Khelil Bouarrouj is a Washington, DC-based writer and civil rights advocate. His work can be found at the Washington Blade, Palestine Square, and other publications.
Book Club: The representation of Hajj has been beautifully brought to life in Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage by Qaisra M. Khan, a lucid history told in narrative and art.
After a long period of appropriation, Arab designers are reclaiming their status within the fashion industry. Spurred along by a youth increasingly conscious of style and vogue, the Arab world is entering an exciting period of self-expression.
Book Club: If the Apartheid wall could speak, what would it say? Steve Sabella's photobook plays with this idea to whip the viewer up into a frenzy of daily Palestinian dynamism by conjuring up profound images of respite and enduring resistance.
Be it public or private, creative or industrial, Tunisian citizens face an uncertain future. The controversial ascension of Kais Saied as premier has aggravated financial instability, with social crackdowns only adding to Tunisian misery.
Book Club: James Beard award finalist Reem Assil's cookbook is a diasporic celebration of Californian farm to table with distinctly Arab flavours. Tracing the sights and smells of her heritage, Reem's Arabiyya is fast becoming a contemporary classic.
Book Club: Arab and Moorish contribution to the Iberian Peninsula remains evident through architectural and academic advancement. But what about the cuisine? Portugal: The Cookbook details the vast extent of Arab culinary innovation in the country.
