Most recent articles by Richard Marcus
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Art and the Iran protests
"Painting is like breathing for me"
Iranian artist Raoof Haghighi's latest exhibition, including works in support of the women of Iran, presents an intriguing range of styles and media. From stark, striking pencil sketches to lush portraits in oils, the art show from 7-16 April promises to be visually, intellectually and emotionally stimulating. Interview by Richard Marcus
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Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya's tribute
Ali Akbar Khan – sound of the soul
Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya's latest release pays tribute to late virtuoso of the sarod, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. With both men having been instrumental in bridging the gap between classical Indian and European music, it is fitting Bhattacharya should put together this album. Richard Marcus had a listen
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Album review: "Anadolu Ejderi" by Gaye Su Akyol
Letting the dragon roar!
"Anadolu Ejderi" (Anatolian Dragon) is the latest release from Turkish musician Gaye Su Akyol. She has never lacked a spirit of adventure when it comes to her music – an intriguing mix of traditional Turkish music and everything from psychedelic to American surf. However with Akyol, it's impossible to know what she'll throw a listener's way, and this album is no exception. By Richard Marcus
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Iran's Mohammad Reza Shajarian
Force of nature and symbol of freedom
"The Voice of Dust and Ash" draws us into the life and times of Iranian maestro Mohammad Reza Shajarian with passion and joy, focusing on the man who stood, and still stands, for a nation. By Richard Marcus
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Noori & His Dorpa Band's "Beja Power"
Defiant in the face of repression
"Beja Power" by Noori & His Dorpa Band is a scintillating introduction to one of the oldest and least known cultural traditions in Sudan and Africa. Rather than slavishly recreating music from the past, the band plays with diverse influences to stunning effect. By Richard Marcus
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Rabih Alameddine’s "The Wrong End of the Telescope"
We are all in search of a home
In “The Wrong End of the Telescope”, Rabih Alameddine draws us away from the headlines and into the personal story of one individual. Mina is complex, compelling and very real. By pulling us into her life and allowing us to see Lesbos through her eyes, the reality of the refugee camp comes alive. Richard Marcus read the book
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Liraz Charhi’s "Roya"
An Israeli-Iranian act of rebellion
With the current leadership of Iran quick to lay the blame for the Iran protests on Israel, the chances of harmonious relations between the two countries still seems remote. Yet, as Liraz’s latest album “Roya” demonstrates, there is still hope. By Richard Marcus
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Al Qasar’s "Who Are We"
A hard message for a hard world
Welcome to the world of Al Qasar, where Arabic music collides head-on with punk and psychedelic to create something powerful and beautiful. "Who Are We" is a raucous, subversive trip into the urban landscapes inhabited by a new generation of Arabs around the world. By Richard Marcus
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Album review: Imarhan's "Aboogi"
Looking beyond the horizon
"Aboogi", on the City Slang label, is the latest release from Imarhan. Hailing from southern Algeria, Imarhan are one of the many bands that have emerged from the Tameshek diaspora. They see their music as a chance to preserve the culture and history of their people. By Richard Marcus
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Laury Silvers' "Sufi Mysteries Quartet"
Sleuths on a Sufi path
Rarely has the world of crime-writing taken such an interesting turn. Richard Marcus spoke to American Muslim historian and novelist Laury Silvers about her four detective novels set in Baghdad under the Abbasid caliphate and the advantages of self-publishing
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Rizwaan Sabir's "The Suspect"
Muslims post-9/11 subject to blanket targeting
"The Suspect" by criminology lecturer Rizwaan Sabir is the harrowing account of the author's own experiences at the hands of the UK's counterintelligence agencies. At the same time, the book is a carefully researched analysis of how the Muslim community was targeted by those supposedly working to protect society. Richard Marcus read the book
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LGBTQ+ Pride
Being queer and Arab
As Pride Month draws to a close, Richard Marcus delves into Saqi Books’ latest publication, "This Arab is Queer". Edited by Elias Jahshan, this anthology of essays is remarkable for its honesty in addressing what is still a dangerous and controversial subject in many of the writers’ countries of origin