Culture

Mauritania’s age-old practice of Leblouh, the tradition of force-feeding girls for the sake of beauty and marriage, continues to deprive its women of some of their most basic human rights.

Sufis shun materialism and use prayer, music, and occasionally dance in their quest to get closer to God. Despite their dedication to divine love and peace, Sufis have increasingly become targets of extremist Islamic movements who view their practices as being incompatible with “true Islam.”

Khat is an important part of life in Djibouti. Although many in the small East African nation enjoy the euphoric effects of the narcotic plant, the social, political, and economic hardships caused by its abuse may begin to persuade Djiboutians to abstain from consuming it.

On a resort island off the coast of South Korea, a multi-dimensional, North African-Korean rock band is finding its voice.

From its current home in Genoa, Italy, the Palestinian “Arab brass” band Al Raseef brings its unique sound to streets, schools, and concert halls around the world, hoping to free people’s spirits, and to educate, inspire, and break down barriers.

As Amazigh people celebrate the beginning of their new year today, the Amazigh movement in Morocco is seeking to preserve the Amazigh cultural and historical heritage.

Feminist thought has evolved in the context of the historical, social, cultural, and political norms of the societies in which it has originated. In the Muslim world, two major feminist trends have emerged in recent years: Islamic feminism and secular feminism.

With an estimated 422 million speakers globally, making it the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, and a designation as one of the six official languages of the United Nations, the Arabic language is celebrated today on Arabic Language Day for its richness and cultural diversity.

Every November, a stunning array of musicians from across Africa and the Middle East convenes in Morocco’s capital city.

Although the financial exclusion of women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has historically undermined the economic potential of the region, the recent introduction of financial technology (fintech) could play a vital role in disrupting regional financial systems, social paradigms, and gender stereotypes