World Picks from the Editors: Feb 23 — Mar 7
TMR editors highlight the best events, books, films, podcasts and other cultural products from around the globe.
Eyeliner: A Cultural History by Zahra Hankir—A Review
Nazli Tarzi reviews a book that challenges the uncritical view of eyeliner as a mere “exercise in vanity” and probes its use across many societies.
The Oath of Cyriac: Recovery or Spin?
In Olivier Bourgeois’ docudrama “The Oath of Cyriac,” professionals and volunteers race to preserve the Aleppo collection.
Issam Kourbaj’s Love Letter to Syria in Cambridge
A blood-red line drawn across the form of Syria seems to confirm the nonsensical nature of the country’s political situation and makes the destruction of artist Issam Kourbaj’s homeland all the more tragic.
Rotten Evidence: Ahmed Naji Writes About Writing in Prison
In tone, “Rotten Evidence” is cynical, bitterly funny, and oftentimes tender without ever being sentimental, writes Lina Mounzer.
World Picks from the Editors: Feb 9 — Feb 22
A selection of events, books, films, podcasts and other cultural products from the editors of TMR.
“The Scent Censes” & “Elegy With Precious Oil” by Majda Gama
Majda Gama shares with Poetry Markaz two poems from her award-winning book “The Call of Paradise.”
“WE” and “4978 and One Nights” by Ghayath Almadhoun
A Syrian and Swedish poet of Palestinian heritage, Ghayath Almadhoun lives between Stockhold and Berlin.
Shoot That Poison Arrow to My Heart: The LSD Editorial
Our literary editor, Malu Halasa, introduces TMR 38 • LSD, our Love, Sex and Desire issue, published ahead of the 14th of February.
LSD in the Arab World: Porn, Sade, and the Next-Door Flasher
In LSD’s centerpiece, Joumana Haddad argues that with a dire need for political and economic reforms in most Arab countries, a sexual revolution should come first and foremost.
Intimacy & Our Inner Sanctuary—an Interview with Rana Samara
For Palestinian artist Rana Samara, intimacy is not just about love and sex, but is a mixture of connection, comfort and feeling at home.
“Water”—a short story by Salar Abdoh
In the aftermath of a long war, a man in Iran searches for meaning, hopes for love, and struggles with the story of a whale.