Community & Pride: The Rise of Arab Culture in Atlanta

posted on: Feb 1, 2021

By: Holly Johnson/Arab America Contributing Writer 

Atlanta is known for many things. From the syrupy goodness of Coca-Cola to Ebenezer Baptist, the Civil Rights Museum (which happens to be the final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and his wife Coretta Scott King), the artery-clogging greasy goodness of The Varsity, CNN, and the infamous Centennial Olympic Park. There is no shortage of attractions in the tree-lined capital of the Peach State. While the attractions mentioned above differ depending on their history and purpose, they share a commonality; each is a brick-and-mortar establishment, a physical location that can be personally experienced. However, something that is as fascinating as a perfectly coiffed serving on peach pie on Peachtree St., yet isn’t necessarily physical, is Atlanta culture.

Sweet Atlanta is steeped in southern tradition, dating back to its founding in 1847. It sweeping antebellum-style porches and willowy Magnolia branches have loomed elegantly through war, the industrial revolution, civil unrest, the births and deaths of leaders who changed the world, and climactic seasons of change. Yet, she remains intact, a spring of excitement for newcomers, a safe haven for the weary, a pillar of strength that embodies those who call her home.

Humble Beginnings …

For decades, Atlanta has been a place of acceptance and love for everyone, regardless of values, political views, gender, and nationality. Beginning in the 1960s, its Arab community began to grow organically, spurned by the creation of the first Middle Eastern-Esque restaurant in Atlanta, a small stand near Lenox Rd., a luxury shopping district in the heart of midtown, that served hot and crispy falafel to locals eager for a new culinary experience.

In the decades that followed, immigration numbers continued to rise as the Atlanta Arab American community flourished—driven by the promise of opportunity in a major city that not only welcomed but encouraged diversity. Organizations promoting the preservation of and pride in Arab culture began to form. In 1979, one of the most influential religiously-based Arab affiliated organizations in Atlanta formed, in the backroom of a hotel in East Atlanta (long before Camilla Cabello put it on the map).

Allahu Akbar

Al-Farooq Masjid, the largest mosque in Atlanta, was founded in 1979 on the East side of the city, in a quaint suburb called Decatur. Despite its humble beginnings, the organization quickly grew from weekly meetings in a 900 sq. ft room to constructing a magnificent structure on 14th street in the heart of Atlanta. As a non-political organization dedicated to deepening the religious experiences of local Muslims, the institution has become a fixture of cultural diversity in Atlanta and is a diligent supporter of Atlanta-area charitable initiatives.

A Change Is Gonna Come

Small-town farming communities that once housed one room Methodist churches began welcoming mosques, restaurants serving Arab cuisine, and Arab organizations, as demand grew. Iconic institutions of higher learning, such as Emory University in Atlanta and the University of Georgia in Athens, began offering certificates and degrees in Middle Eastern studies. As diversity became the cultural norm, local middle and high schools began offering Arabic as an elective language for those who were interested in learning the language. Museums such as the High Museum of Art and even libraries in the suburbs hosted ‘cultural days,’ often featuring Arab infused delights, which intrigued locals who had little knowledge of anything Arab.

Today, there are over fifty organizations in Atlanta alone, that center around Arab culture. Ranging from charitable organizations to religious entities and those that protect Arab American and immigrant rights, Atlanta now boasts groups for young Arab Americans who are eager to learn more about their heritage and for Arab women who are devoted to keeping cultural traditions alive. As Atlanta has grown exponentially, becoming a transient hub filled with people from diverse backgrounds, Middle Eastern cuisine can be found on almost any street corner in the heart of the city, as well as the sprawling Metro.

Arabic nightclubs’ seem to be the hottest craze taking Atlanta by storm, with attractions such as BunnAmour Lounge, Pharaohs Place, Rotana Restaurant & Hookah Lounge, and Sultana Hookah Lounge drawing scores of customers, including a healthy mixture of young Arab Americans and those simply interested in the culture. Several event venues even offer entertainment, including themed nights featuring Arab-infused belly dancing.

Despite being a relatively young community in Atlanta, the City’s unique diversity is displayed throughout the tight-knit Arab coterie of the City in the Trees. I encourage you to visit the lovely Peach State if you haven’t already and must say from personal experience that a tall glass of sweet tea pairs wonderfully with falafel on a sweltering summer day.

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