Middle Eastern Heritage & Culture

Majlis room with perimeter cushion seating, layered patterned rugs, a low carved table with brass tray and mashrabiya light patterns

The Middle Eastern Home: Majlis, Textiles & Tra...

The Middle Eastern home is arranged around gathering. Learn the principles of the majlis, why floors matter more than furniture, how scent forms part of the room, and five changes...

The Middle Eastern Home: Majlis, Textiles & Tra...

The Middle Eastern home is arranged around gathering. Learn the principles of the majlis, why floors matter more than furniture, how scent forms part of the room, and five changes...

Brass dallah pouring pale golden Arabic coffee into a small finjan cup with cardamom pods, saffron threads and dates

Arabic Coffee (Qahwa): Traditions, Preparation ...

Arabic coffee is pale gold, cardamom-spiced and served unsweetened in small cups. Learn how it differs from Turkish coffee, how it is traditionally prepared, the regional variations, and the etiquette...

Arabic Coffee (Qahwa): Traditions, Preparation ...

Arabic coffee is pale gold, cardamom-spiced and served unsweetened in small cups. Learn how it differs from Turkish coffee, how it is traditionally prepared, the regional variations, and the etiquette...

Overhead festive arrangement of dates, brass coffee pot and cups, nuts, honey and spice bowls with a glowing lantern

Ramadan & Eid: Traditional Household Preparations

Ramadan preparations begin well before the first day. A guide to the household traditions — preparing the home, stocking the kitchen, the iftar table, suhoor, hosting during the month, and...

Ramadan & Eid: Traditional Household Preparations

Ramadan preparations begin well before the first day. A guide to the household traditions — preparing the home, stocking the kitchen, the iftar table, suhoor, hosting during the month, and...

Stack of hardback books with plain spines and one lying open beside a glass of tea and a brass bookmark on aged wood

Arabic Books: Where to Start Reading

Arabic literature is vast and knowing where to begin is the hardest part. A guide to the main categories, which suits which reader, how to choose a first book, and...

Arabic Books: Where to Start Reading

Arabic literature is vast and knowing where to begin is the hardest part. A guide to the main categories, which suits which reader, how to choose a first book, and...

Brass dallah coffee pot with small finjan cups on a decorated tray beside dates, with an incense burner in a warmly lit majlis

Middle Eastern Hospitality: Traditions of Welcome

Middle Eastern hospitality is a structured tradition, not improvised warmth. Learn the sequence of a visit, the coffee ritual and the cup shake, the role of scent, and what is...

Middle Eastern Hospitality: Traditions of Welcome

Middle Eastern hospitality is a structured tradition, not improvised warmth. Learn the sequence of a visit, the coffee ritual and the cup shake, the role of scent, and what is...

Folded red and white Jordanian shemagh showing its woven geometric pattern and knotted fringe with a black agal cord

The Jordanian Shemagh: Heritage & How to Wear It

The shemagh is a working piece of desert clothing with a real history. Learn what it is, what the colours and fringe signify, three ways to wear it, six checks...

The Jordanian Shemagh: Heritage & How to Wear It

The shemagh is a working piece of desert clothing with a real history. Learn what it is, what the colours and fringe signify, three ways to wear it, six checks...