A native of the Canary Islands, the Phoenix canariensis was planted en masse on the Riviera in the 19th century. For vacationers and locals alike, this palm has come to embody the Mediterranean ideal of leisure and rest. But 150 years later, it is facing a deadly threat.

The word quarantine made an unexpected comeback in 2020, after having been out of mind for as long as most of us can remember. But only as far back as the early 20th century, crossing the Mediterranean often meant spending weeks in isolation. Then and now, something remains true. Not all travellers are equal.

Kists in Georgia’s Pankisi Valley have traditionally embraced sufism, and Sufi orders – or tariqas – have played a major role in structuring society and organising religious practices through collective rituals. One of their most treasured practices is zikr, the remembrance of Allah.

Apply to our workshop on journalism and migration, in Lebanon, Germany and France!

Beyond hummus, the entire concept of mezze, the Middle Eastern form of appetizers, is mired in controversy and conflict, historically as well as today.

Here is a list with our favourite all-time reads, from each of Mashallah’s co-founders and current and former editors. Enjoy!

Mizrahim, Jews descending from the Arab world, remain outsiders in Israel, in a subordinate place in society and neglected in representations of Jewishness.

Mashallah guest mix #3 comes from the Palestinian DJ Bashar Suleiman.

The Tajik government wants to tear down the fabled Mayakovsky theatre. But it’s not going anywhere without a fight.

Mashallah Guest Mix #2 comes from Cairo-based artist and funkster BLUFRANK.