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Arab History

Rifat Chadirji: Pioneer of Modern Iraqi Architecture

By: Ralph Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Rifat Chadirji is one of the most influential figures in Modern Arab architecture. With a career spanning decades, his work has had a lasting impact on Iraq’s architectural landscape and beyond. Chadirji’s designs blend modernist principles with a profound respect for local traditions and cultural heritage, creating … Continued

NUSACC’s Fourteenth Annual Iftar Dinner Encourages Tolerance and Compassion in a Time of Disruption

Leaders from All Walks of Life – Including Chiefs of Mission – Recognize Ramadan as a Time of Celebration, But Also Remembrance and Reflection Imam Arafat: “Ramadan teaches Muslims to recognize the shared humanity of all people, transcending cultural, racial, and religious differences.  We are reminded that love and compassion are universal values that bind … Continued

How The Ruins of Baalbek Shaped American Architectural Identity

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Arab America contributing writer, Ralph Hage, examines how the ruins of Baalbek in Lebanon influenced the design of American Neoclassical architecture, particularly government buildings. Near the end of the 18th century, the United States of America, a young and growing nation, was rapidly taking shape. With … Continued

Al-Fatat: An Arab Underground

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer Many people already know about the Arab Revolt – an attempt by the Arabs, led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, to achieve independence from the Ottoman Empire during World War I. However, lesser-known is the fact that numerous bodies had already formed before the war to achieve … Continued

Nasri Shamseddine’s Voice Lives On: A Tribute from His Loved Ones

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Content Writer Nasri Shamseddine was a renowned Lebanese singer and actor. He was celebrated for his deep, resonant voice and significant contributions to Lebanese folk music and was a longtime collaborator with musicians across the Middle East. He performed in musicals, plays, and films that captured the essence of … Continued

The History of Baalbek: The Heart of Lebanon’s Ancient Past

By: Rena Elhessen / Arab America Contributing Writer East of the Litani River, and in the heart of the Bekaa Valley sits a pillar of Middle Eastern history, the best-preserved ruins of a Roman colony. Lebanon’s Baalbek is known as the mysterious two-thousand-year-old structure built for the Roman God, Jupiter. However, this 11,000-year-old structure has … Continued

Al-Husn: The Lost City of the Sun

Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer The golden sun rises over the rolling hills of northern Jordan, casting its first rays upon the ancient town of Al-Husn. For thousands of years, this land has whispered the stories of those who built, defended, and nurtured it. Some say it was once known as Dion, a … Continued

Trivia for National Arab American Heritage Month

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), we invite you to explore and celebrate the diverse history, culture, and achievements of the Arab American community and the Arab world. This trivia is divided into two sections: The Arab World and The Arab American Community, with … Continued

The Timeless Charm of Al-Karak

By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing writer Long ago, in the heart of Jordan, a city stood tall on the hills, Al-Karak. It was a place of kings and warriors, where battles were fought and history was made. A mighty castle was at the center of it all, watching over the land for centuries. … Continued

When Morocco Almost Became a Portuguese Colony

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Throughout the 16th century, European powers expanded their colonial ambitions, seeking new territories in Africa and beyond. While Spain had already established a foothold in parts of Morocco, Portugal, under King Sebastian I, aimed to extend its control over the country. This ambition culminated in the Battle … Continued

The Wind Catcher: Lessons From Traditional Arab Architecture

By: Ralph Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer The wind catcher, or wind tower, is a prevalent feature in the traditional architecture of various cities in the Arab World. They are typically found in settlements situated in hot and dry or hot and humid climates. They usually take the form of large chimneys in the … Continued

How the Ottoman Empire Shaped Morocco (or didn’t)

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Geographic Barriers and Strategic Isolation One of the primary reasons for the Ottomans’ failure to subjugate Morocco was geography. Unlike Algeria, Tunisia, or Libya—regions that were accessible from Ottoman-controlled Egypt or Anatolia—Morocco’s location created natural barriers to Ottoman expansion. The Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert acted … Continued

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