Nancy Um, Professor of Art History at Binghamton University, takes us on a journey to discover the stories and myths associated with one of the world’s most-traded commodities: coffee. Join us to explore the global story of the humble coffee bean, from its origins in Ethiopia, to its adoption as [...]
Salma Tuqan, Deputy Director of Delfina Foundation and former Contemporary Middle East Curator at the V&A, provides insights into the thriving and resilient cultural scene in the Levant countries of the Mediterranean, in particular Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan. Salma explores the ways in which the region has faced the challenge [...]
As a result of the Syrian crisis, many people have left their homeland and started to live abroad. Some came to reside in the United Kingdom. The experience of this change has been overwhelming for many; while others have adapted to their newfound homes with relative ease. In these times, [...]
Through the generosity of donors around the world, The Barakat Trust is happy to be able to support the following scholars and projects in 2020: International Scholarships Dina Mneimneh (Lebanese urbanist) to study at University College London (Awarded in 2019, and deferred to 2020). Zahra Khademi (Iranian art historian working [...]
Kristine Rose-Beers ACR is Head of Conservation at the Chester Beatty in Dublin, Ireland, and an accredited member of the Institute of Conservation (ICON). She graduated from the Conservation programme at Camberwell College of Arts in 2002. Kristine’s research interests include the conservation of Islamic manuscript material, early binding structures, [...]
Dear Friends and Colleagues It is with profound sadness that we share the sad news of the loss of a previous grantee Dr Abdullah Ghouchani, on Thursday, 6 August 2020, in Tehran. He is survived by his beloved wife, who was with him in Tehran, and his two daughters, Golnaz [...]
In the year of 2010, Tamer launched SA’AID “Tamer and the Community” with the aim of creating tangible and sustainable difference in the lives of poeple in our community. SA’AID aims to enrich its social responsibility through initiating and supporting different projects that focus on leveling up the health, education, [...]
Hagia Sophia has featured in thousands of books and treatises throughout the centuries, many of which have praised the awe-inspiring spaces of this architectural wonder. Yet recently, the building has made headlines for very different reasons, as politics and heritage become entangled. In this week’s podcast, Professor Bissera Pentcheva helps [...]
The Moon has been revered by civilisations all over the world across time. It provides gentle light, sets calendars and regulates the tidal force. Ulrike al-Khamis explores our fascination with this mystical celestial body and looks at the role it has played in faith, science and the arts across the [...]
eL Seed works in the public sphere, for the people and - most of the time - with the people. During this conversation, eL Seed sheds light on his career, his projects democratising art, and on his roots, to reveal the ingredients that form his unique sense of perspective on [...]
