#arabculture

[nomadomar]

The Coffee Shop Chronicles: A Sip of Transformation

Chapter 1: A New Brew

Wong didn’t mean to walk into Al-Qahwa, the sleek coffee shop on the corner of a street he’d usually avoid. The minimalistic black-and-gold sign looked far too refined for someone like him, who usually settled for the safety of chain cafés. But the aroma that wafted through the door as it opened for a stylish group of men was too tempting to ignore. He followed the scent, awkwardly shuffling in, his sneakers squeaking faintly on the polished floor as the door closed behind him with a soft chime.

Immediately, Wong felt out of place. The café was filled with polished, poised Arab men, all wearing perfectly tailored shirts, cufflinks gleaming, and immaculately groomed beards. They were chatting in low voices that had a rhythm and flow he found hypnotic. A glance around the room revealed luxurious velvet chairs, soft lighting, and an air of sophistication. He stuck out like a sore thumb in his wrinkled t-shirt and jeans, his awkwardness only emphasized by the elegant surroundings.

He approached the counter cautiously, eyes wide, staring at the complex, handwritten menu in elegant Arabic script above the barista's head. Not wanting to admit his confusion, Wong mumbled something he thought resembled a coffee order, though he couldn’t be sure if it was an actual drink or something from the previous night's dreams. The barista, a tall man with dark eyes and an unreadable expression, raised an eyebrow but nodded, as though accustomed to the occasional clueless newcomer.

When his order arrived—a small cup of something thick and black with a scent far too bold for his timid taste buds—Wong felt the heat of embarrassment rise up his neck. He shuffled to a seat by the window, trying to blend into the background. But his clumsy movements caught the attention of the regulars, their eyebrows raising ever so slightly as they observed the new visitor with mild amusement.

It was then that Wong noticed him. Sitting in the corner, legs crossed, sipping slowly from a tiny porcelain cup, was him. He couldn’t tear his eyes away. The man was striking—dark, wavy hair that fell just to his ears, sharp jawline, and an intensity in his eyes that Wong could feel across the room. His clothes were as impeccably tailored as everyone else’s, but there was something different about him. He had a calm, effortless confidence, as if the very air in the room had to adjust to his presence.

Wong found himself staring, lost in thought. He imagined what this man’s life must be like—surrounded by beauty, sophistication, and grace. A man like him probably never spilled coffee on his shirt or fumbled with his words in awkward social interactions. His gaze must have lingered a little too long, because suddenly, the man’s sharp eyes locked with his.

Wong’s stomach flipped. He quickly averted his gaze, staring intently at his cup as though it held the secrets to the universe. His heart pounded in his chest, and his hands were suddenly clammy. Why am I such an idiot? he thought. He had probably just made a complete fool of himself. But before he could drown himself in any more self-pity, he risked another glance up—just a quick one, to see if the man had looked away.

He hadn’t.

Amir—he would later learn that was his name—was still watching him, one corner of his lips curling slightly, not in a sneer, but something softer, more teasing. Wong felt the heat rush to his face again. This time, though, he didn’t look away. There was something in Amir’s gaze, something inviting, almost as if daring Wong to hold eye contact for just a moment longer. It was a small, silent interaction, but in that brief exchange, Wong felt a strange, unfamiliar pull.

Trying to compose himself, Wong decided he needed to distract his racing mind. He took a sip of his coffee, the rich, bold flavors exploding on his tongue. His eyes watered as the strong taste hit him, far too bitter for his liking. He fought the urge to gag, trying to save face in case Amir—or anyone—was watching. The effort to appear casual only resulted in a coughing fit that drew a few subtle chuckles from nearby tables.

His heart sank. So much for blending in.

A soft laugh from the corner. Wong’s head snapped up, and sure enough, Amir was smiling now, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. The look wasn’t cruel—there was something else there, a kind of intrigue, a playful edge that made Wong’s breath catch. He was caught in the pull again, unable to look away. Amir gave a small, almost imperceptible nod toward his cup, as if to say, You’ll get used to it.

