Jordan Elgrably

is an American, French, and Moroccan writer and translator. His stories and creative nonfiction have appeared in many anthologies and reviews, including Apulée, Salmagundi, and the Paris Review. Editor-in-chief and founder of The Markaz Review, he is the cofounder and former director of the Levantine Cultural Center/The Markaz in Los Angeles (2001–2020). He is the editor of Stories From the Center of the World: New Middle East Fiction (City Lights 2024), and co-editor with Malu Halasa of Sumūd: a New Palestinian Reader (Seven Stories Press 2025). Based in Montpellier, France and California, he tweets at Blue Sky.

“The Translator” Brings the Syrian Dilemma to the Big Screen

“The Translator” Brings the Syrian Dilemma to the Big Screen

Jordan Elgrably reviews the recent feature film from directors Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf.

7 FEBRUARY 2022 • By Jordan Elgrably
Refuge, or the Inherent Dignity of Every Human Being

Refuge, or the Inherent Dignity of Every Human Being

TMR's editor reflects on the experience of seeking home and refuge.

15 JANUARY 2022 • By Jordan Elgrably
The Fabulous Omid Djalili on Good Times and the World

The Fabulous Omid Djalili on Good Times and the World

British Iranian actor, comedian and podcast host Omid Djalili opens up about comedy, racism and his beauty secrets...

15 DECEMBER 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
Recovering/Remembering Love, Sex and Trauma

Recovering/Remembering Love, Sex and Trauma

Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi follows her novels "Fra Keeler" and "Call Me Zebra" with a story set...

13 DECEMBER 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
Victims of Discrimination Never Forget in The Forgotten Ones

Victims of Discrimination Never Forget in The Forgotten Ones

TMR reviews a film on discrimination in Israel and the original Jews of the Middle East and North...

1 NOVEMBER 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
Interview With Prisoner X, Accused by the Bashar Al-Assad Regime of Terrorism

Interview With Prisoner X, Accused by the Bashar Al-Assad Regime of Terrorism

A Syrian refugee successfully resettled in Brussels shares part of his story.

15 OCTOBER 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
Will Love Triumph in the Midst of Gaza’s 14-Year Siege?

Will Love Triumph in the Midst of Gaza’s 14-Year Siege?

Jordan Elgrably reviews the new film from the Nasser brothers, starring Hiam Abbass and Salim Daw.

11 OCTOBER 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
Kurdish Poet and Writer Meral Şimşek Merits Her Freedom

Kurdish Poet and Writer Meral Şimşek Merits Her Freedom

Jordan Elgrably   Imagine, if you will, being put on trial for publishing poems and stories extolling the...

4 OCTOBER 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
The Harrowing Life of Kurdish Freedom Activist Kobra Banehi

The Harrowing Life of Kurdish Freedom Activist Kobra Banehi

Excerpted from the anthology Kurdish Women’s Stories (Pluto Press, 2020), by special arrangement with editor Houzan Mahmoud.  ...

15 SEPTEMBER 2021 • By Kobra Banehi, Jordan Elgrably
Remember 18:07 and Light a Flame for Beirut

Remember 18:07 and Light a Flame for Beirut

We remember the devastating blast at the Port of Beirut last August 4th, 2020, and call for justice...

4 AUGUST 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
Malak Mattar — Gaza Artist and Survivor

Malak Mattar — Gaza Artist and Survivor

TMR's editor Jordan Elgrably talks to young Malak Mattar in Gaza, who has survived massive state violence and...

14 JULY 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
“Sumud” — the Gazan Secret to Survival

“Sumud” — the Gazan Secret to Survival

The Palestinians of Gaza continue to survive despite incredible odds, thanks in no small part to their steadfastness...

14 JULY 2021 • By Jordan Elgrably
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