“WE” and “4978 and One Nights” by Ghayath Almadhoun
A Syrian and Swedish poet of Palestinian heritage, Ghayath Almadhoun lives between Stockhold and Berlin.
The Imagination Interviews
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.
“Drinking Tea at Lahore Chai Masters”—a story by Farah Ahamed
When Mehreen and Asma compare notes, they realize they are still not unfettered lovers.
“Double Apple”—a short story by MK Harb
Negotiating the secret byways of Beirut, a cousin helps a cousin achieve his heart’s greatest desire — for a price.
The Body, Intimacy and Technology in the Middle East
Six women artists and curator Nadine Khalil explore women's bodies in a Dubai exhibition, in an interview by Naima Morelli.
A Treatise on Love
When disaster strikes Maryam Haidari between Tunis and Tehran, the past seven years of her life as a poet, writer and translator are thrown into stark relief.
Tears of the Patriarch
An exclusive excerpt from Dina Wahba's book "Counter Revolutionary Egypt" describes how the lachrymose president manipulates the public.
Hashem & Sara on Their Intimate Podcast, “Bath Ya Hashem”
Mohammad Rabie lifts the lid on the makings of the popular Arab podcast "Bath ya Hashem," hosted and produced by Sara Eldayekh and Hashem.
Love Across Borders—on Romance, Restrictions and Happy Endings
Lina Mounzer reviews the new book by Anna Lekas Miller that gathers stories of love- and border-challenged couples.
Arthur Kayzakian’s Stolen Painting and The Nameless Father
Sean Casey on a rather unusual and remarkable debut from Arthur Kayzakian that melds poetry, prose and correspondence.
Don’t Ask me to Reveal my Lover’s Name لا تسألوني ما اسمهُ حبيبي
Mohammad Shawky Hassan reflects on the original story that informed the making of "Shall I Compare You to a Summer’s Day?” two years after its world premiere.
Four Poems by Alaa Hassanien from The Love That Doubles Loneliness
Emotions of modern romance are found in Alaa Hasanin’s "The Love That Doubles Loneliness," translated from Arabic by Salma Moustafa Khalil.