Tag Archives: Levant
5 Common Arabic Expressions Without An Equivalent in English Posted by jesa on Dec 25, 2016
Marhaba! Learning Arabic is a complex but beautiful journey. If you are reading this, I congratulate you for this strong determination. As you can see from previous posts on the most common slang words in Arabic and others on some examples to better use these words, there are some words and expressions in the Arabic…
10 Uses of the Most Common Arabic Slang Words Posted by jesa on Nov 29, 2016
Marhaba! Almost all of you Arabic lovers love my post on the 25 Most Common Arabic slang words. It’s one of the most popular and visited posts on the Arabic Language blog. Given the post’s popularity, I thought about sharing some examples of how some of these slang words could be used in a conversation…
Mint Lemonade the Levantine Way Posted by jesa on Sep 3, 2016
Marhaba! Summer is not almost gone or at least that’s what I am trying to convince myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fall season, but having a few more summer days is great. To keep up the summer spirit, today I am sharing a recipe for one my favorite beverages: Mint Lemonade. But…
In the Square We Met My Love Posted by jesa on Oct 29, 2014
Marhaba! In the past I have introduced you all to one my favorite Arab musicians and singers, the great late Wadih el Safi (وديع الصافي). Known as the Voice of Lebanon, Safi has produced multiple masterpieces that have become part of Lebanese culture and folklore. He is by far a cultural icon in the Arab…
How to cook Moujadara (mashed lentils and rice casserole) Posted by jesa on Feb 27, 2013
Marhaba (مرحبا)! Today, I am going to teach you how to cook Moujadara (مجدرة) which is a tasty vegetarian dish (طبق نباتي) that is popular in the Middle East and specifically the Levant. It is a popular vegetarian dish throughout the year and especially during Lent. In a nutshell, Moujadara is mashed lentils (عدس) and…
Lent: 40 days of Prayer and Fasting Posted by jesa on Feb 18, 2013
Marhaba (مرحبا)! Last Wednesday, February 13, millions of Christians around the world marched around with a large black cross (صليب) on their foreheads. What is recognized as Ash Wednesday in Western societies is called Ash Monday or Clean Monday(إثنين الرماد) in Levantine societies, where millions celebrated the same symbolic tradition on Monday February 11 –…
Meet Mashrou3 Leila Posted by jesa on Jan 30, 2013
Marhaba (مرحبا)! In this post, I want to introduce you all to one of my favorite Middle Eastern bands: Mashrou3 Leila (مشروع ليلى). By all means, this band is one of the most innovative and upcoming groups in the Middle East and with their progressive and enlightening music they have captured the hearts and minds…