Wong felt his pulse quicken again. He didn’t know whether it was the bitter coffee or the way Amir’s gaze lingered on him, but his body was suddenly buzzing with a strange energy. His heart raced, not just from the caffeine, but from something far more intoxicating.

What the hell is happening to me?

Without realizing it, Wong had been staring at Amir again. This time, Amir didn’t just meet his gaze—he held it, unwavering, as if testing the waters. The room seemed to shrink, the buzz of conversation fading into the background. It was just the two of them now, a silent connection sparking between them, filling the air with an unspoken tension that sent shivers down Wong’s spine.

Before he could think of how to break the moment, Amir raised his cup in a small, elegant gesture—acknowledging Wong, as if inviting him into this strange new world he’d just stumbled into.

And Wong, in his usual awkward way, raised his cup in return.

The Coffee Shop Chronicles: A Sip of Transformation Chapter 1: A New Brew Chapter 2: Stirring the Pot

[burnpheonix04]

Map of Algiers + Registration in french ( Flag of Algeria) #algiers #algeria #algerienne🇩🇿 #algerian #algerien #algerie #africa #maghreb #arabic #arabculture #findyourthing #redbubble #algeroise #algerois #tahiadz #tahiadjazair @algerie_tourisme @tahwisa.algerie @algerie360 #redbubblekits @algerian_people_ #kits https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj_NXfiIEpZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[a1000facesworldwide]

Arab woman talks working in the MOVIE INDUSTRY IN 2024!!! #inspiringinterview #actress #actresslife

Arab woman talks working in the MOVIE INDUSTRY IN 2024!!! #inspiringinterview #actress #actresslife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om0OHPwH6Tw Arab actress talks about culture and being female in the movie industry!!! ✅ Subscribe To My Channel For More Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@a1000facesWorldWide/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links: 👉 Website: https://ift.tt/TCszIbG ✅ Stay Connected With Me: 👉 Instagram: https://ift.tt/1IwQnkX 👉 LinkedIn: https://ift.tt/huAp9Pe ============================== ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 Inspiring Stories with Miss Kim: Overcoming Alopecia and Achieving Success | a1000facesProject https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5dqbYiH8ZI 👉 Meet UAE's First Rock Star: Mohammed's Musical Journey | a1000facesProject https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jclWKSrWYw 👉 Inspiring Interview with Teenage Achiever for Black History Month | a1000facesProject https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smwuG9zRXqc 👉 The Joys of Early Years Teaching: Insights and Tips from Experts Teachers | a1000facesProject https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTQ2M9Q7lcw ============================= ✅ About a1000facesWorldWide: Welcome to a1000facesWorldWide, a1000faces represents a collection of faces gathered over time of people from different backgrounds, ages and skin colour. With the aim of capturing several faces of everyday people with fascinating lives, I want to show the uniqueness and beauty of each face through photo, but also capture interests, dreams, goals and aspirations through stories. For collaboration and business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: project@a1000faces.com 🔔 Subscribe to my channel for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/@a1000facesWorldWide/?sub_confirmation=1 ===================== #ArabCinema #MovieIndustry #WomenInArabFilm #CulturalIdentity #UAEActress #ActingUAE #FemaleFilmMaker #FemaleFilmMaking #ArabCulture #ArabActress Disclaimer: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of reading any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your own research. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use © a1000facesWorldWide via a1000facesWorldWide https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Wcj-DWhwCU9wlHKky2L-Q August 11, 2024 at 02:44PM

[nogarlicnoonions]

2022 was awesome! See you in 2023… . . #NoGarlicNoOnions #ngnoworldtour2022 #SpreadingHappiness #SharingJoy #aroundtheworld #MyWorld #TheWorldthroughmyeyes #Anthonysworld #TravelwithAnthony #NGNOdiscovers #Mechwarngno #NGNO #ExploringTheWorld #happinessisachoice #fromlebanontottheworld #positivelife #mechwar #Lebaneseandproud #unitinganation #unitingarabs #AnthonyRahayel #itsaBeautifulLife #ArabCulture #NGNOTravels https://www.instagram.com/p/CnOPDJsoqe6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[p21gallery]

Shubbak Festival 2021

Shubbak Festival is the UK’s premier festival of contemporary Arab arts and culture.

