last modified:2009-02-12 12:42:00
Middle East Mosaic Series
Each spring the Middle East Center collaborates with the IJ & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center on a lecture series exploring various aspects of the Middle East. Each one of these community events are held at the Jewish Community Center (unless noted otherwise) and begin at 7pm and end by 8:30pm. Their address is 2 North Medical Drive. Directions can be found here.
Photos of our series can be found here!
2009 Middle East Mosaic Series
Thursday, January 15: Spices, Seasoning and Techniques of Middle East Cuisine
Presenter: Ali Sabah, Mazza Resturant
Learn the secrets of spices, seasonings and techniques of Middle Eastern Cuisine from Mazza owner Ali Sabbah. Taste the unique flavors of a variety of foods and bring home recipes to try on your own! Register for this free class offering by calling the JCC at 581-0098. Space is limited.
*This event begins at 6:30pm.
Tuesday, February 10: Understanding the War in Iraq
Presenter: Peter von Sivers, University of Utah Department of History
Dr. Peter von Sivers will lead us on a detailed exploration of the war in Iraq. What specific actions are US Troops taking in Iraq? What plan of action is being followed? What are the different leadership factions in Iraq? Which ones are recognized by the US? What progress has been made? Where should the US go from here? Are we able to extricate ourselves from Iraq? This discussion will explore all these questions and more!
***This lecture is featured in the Middle East Outreach Podcast, full audio is available.
Thursday, February 26: Women of Islam
Presenter: Shireen Mahdavi, University of Utah Department of History
Join Dr. Shireen Mahdavi as she explores the different roles of women in Islamic cultures. Dr. Mahdavi will explore the questions: Why do women wear burkas in Afghanistan and chadors in Iran? Why are women not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia? This fascinating talk will trace the position of women in Islam through historical roots.
Wednesday, March 4: Myth, Magic, and Religion
Presenter: Laurence Loeb, University of Utah Department of Anthropology
Join Dr. Laurence Loeb as he examines how all cultures, even contemporary secular societies, make decisions based on the myth, magic, and belief systems in which they exist.
Wednesday, March 25: The Band's Visit- Film in conjunction with the Middle East Film Series
Hebrew and Arabic, with English Subtitles. Israel 2007, 87 Minutes
On an ordinary day, the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives in Israel from Egypt for a cultural event, only to find there is no delegation to meet them, nor any arrangements to get to their destination of Petah Tiqva. When they find their own ride, they arrive instead at the remote town of Beit Hatikva. Stuck there until the next morning's bus, the band settles in as best it can, each of the members attempting to get along with the natives in their own way. What follows is a special night of quiet happenings and confessions as the band makes its own impact on the town and the town on them.
*This event will be held at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and starts at 6pm.
Download the flyer for the entire series here!