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The Egyptian X Factor Part 2 Posted by jesa on Feb 10, 2013
Marhaba (مرحبا)! I hope you found the from the previous post interesting and I am confident you have worked hard on answering the questions. After presenting you with the answers and the translation of some key words, I want you all to check a YouTube video that shows an Egyptian TV anchor echoing the same…
The Egyptian X Factor Posted by jesa on Feb 9, 2013
Marhaba (مرحبا)! In this post, I would like to share a small excerpt from an article on recent developments in show business and entertainment in Egypt. This article was published on the website of Al Akhbar, an Arabic newspaper based in Lebanon that covers different political, economic and cultural developments in the Middle East, North…
Zajal el Zajjalin Posted by jesa on Feb 6, 2013
Marhaba (مرحبا)! As promised in an earlier post, today I would like to introduce you all to Zajal (زَجَل), one of the most popular iconic and cultural traditions of many Mediterranean countries. In a nutshell, zajal is a traditional form of oral poetry (شعر) in colloquial dialect (اللغة العاميّة ) . Most notably this form…
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…
Nassam Alayna el Hawa Posted by jesa on Jan 28, 2013
Marhaba (مرحبا)! In a previous post, I introduced you all to one my favorite Arab artists Fairouz (فيروز). Given the fact that I know many of you enjoy listening to her songs and are captured by the beauty and depth of the lyrics and music, I have decided to post a video of one my…
How to Prepare Kibbeh bil Sanieh Posted by jesa on Jan 20, 2013
Marhaba! (مرحبا)In a previous post, I shared a recipe that my wife and I use when we cook the popular vegetarian dish: pumpkin kibbeh. This weekend we are inviting some friends over for lunch. Our friends insisted that we cook a Middle Eastern dish. Fortunately for us and them, we could not turn down their…
The Voice of Lebanon Posted by jesa on Jan 7, 2013
Marhaba! In this post, I would like to introduce you all to an iconic music legend and legendary artist Wadih el Safi (وديع الصافي), known as the ‘Voice of Lebanon’. He is an accomplished musician, talented songwriter and recognized actor. I will also post one of his most famous musical masterpieces: an old song from…