Join us for our Info Session on Arabic for Kids Classes! If you're interested in enrolling your little ones in our exciting Arabic language program, this online event is perfect for you.

Join us to learn all about our fun and interactive classes designed specifically for kids to build their foundational skills in reading and writing Standard Modern Arabic (AKA Fus-ha) as well as understanding and speaking colloquial Shami Arabic (AKA Levantine Arabic spoken in Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon).

Don't miss out on this opportunity to get all the information you need to get started. We are currently enrolling students age 4 to 10 in two beginner levels (classes are offered on Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu). Use the Button below to register.

Featuring شوكة وزيتونة (Shawka wa Zaitouna, Fork and Olive), one of 70 children's stories written and illustrated by Egyptian author Walid Taher. In this suspenseful story, we will follow the unexpected events that have befallen two animated characters to learn the author's message about the importance of belonging.

First, Ms. Dina will read the story in Arabic, with consecutive English translation. Then, together, we will revisit key terms from the story while practicing the Arabic alphabets. For example: ش for شوكة and ز for زيتون. Finally, together we will discuss the lessons the kids draw from the story.

Tickets are $5! If you or your child are in one of our Arabic Language classes, email arabic@albustanseeds.org to get free tickets!

Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Gallery, 310 W Master St, Philadelphia

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Gallery invites you to an evening of poetry with acclaimed Palestinian poet Ahmad Almallah, held in conjunction with our current exhibition, Imprints of Time and Place by zami.

Ahmad Almallah grew up in Bethlehem, Palestine and currently lives in Philadelphia where he is an artist-in-residence in Creative Writing at the University of Pennsylvania. His first book of poems, Bitter English, was published in the Phoenix Poets Series from the University of Chicago Press in 2019. His second poetry collection Border Wisdom (2023) is available from Winter Editions. His work has been translated into Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Telugu.

This reading offers the opportunity to experience Ahmad’s poetry alongside the tactile and visual reflections of Imprints of Time and Place. The exhibition, featuring ceramics and photographs by zami, explores themes of heritage, community, and resistance. Learn more about the exhibition by clicking here. 

Join us for this special Second Thursday event at Al-Bustan gallery as we feature the intersections of poetry, visual art, and cultural heritage.

Tickets are pay-as-you-wish with a suggested donation of $20!

Join us for Al-Bustan’s first ever Souk on Sunday, December 15th, from 12-5pm. This will be the perfect opportunity to get your holiday gifts from local artists and makers!

A souk is a traditional market or bazaar commonly found in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Souks are often lively markets where vendors sell a wide range of goods, including textiles, spices, jewelry, handcrafted goods, food, and other items. These markets are central to cultural and social life, providing not only a place for shopping but also a hub for community interaction and cultural exchange.

Al-Bustan is so excited to bring this tradition to our community. Lets gather, support local artists + makers and promote cultural exchange!

Join Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture (located at 310 W Master St.) on December 14th at 1 PM to celebrate the winners of our inaugural Naomi Shihab Nye Prize, honoring Arab American and Arab Canadian voices in middle-grade fiction!

Our First Place winner, Alia Yunis, will share from Making Miracles in Minnesota, and Second Place winner, Pauline Kaldas, will read from A Place So Far Away. The event will also feature a special reading by Naomi Shihab Nye herself, the renowned poet for whom the prize is named. The readings will be followed by a discussion between the writers and a q&a with the audience.

These readings showcase captivating stories for young readers ages 8-12, but adults will also find plenty of inspiration in these beautifully crafted words. Tickets are pay as you wish! Use the button below to RSVP.

The Naomi Shihab Nye Prize was produced by Barbara Nimri Aziz in partnership with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culutre.

OPENING RECEPTION: IMPRINTS OF TIME AND PLACE

ceramics & photographs by zami

Reflections on identity, community connections, and acts of resistance

On View: December 12, 2024 - January 31, 2025

Gallery Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9-5 PM (Gallery will be closed between Christmas and New Years Day); Also open by appointment, to schedule a time to visit, please contact zami to schedule a time through her email, zami@bayti.life.

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Gallery is pleased to present the first exhibit in our new space, featuring the work of our founder Hazami Sayed. Imprints of Time and Place is both a homecoming for Hazami (aka zami) and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Al-Bustan. The exhibit moves from photographs of youth's hopeful joy and an enduring cultural heritage, to documentation of tumultuous times. Through the tactile art of clay, zami finds solace, expressing connection through an intricate language of pattern-making.