This year’s ambitious programme connects you to the very best contemporary Arab art and culture and includes marathon DJ sets, Hip Hop, rap and trap legends, re-imagined classics, installations in iconic settings, and audio guided tours of an imaginary city.

Shubbak is live in London, online and broadcasting from Beirut, Gaza, Marrakech, Slemani, Riyadh, Khartoum and Doha. Join artists, audiences and communities locally and globally through a festival programme that has been conceived especially for this year’s exceptional conditions.

Witness the extraordinary creativity, responsiveness and imaginative power of Arab artists to speak of our times. Runs 20 June–17 July Dive in! www.shubbak.co.uk

[fairuzstuff]

Madame Fairuz attending the Solemn Appeal on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions in 1999. She was formally invited as a representative of the Arab world, Middle East and North Africa, along with other international personalities, in order to declare once again the refusal to see the horrors of the Second World War repeated. Instead of giving a talk, she insisted on singing only a single song, Al Ard Lakom, over a poem by Gibran. Throughout her long and still ongoing career, Fairuz has never been only considered a diva but an icon of culture, peace and cohesion at her highness.

[msa-artworks]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mohamed Awad (@msa.artworks)

3D Artworks Presents “ARABIAN HERITAGE” #arabianheritage #oman #artworks #creative #arabculture (at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7f72VPHdQz/?igshid=ef550czgnnu

[whenseptemberblooms]

Good evening 🌹❣️💕

[arabicinenglish]

We are the ones who spray-painted the air. احنا اللي دهنّا الهوا دوكو

Egyptian expression; used when someone does the impossible or something really difficult.

“Wow, I can’t believe you convinced her. I tried so hard, and she wouldn’t budge.

“We’re the ones who spray-painted the air.”

[nomadomar]

The Coffee Shop Chronicles: A Sip of Transformation

Chapter 3: Brewing Desire

Wong hadn’t meant to become a regular at Al-Qahwa, but by now, he had his own spot by the window, just two tables away from Amir’s favorite corner. It wasn’t long before the barista started preparing his Turkish coffee without him having to ask, though it still tasted like punishment every time he sipped it. Yet, he drank it anyway. Because it made him feel closer to them—closer to Amir.

Their interactions had become more frequent, the brief encounters stretching into longer conversations. Amir always initiated, as if amused by Wong’s obvious fascination, his teasing playful but sharp, designed to unravel Wong's thoughts one layer at a time. They talked about everything—coffee, of course, but then deeper subjects like culture, identity, and Wong’s growing interest in all things Arab.

“You're determined,” Amir said one afternoon, leaning back in his chair, fingers resting lazily on the handle of his coffee cup. His eyes sparkled with amusement. “But I still don't get it—what’s so compelling about our way of life? Why are you so drawn to it?”

Wong hesitated, fumbling with his words. “I don’t know... it’s hard to explain. There’s just something about it—about the elegance, the traditions, the way everyone carries themselves. It feels... real. Like there’s something deeper behind it.”

Amir’s smile widened. “You say that like you're discovering something hidden. It’s all there, right in front of you.”

Wong flushed, feeling exposed. Amir always had a way of making him feel like an open book, like he could read his every thought. It both unnerved and excited him.

Wong tried to hold Amir's gaze, his mind buzzing with the usual nervousness. “Maybe I just... admire it,” Wong admitted. “It feels like there’s this... this confidence I don’t have. It’s like you know who you are, and you don’t care what anyone thinks.”

Amir chuckled softly. “That’s what you’re after? Confidence?” He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. “Or is it something else?”

Wong swallowed, the air between them thickening, charged. Amir’s eyes locked onto his, the playful teasing replaced with something darker, more intense.

“Maybe it’s both,” Wong muttered, feeling the weight of Amir’s stare like a physical force.

Their conversations often teetered on the edge of something more, with Amir casually dropping remarks that sent Wong’s heart racing. Yet despite Amir’s teasing, there was always a kindness in his eyes, as though he was truly invested in Wong’s journey of self-discovery, watching with careful amusement as Wong fumbled his way through learning the cultural norms.

But not all of Wong’s attempts were successful.

