Tarwida

Few artists have captured the soul of Palestine the way Sliman Mansour has. His paintings featuring olive trees, stone terraces, mud, and the steadfast women of the land have carried Palestine across generations and borders. In this conversation, Mansour looks back on his childhood as well as the mischief and hardships that shaped him. A pioneer of contemporary Palestinian art and a teacher who rooted creativity in local materials, he speaks with humor and sharp honesty about what art means to him,  sharing not only his achievements but also his moments of fragility and disappointments.This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This conversation was conducted in Arabic and recorded on July 8, 2025. You can watch it with English subtitles on YouTube through this link. Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Follow Sliman Mansour on Instagram @sliman.mansourPurchase Mansour’s artwork through his website or on ZawyehLearn more about Ismail ShammoutLearn more about Bashar Khalaf

Walls, fences, and Israeli checkpoints try to dictate where bodies can and cannot move in Gaza, yet young athletes turn to parkour to reclaim freedom of movement under siege. Yalla Parkour, a film by Areeb Zuaitar, follows this story. In this episode, we sit with Zuaitar and parkour athlete Ahmad Matar to explore how their lives, though miles apart and shaped by different realities, become connected through Palestine, the only place they both feel ultimate belonging to. They share with us how each jump carries defiance and hope, and how, even amid destruction, Gazans continue to rise above the rubble, choosing life over despair.This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This conversation was recorded on August 16, 2025 and is conducted in Arabic. To listen to this episode with English subtitles, please click this link (https://youtu.be/RWNIHFoZggA) to watch it on YouTube! Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Watch Yalla Parkour’s trailerFollow Areeb Zuaitar on Instagram @areebzuaiterFollow Ahmad Matar on Instagram @matargazaFollow Gaza Parkour on Instagram @gazaparkourLearn more about Gaza’s airportWatch this episode on Youtube, here

With a profound belief that artists bear the responsibility to witness and that art is an integral part of life, Susan Abulhawa, the internationally-acclaimed writer, weaves together history, activism and fiction. In this first episode of Tarwida, join us for an insightful conversation with Susan as we explore her multifaceted journey and discover how we can read our way into the depths of Palestinian culture. This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This episode was recorded on August 27th, 2024. Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Susan’s Instagram Playgrounds for PalestinePalstine Writes Buy Susan’s books through this link: - Mornings in Jenin, 2006- My Voice Sought the Wind, 2013- The Blue Between Sky and Water, 2015- Against the Loveless World, 2019

In this episode of Tarwida, we revisit the life and legacy of George Qurmoz, a Palestinian composer and musician whose work became a soundtrack of resistance. We trace his journey through music collectives and movements, exploring how his melodies echoed not just melodies, but entire emotional geographies.This episode was originally published on November 28, 2024 and is produced by Dom Tak, a Sowt Production podcast dedicated to Arabic music. Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Listen to Geroge Qurmoz’s songsListen to Dom Tak’s episode on the initfada tapes Browse George Qurmoz’s pictures from the 70’s Follow Dom Tak on Instagram 

Palestinian composer and pianist Rima Nasir Tarazi reflects on her extraordinary life, sharing wisdom shaped by 93 years of personal and political challenges. Despite everything she’s witnessed, or perhaps because of it, Rima still holds a remarkable grit for life. In this episode she reminds us to remain hopeful and shares with us her enduring love for music and how it has served as a powerful vehicle for both self-expression and social activism. Aside from her musical career, Rima has also held important leadership and founding roles in several Palestinian institutions including Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, Birzeit University, the YWCA, Inaash Al Usra.  This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This episode was recorded on the 2nd of July, 2025.Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Songs Included by Rima Nasir Tarazi and sung by Tania Tamari Nasir:HaniaSong of the BirdIsma'u Yakhwani (My Children's Story)Ughufuri Lana Ya Ummah (Forgive us Mother)Ila Mata (Until When)Relevant links and Resources: You can listen to Rima’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTubeTo learn more about Rima and see the photos she generously donated to the Palestinian Archive, check out this link. You can read more about Samiha Khalil  through this link