The exhibit is comprised of four parts: Al-Bustan Camp: Youth Discovering | Lebanon: Imprints of Time in Light and Stone | Beirut to Philly: Imprints of Resistance | Clay Works: Imprints of Heritage, Links of Community

PLEASE NOTE: Al-Bustan Art Gallery is located on the second floor at 310 W Master St. It is not ADA accessible.

Hazami Sayed grew up between Lebanon and Kuwait and came to the U.S. to pursue higher education. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University and Master of Architecture from Columbia University. She worked in the fields of architecture and urban development in Philadelphia and New York City. For eighteen years (2002 - 2020), Hazami was the Founding Executive Director of Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture.

Since her undergraduate years, Hazami has cultivated various creative outlets, from photography to printmaking. In graduate school she gravitated to ceramics as a way to explore design, form, and function. A few years ago she rekindled her love for clay, creating functional forms that recall family rituals and draw on the textures, colors, and patterns of her home and cultural experiences. Recently, she is experimenting with the aesthetic, tactile, and sonic qualities of clay though sculptural forms.

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is thrilled to announce an extraordinary evening of live music featuring acclaimed Palestinian vocalist and multidisciplinary artist, Nibal Malshi, in concert on December 6th, 2024, at 7:00 PM at The Rotunda, located at 4014 Walnut St. 

Known for her rich, expressive voice and dynamic artistry, Nibal Malshi will bring her signature blend of traditional and contemporary Arab music to Philadelphia. Accompanied by an ensemble of talented local musicians, including Gideon Forbes (woodwinds), Bashar Farran (bass), and Gilbert Mansour (percussion), the evening will be directed by the celebrated kanun player Firas Zreik. 

“As an artist, I see my work as more than just a profession; it’s a platform for positive change and a message of peace and humanity. My creative journey is not only about expressing myself through art & preserving the Arab music, but also using my voice and influence to connect people and make a meaningful impact on society.” - Nibal Malshi 

Tickets are pay-as-you-wish, with a suggested donation at $20.

About Nibal Malshi:  
Nibal Malshi is a distinguished Palestinian artist, hailing from the city of Haifa in Palestine. From the tender age of 5, she embarked on a musical journey, dedicating her life to the art form and drawing inspiration from renowned Arab artists. Her performances, spanning both her homeland, Europe & the USA, include notable venues such as the Institute de monte Arab in Paris. Nibal's artistic journey extends internationally, with significant collaborations such as a month-long dance workshop in Ramallah & Beir Zeit partnered with Al- Qattan Foundation and KVS from Brussels, participation in Voice for Peace projects in Germany, and involvement in musicians' programs in London. Nibal has graced numerous events including the Arab American National Museum Grand Gala, Arab Cultural Center Gala in Houston TX, Arab America Summit in Washington DC, Rene Moawad Foundation DC,Palestine Foundation in LA, APWA Virginia and many others.In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Nibal was honored as an "Arab America Foundation 40 Under 40" award recipient in 2023. 

U.S. Premiere of Diaries From Lebanon

Don’t miss the exclusive U.S. premiere of Diaries From Lebanon at PAFA’s Rhoden Arts Center, a powerful documentary that has captivated audiences at the Berlin Film Festival, Shanghai, Hot Docs, and beyond. Diaries From Lebanon is an extraordinary documentary that captures the nation's turbulent journey through the lens of three individuals battling for change. Directed with unflinching honesty, the film follows feminist writer Joumana, activist Perla Joe, and Civil War veteran Georges as they navigate Lebanon’s political upheaval. Having premiered at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival and screened at major festivals worldwide, this is a significant moment to see the film in the U.S.

Date: Tuesday, October 29th, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: PAFA's Rhoden Arts Center, 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Following the film, Perla Joe Maalouly, one of the subjects and a central figure in Lebanon’s fight for reform, will join us for a live Q&A to explore the connections between the film and the urgent issues Lebanon faces today. This premiere offers a unique chance to witness firsthand the voices of a generation fighting for justice and to reflect on the implications for global audiences, especially ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

Tickets are $10 ($5 for students!), purchase through the button below.

Film Screening: Bye Bye Tiberias

Join us for a special screening of an intimate documentary featuring Emmy-nominated actress Hiam Abbass (Succession, Ramy, Blade Runner 2049) as she returns to her Palestinian village with her daughter after years of pursuing her acting career in France. The film explores the powerful legacy of separation across four generations of Palestinian women.

Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, 310 W Master St, Philadelphia

Following the screening, there will be a conversation with renowned Egyptian film critic Joseph Fahim and the film’s director, Lina Soualem, a French-Palestinian-Algerian filmmaker. Soualem’s documentary offers a poignant exploration of family, exile, and identity.

As we approach a pivotal moment in the upcoming November presidential election, this film is an essential reflection on displacement and the shared experiences of marginalized communities. Don’t miss the chance to engage with these timely and important stories.

Use the button below to RSVP. Tickets are pay-as-you-wish!

Finding Your Voice: A Writing Workshop and Reading 

Award winning author and editor Susan Muaddi Darraj will present an overview of the writing and publishing process for creative people who have thought about publishing a book. Whether it’s a memoir, poetry, or a novel, your book can start its journey here as we discuss the ways in which books make it onto bookshelves. Bring your ideas and questions! The presentation will be followed by a brief reading from Susan’s latest novel, Behind You Is the Sea (Harper Collins 2024) and an overview of Palestinian American literature. 

 About the Author:

Susan Muaddi Darraj is an award-winning writer of books for adults and children. She won an American Book Award, two Arab American Book Awards, and a Maryland State Arts Council Independent Artists Award. In 2018, she was named a USA Artists Ford Fellow. Her books include her linked short story collection, A Curious Land, as well as the Farah Rockschildren’s book series. She lives in Baltimore, where she teaches creative writing at Harford Community Collegeand the Johns Hopkins University. Her new novel, BEHIND YOU IS THE SEA, was published in January 2024 by HarperVia. It received praise from The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Ms Magazine, and it was named a Best Book of 2024 by The New Yorker and Apple Books.

Praise for BEHIND YOU IS THE SEA:

"Draws a composite portrait of Palestinian American families with sensitivity and humor … breaking down stereotypes and embracing complexity." — New York Times

"A beautiful portrait of a family reaching for their dreams while holding onto their roots." — Publishers Weekly

"Neither angels nor devils, these characters are portrayed in all their complicated, charming, aggravating, bewitching glory. They are human, and as such, they are us." — Washington Post

"Darraj writes with great emotional resonance about hope and disappointment." — New Yorker

"A zoomed-in family drama that simultaneously captures wide-lens truths about cultural differences; the weight of history; and the myriad manifestations of love." — Elle

"A rich, complex, and moving immigrant story with a beautifully-rendered ensemble cast." — Literary Hub

"Lively and enlightening." — People

Join us for a special evening with acclaimed Palestinian novelist and poet Ibrahim Nasrallah and Professor of Arabic Literature Huda Fakhreddine as they launch their new chapbook Palestinian (World Poetry Books). This bilingual poetry reading will be followed by a conversation between the poet and translator, reflecting on their collaboration and exploring themes of poetry, translation, history, and writing in the face of genocide.

Date: Sunday, October 6th, 4pm - 5:15pm
Location: Making Worlds Cooperative Bookstore

Don’t miss this powerful dialogue between two voices shaping modern Palestinian literature!

Join us for a live performance by Maurice Louca, one of Egypt’s most innovative and influential composers, featuring Ayman Asfour. Known for his ability to blend traditional Arabic music with experimental and avant-garde styles, Louca creates a sound that defies genre and expectation. This performance will feature his latest works and collaborations, showcasing a rich fusion of influences that push the boundaries of contemporary music and offer a fresh perspective on the global music scene. 

The concert takes place on Friday, October 4th, 2024 at Germantown Friends Meeting. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the performance begins at 7:30 PM. 

No tickets required, but we recommend reserving your spot on Eventbrite with a suggested donation of $20. This is a pay-what-you-wish event, so you can contribute any amount that feels right to you. We appreciate your support!

The Bumbling Foriegner does not want to tell you about his exile from Iran and his trials with stage four cancer to evoke your sympathy. Instead, he will translate his genius into something digestible. This is an absurd comedy solo. The Foriegner will eat hot dogs and will not drink his own urine.

Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner who suffers from retrograde ejaculation as a result of extensive stage four testicular cancer treatment. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen instead of coming out, it gets released into the bladder. This makes the Foriegner infertile. He is however in a relationship where his girlfriend considers infertility a deal-breaker. Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner will be performing for the last three times here in the United States before he returns to Iran to retrieve the semen he had deposited in the sperm bank before he started his cancer treatment. Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner is going to be facing quite a few obstacles such as dealing with the extremist regime who casts a special suspicion upon those who return from the US, as well as the dangers of carrying the semen in a freezer for a long period of time back to America, and of course the difficulties of obtaining a re-entry visa which could deem this entire journey insurmountable and possibly keep Sohrab in Iran forever.

Catch Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner for three last hurrahs in Philly, and give this boy a heartfelt goodbye. He might have been the last genius clown left.

Othello (vs the military industrial complex) will be showing at Icebox Project Space starting September 20th - September 22nd.

In this bold and fresh adaptation, a timeless tragedy unfolds with the vibrant energy of EDM raves against the backdrop of the increased tensions in the West Bank and Gaza from over 10 years ago.

It’s 2014, and Othello has largely been integrated into Israeli culture after entirely renouncing his Palestinian heritage as a young teenager. However, when he draws the jealousy and hatred of Iago, his past doesn’t let him go.
 
This innovative reimagining thrusts Othello into the role of a Palestinian ex-Muslim IDF soldier, grappling with identity, loyalty, and unsuccessful assimilation amidst the last deadly military incursion into Gaza. Featuring original composition from Palestinian composer, Fouad Dakwar, Philadelphia’s youngest and greatest talents, as well as verbatim affidavits from Palestinian political prisoners, Othello’s caustic unraveling is coming to the Icebox Project Space this September.

The Bumbling Foriegner does not want to tell you about his exile from Iran and his trials with stage four cancer to evoke your sympathy. Instead, he will translate his genius into something digestible. This is an absurd comedy solo. The Foriegner will eat hot dogs and will not drink his own urine.

Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner who suffers from retrograde ejaculation as a result of extensive stage four testicular cancer treatment. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen instead of coming out, it gets released into the bladder. This makes the Foriegner infertile. He is however in a relationship where his girlfriend considers infertility a deal-breaker. Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner will be performing for the last three times here in the United States before he returns to Iran to retrieve the semen he had deposited in the sperm bank before he started his cancer treatment. Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner is going to be facing quite a few obstacles such as dealing with the extremist regime who casts a special suspicion upon those who return from the US, as well as the dangers of carrying the semen in a freezer for a long period of time back to America, and of course the difficulties of obtaining a re-entry visa which could deem this entire journey insurmountable and possibly keep Sohrab in Iran forever.

Catch Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner for three last hurrahs in Philly, and give this boy a heartfelt goodbye. He might have been the last genius clown left.

Othello (vs the military industrial complex) will be showing at Icebox Project Space starting September 20th - September 22nd.

In this bold and fresh adaptation, a timeless tragedy unfolds with the vibrant energy of EDM raves against the backdrop of the increased tensions in the West Bank and Gaza from over 10 years ago.

It’s 2014, and Othello has largely been integrated into Israeli culture after entirely renouncing his Palestinian heritage as a young teenager. However, when he draws the jealousy and hatred of Iago, his past doesn’t let him go.
 
This innovative reimagining thrusts Othello into the role of a Palestinian ex-Muslim IDF soldier, grappling with identity, loyalty, and unsuccessful assimilation amidst the last deadly military incursion into Gaza. Featuring original composition from Palestinian composer, Fouad Dakwar, Philadelphia’s youngest and greatest talents, as well as verbatim affidavits from Palestinian political prisoners, Othello’s caustic unraveling is coming to the Icebox Project Space this September.

Othello (vs the military industrial complex) will be showing at Icebox Project Space starting September 20th - September 22nd.

In this bold and fresh adaptation, a timeless tragedy unfolds with the vibrant energy of EDM raves against the backdrop of the increased tensions in the West Bank and Gaza from over 10 years ago.

It’s 2014, and Othello has largely been integrated into Israeli culture after entirely renouncing his Palestinian heritage as a young teenager. However, when he draws the jealousy and hatred of Iago, his past doesn’t let him go.
 
This innovative reimagining thrusts Othello into the role of a Palestinian ex-Muslim IDF soldier, grappling with identity, loyalty, and unsuccessful assimilation amidst the last deadly military incursion into Gaza. Featuring original composition from Palestinian composer, Fouad Dakwar, Philadelphia’s youngest and greatest talents, as well as verbatim affidavits from Palestinian political prisoners, Othello’s caustic unraveling is coming to the Icebox Project Space this September.