Frankenstein in Baghdad: A Novel for Our Present Dystopia
An NYU professor who has frequently taught this Iraqi novel finds that two months into Trump 2.0, its significance has shifted considerably.
Essays
Love and Resistance in Online Persian Dating Shows
From blindfolding potential dates to threating them with cockroaches, Iranian YouTube dating game shows go viral and the regime takes action.
A Conversation Among My Homeland’s Trees
The Trees spoke above the screams, the fires, the bombs, the droughts, across the oasis, forests, and streams of her homeland.
Heartbreak and Commemoration in Beirut’s Southern Suburbs
In the southern suburbs of Beirut, women openly grieve those they have lost, in the wake of Israel's latest onslaught.
Afghanistan’s Histories of Conflict, Resistance & Desires
A new exhibition unravels the entangled histories and cultures of Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Western Europe through textiles.
Ravaged by Fire
Francisco Letelier connects the devastation of fire and climate change with the decimation of Gaza, and other disasters over time.
The Closed Door—Return to Syria
After 13 years away, writer Odai Al Zoubi returns to Syria following the Assad regime's collapse, aiming to reconnect with a lost time.
Flight Plans: From Gaza to Singapore
Palestinian civil aviation is not only a symbol of freedom, but is deeply connected to their quest for sovereignty.
Chronicles of a Boy Manqué
Growing up a "Boy Hassan" in Latakia, Rana Haddad refused to wear a dress and act like a lady, bucking the conventions of her day.
الباب المغلق
بعد غياب دام 13 سنة، يتحدث الكاتب والمترجم عدي الزعبي عن زيارته الأولى للشام والجامع المعلق، وعن نهر بردى الذي اشتهرت دمشق به، في رحلة يستعيد فيها زمنًا مفقودًا.
“Culinary Palestine”—Fadi Kattan in an excerpt from Sumud
Celebrity Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan presents stories and recipes from his long experience cooking in Bethlehem and beyond.
Three Nights in Free Syria
Filmmaker Yasmin Fedda and arts activist Daniel Gorman share their reflections of a three-day visit to Syria early this year.
10 Recommended Stories in The Markaz Review 2024
TMR's five main editors have selected two of our favorite stories of the year for your reading pleasure. Of course, we are utterly subjective.
Criticizing a Militaristic Israel is not Inherently Antisemitic
The conflation of antisemitism with political criticism of Israel not only stifles free speech; it makes Jews less safe around the world.
Return to Damascus…the Long Road Home
A son of Hama — a former prisoner and now a TV correspondent — takes his first steps towards his country in over a decade.