Islamic Art and History

Join me and the renowned Persian historian Farshid Emami, as we discuss the importance of coffee to Persian royal society, common culture and its impact on architecture in Isfahan.

Reading of my latest poem titled 'Slaves and Statues' from my second poetry book (in progress).

Welcome to the weekly gruel with Zirrar. Where we talk about what's new and important and of course recite some poetry.

Join me and Mokhtar Alkhanshali (historian, community historian and coffee innovator) as we follow the roots of Coffee from Ethiopia, Yemen to Makkah and then Istanbul and Europe. Mokhtar shares the intimate history of Coffee in Islam and its uses for the praise of God, its near ban and then its spread into Europe and Asia. Notes: The Merchant Houses of Mocha - by Nancy Umm Monk of Mokha - by Dave Eggers

What is the Ghazal? Where did it start and to where did it travel? PersianPoetics (Sharghzadeh) and I discuss the beautiful structure of the Ghazal and its most famous poets from Attar, Mawlana Rumi, Hafez and Attar to Ghalib, Iqbal and modern poets. Follow Sharghzadeh on Instagram @persianpoetics

You've heard about Orientalism of the east, but are things much different in Mexico, Central America or South America? Join me and Andrea Muñoz, a Mexican archaeologist and anthropologist discuss the common phenomenon of being studied and categorised by the European gaze. We discuss avocados and oil, drug cartels and terrorism, and finally the growth of Islam in the native Mexican population.

Episode 1: Join Omar Sheira and me for a walk through of the history of Cairo, from its foundations a thousand years ago to present time. We discuss the Fatimid, Ayyubid (and of course Saladin) and the mighty Mamluks, the giant Ottomans before ending in the French and British rule. These podcasts will continue as we travel across the world to other Islamic ancient capitals to explore the less known history and art.