In this episode, produced in collaboration with the Qatar Foundation, Marc Owen Jones — Associate Professor of Media Analytics at Northwestern University Qatar — talks to us about this age of disinformation and how it manifests in the context of the Middle East. We discuss regulating social media platforms and try to understand what exactly disinformation is ... Show More
Jan 19
Founder of Mille World Sofia Guellaty | Fashion, Soft Power & the New Arab Identity
The unifying youth culture across the Arab region is characterized by a proud new Arab identity and the changing standards of beauty with the rise of "Arab beauty" (A beauty), which celebrates Arab features and aesthetics. The founder of Mille World and Mille Creative, Sofia Guel ... Show More
1h 5m
Jan 12
A History of Algeria & the Worlds of Islam | Professor James McDougall
The conversation covers the historical emergence of Algeria as a political and territorial unit, starting in the Ottoman period in the 16th century. Key pivotal moments in Algerian history are highlighted, including French colonialism beginning in 1830, which led to a settler col ... Show More
1h 6m
Dec 22
Textile Workers & the Syrian-American Working Class | Stacy D. Fahrenthold
Discover the interconnectedness of peddling and factory work, the surprising origins of the Aloha shirt, and the key role Syrian workers played in major labor actions like the 1912 Bread and Roses strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Associate Professor of History at the University ... Show More
51m 30s
Nov 6
Memes in Morocco: Darija, Rap & Digital Activism | Dr Cristina Moreno Almeida
<p>We explore why certain cultural productions thrive exclusively online, the debate around meme humor versus emotional resonance, and how memes can serve as a form of social critique. Dr. Cristina Moreno Almeida, from Queen Mary University of London, joins us and discusses her r ... Show More
53m 39s
Feb 2025
Building Empire Records & Repping Your Community | Live Quartertones With Ghazi Shami & Suhel Nafar at Sole DXB 2024
<p>This episode of Quartertones was recorded live on the Sole DXB stage in Dubai on December 13, 2024. Founder of Empire Records Ghazi Shami, and head of Empire Iwana Sohail Nafar explore the challenges and future of the Arab music industry, from Ghazi's connection to Palestinian ... Show More
57m 38s
Feb 2025
Season 4, Episode 5: Eugene Rogan, The Arabs: A History
Send us a textJoin Professor Jeffrey Sachs and historian Eugene Rogan, professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, as they delve into the complex history of the Arab world, from the Ottoman conquest in 1516 to today’s geopolitical crises of the modern Middle East. Throu ... Show More
52m 39s
Jul 2025
Author and influencer Ghada AlMuhanna Abalkhail returns to discuss her latest book series and much more...
We're so back! And so is Ghada Almuhanna Abalkhail, the TWENTY30's cultural expert, who returns to the show to discuss her latest book series that explores the concept of the Saudi homeland through archival photographs. She shares insights and observations behind creating the boo ... Show More
1h 16m
Aug 2025
Decoding Empires: Akala on Hip Hop & South-South Solidarity
<p>Rapper, writer, and thought leader Akala joins us on Quartertones live at Sole DXB to talk about his early career steps in London, the city's unique blends due to its history, and his drive to connect with diverse audiences. He shares insights into the impact of colonialism an ... Show More
32m 15s
Feb 2025
Khatt Chronicles in Conversation With Walid Bouchouchi
In this episode of Khatt Chronicles, Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès interviews France-based Algerian graphic and designer Walid Bouchouchi. They discuss his journey into the field of graphic design, his move to France (first Paris, then Marseille), and his professional transformation ... Show More
57m 21s