On the Herculean Task of Translating Joyce’s Ulysses into Kurdish
Kawa Nemir felt he'd been preparing to undertake the translation of James Joyce's masterpiece his whole life...
Books
First Kurdish Sci-Fi Collection is Rooted in the Past
Matt Broomfield reviews the first anthology of Kurdish science fiction, one that envisions new possibilities for Kurdish self-determination.
My Love for Derna: Interview with Libyan Writer Mahbuba Khalifa
A Libyan writer from Derna laments the floods that came not long after she devoted a short story collection to her hometown.
Editors’ Palestinian Lit List
The editors of The Markaz Review recommended 20 of the best contemporary Palestinian novels, story collections and nonfiction.
Domicide—War on the City
According to Dr. Ammar Azzouz’s essay on domicide, taken from his new book, carpet bombing of Middle Eastern cities is nothing new.
Sustainability: Rethinking the City in the United Arab Emirates
Rana Asfour on the UAE's intervention solutions for energy-efficient, sustainable buildings rooted in the city.
World Picks from the Editors: Oct 28 – Nov 10
The editors of The Markaz Review recommend several world events and books.
A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: A Palestine Story
Dalia Hatuqa reviews an intimate account of the "Jaba Bus" deaths that illuminates the harsh reality of living under Israeli occupation.
Palestine 1936 Sheds New Light on Arab-Israeli Conflict
A new book sheds light on Palestine and Zionism under the British Mandate, providing keys to parse the enduring Arab-Israeli conflict.
In Praise of Khaled Khalifa—Friend, Artist, Humanist
Robin Yassin-Kassab pays tribute to late Syrian writer and humanist Khaled Khalifa, who died at the age of 59.
Edward Said: Writing in the Service of Life
Academic and novelist Layla AlAmmar interrogates her life's creative and scholarly achievements against the teachings of Edward Said.
Editors’ Picks: Public Intellectuals
The editors of The Markaz Review made the difficult choice of selecting just two of their go-to public intellectuals.
The Contemporary Literary Scene in Iran
Salar Abdoh reports from Tehran on the beauty and complexity of Iranian literature that thrives despite warring factions.
Reza Aslan’s An American Martyr in Persia Argues for US-Iranian Friendship
Dalia Sofer reviews Reza Aslan's latest book on American Howard Baskerville, "martyred" alongside revolutionary students in Iran in 1909.
Fairouz: The Peacemaker and Champion of Palestine
In her new book, Dima Issa argues that the influence of Lebanese vocal artist Fairouz on the Arab diaspora has been profound.