Cuisine
This round flatbread is a staple across the middle east used to scoop or wrap food. Often served with a lot of SWANA dishes.
What is Pita Bread?
This country has a maroon and white flag and is the first middle-eastern country in history to host the FIFA World Cup.
What is Qatar?
The capital of the most populated country in the Middle East, Egypt.
Where is Cairo?
This ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is observed as a sacred period of time for fasting, prayer and charity from sunrise to sunset.
What is Ramadan?
This hooded, loose-fitting robe, worn by both men and women across Morocco and Algeria, has a pointed hood that historically helped block desert wind and sun.
What is a djellaba?
What is the chickpea, tahini and lemon juice based dip that is a staple food across the region?
What is Hummus?
Considered one of the best in his generation, this Egyptian football player spent his prime with Liverpool F.C. and is the first player in English Premier League history to win the Player of the Season, Golden Boot, and Playmaker Award in a single campaign.
Who is Mohamad “Mo” Saleh?
The capital of Lebanon, the country where our amazing program coordinator Badiaa is from.
Where is Beirut?
This ancient civilization which is located in modern-day Iraq, is often referred to as the “cradle of civilization”. This place also birthed the Epic of Gilgamesh and its ancient Greek name means “the land between two rivers,”.
What is Mesopotamia (sumer)?What is Mesopotamia (sumer)?
Worn especially in more traditional or religious settings in Iran, this full-body black covering isn't sewn into a shape at all — it's just draped fabric, held closed by hand or under the chin.
What is a chador?
What is the famous Persian crispy rice dish often made with basmati rice that translates in English to “Bottom of the Pot”.
What is Tahdig?
This Algerian footballer spent a large majority of his career in the English Premier League with Leicester City and Manchester City until his eventual transfer to the club Al-Alhi in Saudi Pro League. His signing and transfer fee in 2018 to Manchester City made him the most expensive North African footballer at the time.
Who is Riyad Mahrez?
The capital of Syria, the country where our amazing director Gina recently vacationed.
Where is Damascus?
This ancient legal text stemmed from the King of Babylon and was inscribed on a black stone pillar. It’s one of the oldest deciphered writings of the world, and is famous for its rule of “an eye for an eye”.
What is the Code of Hammurabi?
This face covering, leaving only the eyes visible, is worn by some women across the region alongside a headscarf or abaya, and is a step further than a regular hijab.
What is a niqab?
This warm traditional dessert, layers kadayif (spun pastry dough) and cheese, then is soaked in a syrup called attar – it is quite popular throughout the Arab world, often served on special occasions such as Ramadan.
What is Knafeh?
Which team famously upset the eventual champions Argentina, in the group stage during the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
What is Saudi Arabia?
The capital of Jordan, that houses access to the Red Sea.
Where is Amman?
This historical trade route network connects the SWANA region to East Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe and the Middle East where people would carry various goods as well as bright ideas. Its name comes from one of the most valuable goods that was traded there.
What is the Silk Road?
Worn over a thobe for weddings, graduations, and formal ceremonies, this open, flowing cloak — often trimmed in gold — got a huge boost in global recognition when Lionel Messi wore one at the 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony in Qatar.
What is a bisht?
A variant of Pilaf popular in the Levant that consists of rice, meat, and fried vegetables stuffed into a pot, which is then served after the pot is flipped hence the name.
What is Maqluba?
This Middle Eastern country performed a historic 2-1 upset against the United States at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. It was this country’s first ever win at the World Cup and before kick-off they initiated a gesture of peace, giving the U.S. players white roses and posing together for a photo. This was done due to tension between both country’s capitals.
What is Iran?
The capital of Yemen, the country that gave the world mocha coffee.
Where is Sana’a?
In Saudi Arabia, Muslims who are able complete this holy pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
What is the Hajj?
This long, loose robe, worn daily by men (and in older or more traditional styles by women) especially in rural Egypt, is one of the most recognizable everyday garments in the country.
What is a jalabiya (galabeya)?