Beyond the Tigris

In this episode of Beyond the Tigris , I speak with Louis Blin, former French ambassador to the Middle East, about the deep historical ties between Europe and the Arab world. We unpack how figures like Napoleon Bonaparte were influenced by the East, and how centuries of cultural exchange shaped everything from food and language to political thought. The conversation also dives into how colonial hi...

Dr. Alissa Walter - an associate professor of history at Seattle Pacific University - has spent over a decade working on her book Contested City, and now that it's finally out, I had the opportunity to sit down and discuss it with her. This powerful work offers a research-driven and fresh lens on Baghdad. The complexities, transformations, and the lived realities that are often overlooked in m...

Every so often, we meet someone who reminds us that travel is not just about crossing borders — it’s about crossing into the hearts and stories of others. I’m honored to welcome Vincenzo Morelli and Claudio lodice who are working on **Macondo Expeditions** — a project born from a deep belief that the world’s most powerful tales are not found in monuments or headlines, but in the quiet resilience o...

In this episode, contemporary artist Louis-Cyprien Rials shares his journey exploring Iraq through art, memory, and transformation. Known for his work in landscapes marked by conflict and cultural erasure, Rials recounts his arrival in Iraq on a motorbike, a birthday spent with the Peshmerga, and seeking refuge there during the pandemic. He discusses Iraq as a land of opportunity, his proximity to...

In this episode of Beyond the Tigris , we sit down with Sung Kwan Ma, a Korean traveler, photographer, and aspiring YouTuber, who has spent years exploring cultures beyond mainstream narratives. We discuss his journey to Iraq, the interplay of politics and identity, and how national borders shape who we are. Sung shares his perspective on Iraqi and Korean cultural similarities, the concept of inde...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into Iraq's violent past and its lasting impact on the identity of its people. From collective trauma to the complexities of how Iraq has processed its history, we draw parallels between the struggles of Baghdad and Berlin. Our guest, Catherine, shares her journey of investigating the fake news and propaganda that has shaped perceptions of Iraq,...

n this captivating episode of Beyond the Tigris, we sit down with Matteo Mantovani, an Italian who spent over a decade in Iraq. From his early days navigating cultural shocks to leading impactful projects and writing his book Iraq Untold, Matteo shares a unique perspective on Iraq's opportunities and challenges. What we cover: - Matteo’s motivations for moving to Iraq. - His insights on Iraqi cult...

elcome to Beyond the Tigris! In this episode, we sit down with Safa Sultani, a Chevening scholar from Iraq who pursued her master's in Emerging Economics and International Development at King's College London. Safa opens up about her journey to winning the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, the challenges of studying abroad, and the invaluable life lessons she gained along the way. Through her sto...

بهذه الحلقة، نحجي وية منار حداد عن تجربتة بالتقديم لمنحة جيففنك، رحله دراسته ببرطانية والتحديات الي واجهه. يأخذنه الكلام الى التحديات الي يواجهه الشاب العراقي من يتخرج من السادس الى رحلة البحث عن العمل, راح نحجي ايضا على المجتمع البرطاني والاختلافات الي شافهه منار بين الحياة ببريطانية والعراق جيفنك هي منحة لدراسة الماجستير ببريطانية، مموله بالكامل لمدة سنة - ‘’ بودكاست ’ما وراء دجلة: هو مساحة نسلط...

The strugge of balancing one’s career life with motherhood is a worldwide challenge. But studying in a new country with 3 kids to take care of is another level of juggling. This all didn’t stop Baydaa form persuing her dream to get a masters degree in the UK and all of this was possible, through the chevening scholarship. This episode is part of a chevening series where we interview alumni from va...

In this episode, we sit down with Moamin Mudhahir to discuss his journey to winning the prestigious #cheveningscholarship after four attempts. He shares the strategies that finally led to his success, as well as his personal experiences in the UK, where he navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture as an Iraqi. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story of perseverance and cultural ex...

If you have middle eastern, Indian or asian parents, you know it, you're a either a doctor or a looser... Me and Amara today discuss the commonalities between Indian and Iraqi culture and how to love and embrace your culture. Enjoy listening to this!

In this episode, we talk about the challenges facing Iraqis in Iraq and diasporic Iraqis in the UK we delve into the social and culture aspect of both countries with Zahra Shah. Her work as the founder of Iraqi Innovators is reflection of her dedication to Iraq and her strong belief in this nation. We also talk about the opportunities and future of Iraqis and how they can adapt to different cultur...