One afternoon, Amir invited Wong to join him at a larger table where his friends were gathered. Wong felt a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves as he approached the group. He wanted to impress them, to prove he wasn’t just some outsider trying to play along.

Amir’s friends greeted him with warm smiles, exchanging light banter in Arabic that Wong could barely follow. Trying to fit in, Wong attempted a greeting he had heard Amir use many times. “As-salam alaikum!” he said, a little too loudly, the words tumbling awkwardly out of his mouth.

There was a brief pause before the table erupted in laughter. Wong’s face burned as he realized he had butchered the pronunciation. His stomach twisted with embarrassment. He wanted to disappear, to vanish into the floor, but before he could spiral too far, he felt a hand on his arm. Amir.

Amir’s eyes were kind, though his lips still curved in amusement. “Close, but not quite. It’s ‘as-salamu alaikum,’” he said, enunciating the syllables with a gentle correction. His hand lingered on Wong’s arm a second longer than necessary, grounding him, pulling him back from the edge of humiliation.

Wong let out a shaky breath, offering a sheepish smile. “I’ll get it eventually.”

Amir chuckled softly, his fingers brushing down Wong’s arm as he let go, sending a shiver down Wong’s spine. “I’m sure you will.”

Despite the teasing from the group, it was all in good fun, and Wong couldn’t help but feel that Amir’s protectiveness kept them from pushing too far. The camaraderie of the group, the laughter and teasing, only made Wong want to try harder, to become a part of this world that was still so foreign to him but now felt within reach.

That evening, the café had emptied out, leaving Wong and Amir as some of the last patrons. The low hum of conversation had faded, replaced by the soft clinking of cups and the distant murmur of jazz playing from the speakers. Wong’s legs were stretched out beneath the table, his body relaxed but his mind still swirling with thoughts of the day’s conversation.

Amir leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Wong with a look that was both curious and intense. “You know,” he said, his voice low and smooth, “you don’t have to try so hard. No one’s asking you to be something you’re not.”

Wong hesitated, his fingers tracing the rim of his coffee cup. “I just... I don’t want to be the outsider forever.”

Amir’s gaze softened, and he leaned forward, his knees brushing against Wong’s under the table. The touch was light, accidental, but it sent a spark through Wong, his pulse quickening. Amir didn’t pull away, his leg remaining close, a subtle point of contact that neither of them acknowledged out loud.

“You’re not an outsider,” Amir said softly. His voice was a low whisper, intimate in the quiet of the café. “At least, not to me.”

Wong felt his breath catch, his heart hammering in his chest. He met Amir’s gaze, and for a moment, the world outside the café seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of them and the charged air between them.

Amir leaned in even closer, his lips inches from Wong’s ear, his breath warm against his skin. “Tell me,” he whispered, his voice smooth as silk, “what is it you really find so appealing about... our way?”

Wong shivered, his skin tingling from the nearness of Amir’s body. He struggled to find his words, his throat dry. “I... I don’t know. It’s... everything.”

“Everything?” Amir’s voice was low, sultry, as if drawing the answer out of him. His hand, still resting on the table, slid just a little closer to Wong’s. Their fingers brushed, barely touching, but the contact sent a shockwave of heat through Wong.

“I admire it,” Wong said, his voice shaky but honest. “The confidence, the... the way you move, the way you speak. It’s... captivating.”

Amir smiled, his eyes dark with something Wong couldn’t quite place. “You think it’s something you can learn?”

Wong swallowed, feeling the weight of Amir’s gaze on him. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I want to.”

The smile on Amir’s lips deepened, and for a moment, Wong thought he might lean in and close the gap between them. The air between them was thick with unspoken promise, the tension palpable.

“Then I’ll teach you,” Amir whispered, his voice a soft caress, sending a shiver down Wong’s spine.

Their fingers lingered together on the table, the faintest touch, but the sensation burned with the weight of something far deeper than either of them were willing to say out loud. For now.

