Samina Quraeshi: In Search of Sacred Spaces

In the following two essays by Samina Quraeshi, the Henry R. Luce Professor in Family and Community at the University of Miami, Quraeshi examines the role of sacred spaces in Muslim societies.

view
The Art and Photography of Samina Quraeshi: Exploring Sacred Spaces.

In this series of shots and artistic pieces, Samina Quraeshi explores Islam as it is practiced, experienced and lived through sacred spaces.

festival footage

festival footage

In this section, we will continue to posting footage from the many performance and events held throughout Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas, New York City's first and largest Muslim arts festival.

Shirin Neshat: Beyond The House is Black

Shirin Neshat is a leading contemporary artist. In her videos, films, and photographs she draws upon her Iranian heritage for inspiration and addresses the complexities of the contemporary Muslim world through visually arresting imagery. She has exhibited her works internationally at major museums, galleries, and performance halls.

Shirin Neshat: Beyond The House is Black

Shirin Neshat is a leading contemporary artist. In her videos, films, and photographs she draws upon her Iranian heritage for inspiration and addresses the complexities of the contemporary Muslim world through visually arresting imagery. She has exhibited her works internationally at major museums, galleries, and performance halls.

Reza Aslan on the Muslim World Today

Reza Aslan, an internationally acclaimed writer and scholar of religions, is a fellow at the University of Southern California’s Center on Public Diplomacy and Middle East Analyst for CBS News. He is also a featured blogger for Anderson Cooper 360.

The Voices of Dastangoi: Bridging Anciet and Modern

Magic, sorcery, warriors, and tricksters came together in the vividly told stories of Dastangoi: The Adventures of Amir Hamza, bringing to life the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle Amir Hamza.

Parissa, Master of Classical Persian Music, Discusses the Arts, Diplomacy and Muslim Voices

With a voice “at once refined and deeply emotional” (The Planet, Australia), Parissa’s perfection lies in the simplicity with which she interprets the poetry of Iran's greatest wordsmiths.

Kamilya Jubran: A Powerful Voice from a Disputed Land

Kamilya Jubran is a singer and musician, born in Israel to Palestinian parents. Elias Jubran, Kamilya's father, an instrument maker and music teacher, provided her first exposure to classical Arab music.

Kamilya Jubran Speaks

In this exclusive interview, listen in as Jubran recalls some of her earliest memories as a child musician, the parallel tracks of her musical and political awakening, and her search for "music that can express our identity". Featuring clips from her Asia Society performances.

From Indonesia, a Vision for Dance and Social Justice

Sardono Speaks

The landmark Indonesian choreographer explains the significance of Diponegoro, who played a defining role in the struggle against the Dutch and whose story forms the backbone of Sardono's breakout piece, Diponegoro, performed as part of Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas.

Iraqi-American Musician Amir ElSaffar in a Rehearsal Supreme

Iraqi-American trumpeter Amir ElSaffar is an accomplished jazz and classical trumpeter who has collaborated with various artists, including Cecil Taylor, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Vijay Iyer, and Daniel Barenboim.

Chaikhana-- Exclusive Footage

Revered throughout history, poetry and prose hold an essential place in Muslim cultures. Innovative prose is celebrated today as it was in the past, with a cup of tea in hand and an ear to the nuanced sound of language.

Historically recited, sung, and discussed in tea houses, royal courts and drawing rooms, storytelling and recitation are still enjoyed in contemporary salons.

Sulayman Al-Bassam on Richard III, the Arab Stage and Muslim Voices

In 2002, Sulayman Al-Bassam Theatre was created as the Arabic arm of Zaoum Theatre (formed in 1996)-- an international grouping of theatre practitioners, musicians and visual artists, dedicated to the production of challenging and innovative theatre.

MJ Akbar and the Search for Common Understanding

M.J. Akbar is a leading journalists in India and a regular commentator on Islam in both contemporary and historical contexts. He is a founder and editor of Asian Age magazine and is also a leader of the magazine Convert, which he launched in 2008. Akbar has written widely on Islam and the Muslim world.

MJ Akbar

Renowned Indian journalist MJ Akbar speaks about fostering better understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim worlds.

Sufi Music in Performance: A Closer Look

Aissawa Ensemble, in Performance

Vibrant footage of the Aissawa Ensemble, shot in early 2009, brings to life the Sufi musical tradition of connecting with the Divine.

Conference Footage: Welcome, Muslim Voices

In this exclusive footage to the private conference for Muslim Voices: Arts & Ideas, organized by New York University's Center for Dialogues, festival organizers Mustapha Tlili (Center for Dialogues Founder and Director), Karen Brooks Hopkins (President of BAM), and Vishakha Desai (President of Asia Society) each address gathered participants to welcome them to the conference and consider

Conference Opening

In this exclusive footage, watch as the NYU Center for Dialogue's conference, "Bridging the Divide Between the United States and the Muslim World Through Arts and Ideas: Possibilities and Limitations" gets underway. Stay tuned for further excerpts.