logo
episode-header-image
Aug 18
1 h

Writing Palestine | Susan Abulhawa (Rela...

Tarwida
About this episode

With a profound belief that artists bear the responsibility to witness and that art is an integral part of life, Susan Abulhawa, the internationally-acclaimed writer, weaves together history, activism and fiction. In this first episode of Tarwida, join us for an insightful conversation with Susan as we explore her multifaceted journey and discover how we can read our way into the depths of Palestinian culture. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

This episode was recorded on August 27th, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

Up next
Nov 10
What it Means to Lose a Home | Suad Amiry
When Suad Amiry’s father tried to return to his home in Jaffa after 1948, he found that an Israeli family had moved in. They refused to let him enter. And when he returned to their home in Amman, it was the first time Suad had ever seen him cry. Years later, Suad would build a ca ... Show More
59m 9s
Oct 27
Of Oud, Sound and Silence | Le Trio Joubran (Arabic Episode)
In this episode, we sit with Palestinian musician Samir Joubran, one of the three brothers behind Le Trio Joubran - a family of oud players and master luthiers who have carried the craft and soul of the instrument across generations.We explore with him what it means to revive the ... Show More
1h 4m
Oct 13
Palestine on a Plate | Joudie Kalla
Born in Damascus, raised in London, and rooted in Palestine, chef, author, and activist Joudie Kalla speaks openly about living between worlds. Never fully belonging, yet finding a home through flavors, memories, and family stories. Known for her celebrated books Palestine on a P ... Show More
1h 3m
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
#7 - Art, Culture & The Arab Narrative: Rima Nasser of Selections Magazine
In this episode of "Tak on the Pod", Andrea sits down with Rima Nasser, founder of Selections Magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing the richness of Arab art, design, and culture. Through Selections and initiatives like Cultural Narratives, Rima has created a space for arti ... Show More
29m 51s
Aug 13
#13 - Beyond Stereotypes: Najla Said on Art, Culture, and Legacy
In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with the talented Najla Said, a Lebanese-Palestinian-American actor, playwright, and author whose powerful work in theatre and literature explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexity of cultural narratives. Known f ... Show More
52m 2s
Feb 2025
S3E6. Brushstrokes of Tatreez with Halima
<p><b>HALIMA IS THE ARTIST AND DESIGNER BEHIND THE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT </b><a href='https://www.instagram.com/palestinianartist'><b>@PALESTINIANARTIST</b></a><b>. </b>Halima shares her journey into art, how she uses embroidery and other mediums to tell Palestinian stories, and the ... Show More
30m 46s
Oct 2024
S2E5. Researching Palestine through Tatreez with Amita
<p><b>S2E5. RESEARCHING PALESTINE THROUGH TATREEZ WITH AMITA</b></p><p><b>AMITA KHURANA IS A PALESTINIAN-INDIAN TATREEZ ARTIST, RESEARCHER, AND ACTIVIST WITH ARTISTS AGAINST APARTHEID (</b><a href='https://www.instagram.com/amitastatreez'><b>@AMITASTATREEZ</b></a><b> / </b><a hre ... Show More
57m 55s
Aug 2024
Palestinian Music in Exile: Voices of Resistance | Louis Brehony
In this episode of This Is Not a Watermelon, we talk about positioning Palestinian music within a global music scene, cassettes as precious as diamonds, music and resistance, and reiterations of traditional folk music. Global scholar of Palestinian music, activist, and musician L ... Show More
1h 19m
Sep 3
The Hollow Half: a Memoir of Bodies and Borders | Sarah Aziza
The author discussed her multigenerational Palestinian family memoir "The Hollow Half: A Memoir of Bodies and Borders," which spans from mandate Palestine to the present day. Sarah Aziza reflects on her relationship with her Palestinian identity, the complexities of being "half" ... Show More
1h 1m
Jul 2025
S4E7. From Tatreez to Texts with Tala Fahmawi
<p><b>TALA IS A CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR </b><a href='http://www.goodrainpublishing.com'><b>GOOD RAIN PUBLISHING</b></a><b>, AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN OWNED CHILDREN&apos;S PUBLISHER (</b><a href='https://www.instagram.com/tala.loves.books'><b>@tala.l ... Show More
44m 40s
Oct 2
S5E3. A Generational Collaboration in Tatreez with Tala & Niveen from Palmera Art
<p><b>TALA &amp; NIVEEN ARE THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER TATREEZ ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS BEHIND PALMERA ART (</b><a href='https://www.instagram.com/palmera_art'><b>@palmera_art</b></a><b>). </b>Their story is one of weaving memory and heritage across borders—from Jerusalem to Kuwait, Saudi, ... Show More
47m 52s
Aug 25
Smita Prabhakar on Ishara Art Foundation & Nurturing South Asian Art in the UAE
<p>We challenge the conventional perceptions of home and identity in a diasporic context and delve into South Asian art. An art collector, entrepreneur, and the founder and chairperson of the Ishara Art Foundation, Smita Prabhakar shares personal anecdotes, including her move to ... Show More
57m 20s
Jun 2025
S4E4. World Building Through Tatreez With Razan
<p><b>RAZAN IS A DIASPORIC PALESTINIAN RESEARCHER, COMMUNITY WORKER AND TATREEZ FACILITATOR BASED OUT OF TORONTO (</b><a href='https://www.instagram.com/stitchingliberation'><b>@STITCHINGLIBERATION</b></a><b>). </b>Razan introduces her work, which is rooted in Indigenous and Pale ... Show More
44m 21s