The next chapter will be released next Friday 27th September. 💚

[burnpheonix04]

Map of Morocco + Registration in French #maroc #marocain #marocaine🇲🇦 #maghrebunited🇩🇿🇲🇦🇹🇳 #maghreb #casablanca #fifaworldcup2022 #rif #spainandfrance #africanunion #africamap #northafrica #arabculture #berberculture #afrique #morrocan #sandland #lionsdelatlas #atlas #cherif #pentagram #mediterraneangames #mediterraneanlifestyle #sahara #afcon2023 #redbubble #redbubbleartist🎨 #redbubbletshirt #redbubblecreate #redbubblemugs @nostalgie.post @travel.maroc @daily_maroc122 @zaaka_rocma_ @sherwiie https://www.instagram.com/p/CgUonYMqn8w/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[cultfaction]

#Repost @scenearabia • • • • • • There’s Arab science fiction, and then there’s American science fiction made in Arabic. The groundbreaking Egyptian Ramadan series ‘El Nehaya’ (The End) breaks the mould of mainstream TV and is a solid attempt at popularising science fiction in the region, but it’s very much the latter. • Ethnofuturisms — a term used in fantasy and science fiction that’s linked to a people’s liberation, often in future or alternate timelines — are fascinating because they enable us to imagine our cultures far ahead, far away, and far from Western standards. (Consider Afrofuturist epic ‘Black Panther,’ for example, whose costume designer won an Oscar for how she redesigned traditional patterns and styles from African tribes into the fictional ultra-advanced nation of Wakanda.) • In ‘El Nehaya,’ we not only find the anglocentric aesthetic of Western science fiction, we also fail to imagine a more just society, even in a world that imagines the end of Israel. • At the LINK IN BIO, we take an in-depth look at Arab science fiction films and television—telling the story of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the genre—from its origins in a 700-year old manuscript, to the indie filmmakers taking up the helm today. • • #ScienceFictionMovies #ArabCinema #Afrofuturism #ArabCulture https://www.instagram.com/p/CFSCA5Dley5/?igshid=xtcg5xbqhdmu

[nogarlicnoonions]

“Let’s Foul Around” . #MissionFoul #Foul #OriginsofFoul #Favabeans #amazingLebanon #searchingforfoul #heroesofLebanon #travelingforfoul #traditionalfood #traditionalbreakfast #funinLebanon #Lebanonstreetfood #Beirut #heroes #Lebanon #arabculture #facesofhope #LiveLoveBeirut #travelingforfun #missionfood #foulwhummus #spreadinghappiness #WhatsupLebanon #nogarlicnoonions #middleeast #Lebanon2021 #mediterraneandiet #MissionFoul2021 (at Lebanon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPDNcwmBpoC/?utm_medium=tumblr

[p21gallery]

Art Making and Art Therapy Seminar Discussion Join us tomorrow with artist Diala Brisly and art therapist Myra Saad Artichoke Studio- Art Therapy Center in Lebanon in a rich artistic and academic discussion on art making and art therapy! https://www.facebook.com/events/1161717220635262/ #arabart #zonesofconflic #arabartists #arabculture #tintsofresilience #artgallery #artexhibition #art #artlondon #socialimpact @londonart @P21gallery @tints_of_resilience (at P21 Gallery)

[moayadcom]

Bizarre Qabbani From Influential Arab Intellectuals Series An old series of illustrations I did few years ago. Portrais of some of the Arab intellectuals who influenced me personally. #adobedraw #digitalart #digitalpainting #vectorart #digitalsketch #portraitart #illustration #arabculture #nizarqabbani https://www.instagram.com/p/COKhWqWMsFb/?igshid=9bu15kr2g4xr

[isagamation]

“ Hajin The last Djinn.” Of my new novel “Mtotolahrahmani.” Once a proud race of beings neither good or evil, before being wiped out by the archangels. Now Hajin is the last. Living in Etheria, hidden in a tavern of his own, built inside a mountain. In one of the great Seven kingdoms called Assuria. #fantasy#fantasyart#djinns#arabculture#folklore#magicalbeings#graphicnovels#newseries#magic#newcharacters#maturereaders#mythicalcreatures#fantasyreads#newworlds#characterdesigns# https://www.instagram.com/p/CE-SyW5Bcdc/?igshid=b49rimp3hxyj