Creative director, activist, and storyteller Alana Hadid joins us for an in-depth conversation, sharing her earliest memories of growing up in a Palestinian-American family, the influence of her family members, and how she navigates social media algorithms to educate and raise awareness. We also discuss her involvement with Watermelon Pictures as Creative Director and her new podcast, The Seeds FM. From creative resilience to hopes for a freer future, Alana's story is one of passion, courage, and unyielding commitment to her heritage. This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This episode was recorded on 17th of June, 2025.Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Follow Alana Hadid on Instagram (@lanzybear) and check out her ‘donate’ highlight for more information about the charities she works with all the way from Palestine to Sudan and CongoCheck out Watermelon Pictures and subscribe to Watermelon +Listen to Alana’s new podcast, The Seeds FM (@theseedsfm) on YouTube or wherever you get your podcastsYou can watch Walled Off, directed by Vin Arfuso, on Watermelon+. The trailer can be found through this linkCheck out and support some Palestinian-led brands Alana mentioned, Pali Roots and Wear the Peace

From her ceramic sculptures to her time teaching at Birzeit University, Vera Tamari’s work captures the deep ties between culture, resistance, and rootedness. A trailblazer in the Palestinian art scene, Vera was among the first women to exhibit contemporary art in Palestine and has spent decades mentoring new generations of artists. In this conversation, we reflect on the role of women in art and academia, and what it means to reinvent family archives. This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This episode was recorded on 26th of May, 2025.Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Read more about Vera Tamari and her work Watch Vera working on Guardians of the Land Tale of a TreeVisit Vladimir Tamari’s websiteBuy Tamari’s book ReturningLearn more about the Palestinian Museum’s new edition of New Visions Explore Birzeit University's collectionsLearn more about Al-Balalin Troupe

Nabil Al Raee, a leader at The Freedom Theater in Jenin, talks about the theater's founding and its role in resisting oppression through storytelling. Despite challenges like funding and political pressure, Nabil highlights global support and hopes for the future of Palestinian art, freedom, and theater. This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This conversation was recorded on May 5, 2025.Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcastIf you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!--Relevant links and Resources: Learn more about and support The Freedom Theater on their website (https://thefreedomtheatre.org/) and follow them on Instagram (@thefreedomtheater) Follow Nabil Al Raee on Instagram (@alraee.nabil)To learn about the history of theater in Palestine you can check out Samer Al-Saber’s book, A Movement’s Promise, and Radi Shehadeh’s book سيرة حكواتي من فلسطين - راضي شحادةYou can read more about their play, The Siege, hereWatch Arna’s Children here to learn more about Arna Mer KhamisTo learn more about one of the founders of The Freedom Theater, Zakaria Zubeidi, you can read this article by the Middle East Eye

Dive into the inspiring journey of Hamza and Badie Ali, the brothers who transformed their passion for film into a mission to reclaim the Palestinian narrative through their production and distribution company, Watermelon Pictures. They delve into their origins, from their grandfather arriving in the U.S. from Palestine in 1935 to the present-day global distribution company they now run. They also speak on their most recent documentary, The Encampments. This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This conversation was recorded on April 21, 2025.Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcastIf you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!--Relevant links and Resources: Follow Watermelon Pictures (@watermelonpictures) on Instagram and check out their website (watermelonpictures.com)Subscribe to their new streaming platform, Watermelon Plus  (watch.watermelonpictures.com) Watch their new documentary, The Encampments, and support it on Instagram (@theencampments)Watch the upcoming feature, To a Land Unknown, directed by Mahdi Fleifel Check out Jack Shaheen’s study which includes all the mentioned statistics about Arab representation in Hollywood

In this episode of Tarwida, we speak with architects Sandi Hilal and Alessandro Petti, co-founders of DAAR—Decolonizing Architecture Art Residency. From refugee camps to schools and public spaces, Hilal and Petti reimagine space not as a neutral container, but as a political and historical actor. We explore how architecture can be a site of decolonial resistance, of imagination and repair, and what it means to practice architecture in Palestine, beyond the frameworks imposed by occupation. This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This episode was recorded on April 9, 2025. Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Follow DAAR on instagram @decolonizing.psVisit DAAR’s websiteListen to Gaza Reconstruction Reality Check with Abed KittanaLearn more about Spaciocide- From “Spacio-cide” to Genocide: The War on Gaza and Western IndifferenceBuy Sandi and Alessandro’s book: Architecture After Revolution Read more on The reconstruction of Al-Nada social housing in GazaLearn more about DAAR’s academic course on EncampmentsThe views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.