743 [https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze [https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869 [https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869] THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK  Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared] ABOUT AFIKRA afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity. 📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

We dive into the multifaceted life of Asma Elbadawi, a Sudanese British poet, photographer, basketball player, and activist. From her early struggles with dyslexia to lifting the hijab ban on women's basketball, Asma's story is one of perseverance and empowerment. We get an intimate look at her relationship with Sudan and how it influences her art. Asma gives a special poetry performance that encapsulates her experiences and emotions. This special episode of The afikra Podcast was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is the first in five episodes which will be published on this podcast or Quartertones. Make sure to check them out! 00:00 Introduction  01:16 Meet Asma Elbadawi 02:04 Asma's Multifaceted Journey 03:56 Exploring Poetry and Photography 05:20 Connection to Sudan 08:18 Artistic Expression and Vulnerability 13:08 Cultural and Religious Influences 15:16 Parental Support and Personal Growth 17:20 The Power of Dua and Career Breakthroughs 21:11 Closing Remarks and Poetry Performance Asma Elbadawi is a Sudanese-British spoken word poet, athlete and photographer. She is known to have petitioned and succeeded in convincing the International Basketball Association (FIBA) to remove a ban on hijabs and religious headwear in the professional sport. She brings unique stories to life through sport, poetry, and visual arts, with a distinctive approach that blends creativity with purpose. Her work is rooted in cultural storytelling, empowering individuals, and creating lasting impact. Connect with Asma 👉 https://www.instagram.com/asmaelbadawi [https://www.instagram.com/asmaelbadawi] Quoz Arts Fest is a neighborhood festival by alserkal, where the freshest contemporary culture and creativity collide in one community event that welcomes young, old, families and pets. It features live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, pop-up shops plus a line-up of hands-on workshops, talks, and film screenings that aim to inspire. Artists transform the alserkal avenue's galleries and public spaces with immersive installations, and you get a close-up on them as well as rising musicians and DJs making waves through conversations on stage.  Follow alserkal 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue [https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue] Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://quozartsfest.alserkal.online/ [https://quozartsfest.alserkal.online/] Hosted by: Lulwah Ayyoub 👉 https://www.instagram.com/lulwahayoub/ [https://www.instagram.com/lulwahayoub/] Lulwah is the Director of Social Protection at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in KSA. She previously worked at The World Bank, holding roles as a Social Protection Specialist and consultant in the Poverty and Equity and Social Protection Global Practices. She's also worked in the Behavioral Economics Unit at Hawaz and occupied various research roles at Georgetown University, The Brookings Institution, and Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD). Hosted by:  Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb [https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb] FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743 [https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze [https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869 [https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869] THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK  Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared] ABOUT AFIKRA afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity. 📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]