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Al-Jahith’s Treasury, an Iconic Library in Downtown Amman, Is Reborn
The iconic Al-Jahith’s Treasury has witnessed a century of history and survived a series of tragedies, including a devasting fire in 2018.
Previous Coverageتغطيات سابقة
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Self-Censorship in the University: A Breach of Academic Freedom
In a collective act of self-censorship, many academics today willingly cede the university’s unconditional freedom to investigate all ideas.
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Iraq’s Former Higher Education Minister Strives to Improve Universities
Abdul Razzaq Al-Issa led Iraq’s higher education ministry during a period when the Islamic State controlled much of the country.
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Vartan Gregorian: From Immigrant to Leading Philanthropist
The life and work of Vartan Gregorian bridged cultures and religions.
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Bringing Books Back to Mosul University Library
Ideas Beyond Borders is donating more than 2,500 books to the library, which was among the finest in the Middle East before it was destroyed by ISIS and coalition bombing.
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Refining Our Understanding of Conventional Exams
Online education presents challenges for teachers but also offers them an opportunity to devise new ways of assessing students.
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How to Build Community in Your Courses, Online or In-Person
An education expert suggests good practices teachers can use to build community with students and create a caring climate in their courses.
Libraries
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Explosion Took a Heavy Toll on Beirut’s Arts and Culture Scene
Much of the city’s creative life was centered in two historic neighborhoods that bore the brunt of the blast.
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Beirut’s Damaged Libraries Try to Continue Fulfilling Their Civic Mission
Despite suffering extensive damage from the port explosion, libraries and independent bookstores are resuming their role as providers of community outreach and support.
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Qatar National Library Sparks Young People’s Curiosity About Science
In a regular forum, the library gives Qataris a chance to meet world-class researchers face-to-face and have informal discussions that motivate youth to explore science in depth.
Curriculum
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Iraq’s Maritime Heritage Finds a Haven in the Classroom
With ancient boatbuilding crafts nearly extinct, scholars and researchers aim to bring knowledge of Iraq’s maritime heritage to a new generation of students.
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Lebanese Universities Put More Focus on Environmental Studies
Lebanon’s progress on environmental protection goals is patchy, but there is growing demand for environmental studies in its universities.
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How International Relations, an ‘American’ Discipline, Is Taught in the Arab World
International relations theories do not travel seamlessly across borders. A forum of Arab scholars examines how the discipline is studied in their world.
Opinion
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Why Professors in Algeria Have Given Up on Free Academic Inquiry
Professors in Algeria have learned that it’s best to endorse the conventional wisdom and not ask new questions, a scholar says.
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In a Climate of Self-Censorship, Social Research Suffers
A new book argues that Arab social scientists limit their teaching and research through self-censorship, producing a “knowledge void.”
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When Self-Censorship Means Self-Protection
An Egyptian professor explains the complex motives behind her decision to limit her own freedom of expression.
Resources
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Where Syrian Girls Are Marrying Early
A country-by-country breakdown of child marriage among displaced and refugee Syrian girls.
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Beirut Blast: A Map of the Damage to Educational and Cultural Institutions
Scores of educational, arts and cultural organizations saw their facilities damaged or destroyed in the August 4 port explosion.
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Hazine, a Blog for Scholars of the Islamic World, Reinvents Itself
Launched as an archives review site, Hazine is transitioning into a multilingual platform for reviews, interviews, profiles, digital-humanities tools, and more.
What Others are Reading
Ramadan Fasting in the Covid-19 Era: Researchers Try to Answer Questions
Researchers have found no evidence that Ramadan fasting might make people more susceptible to Covid-19. They worry more about the risks from late nights and soc...
Why Professors in Algeria Have Given Up on Free Academic Inquiry
Professors in Algeria have learned that it's best to endorse the conventional wisdom and not ask new questions, a scholar says.
Self-Censorship in Arab Higher Education: an Untold Problem
Arab professors routinely practice self-censorship, which limits academic discourse, a survey by Al-Fanar Media and Scholars at Risk found.
Libyan University Professors Are Promised a Pay Raise
After five years of activism, Libyan university professors won a government pledge to increase their wages. But they may not see the money soon.
