The art of estimates

There is a particular way Algerians measure cooking ingredients, especially before a large feast. Although, mind you, it is exercised in a bit of everything. In the way that kindness supersedes self-profit, when a visitor can’t resist a fine piece of silver at the Casbah of Algiers of Alger Centre. Perhaps that’s why I returned to this image that I captured, many years ago. And if the picture is not yet quite clear for you, an internet search will tellRead more

Poem

1st November, 2024 And when they ask who defended you Tell them it was your elders His uncle and his uncle’s uncle The neighbour’s middle child Those up above  And down below  However long the earth spun 1 million and 1 And if I’m their daughter  Why should it be cumbersome Image: Algiers horizon and Maqam ShahidRead more

Poem

5th July, 2024 | For future lovers, fathers, grandfathers, nephews and brothers – a letter from Algerian women to Algerian men who don’t remember: Don’t you remember? I hope you remember Me on the terrace In ululation for freedom And they came And they went And they pointed guns! And they could have taken us… But we stretched our vocal chords wider, and we stretched them perpendicular Like a she-wolf howls at the Harvest moon Except this was our moon!Read more

Photograph

Muscat Series: The back streets of Muttrah l In the very backstreets of Muscat’s Muttrah Souq, hidden from view, lay stacks of a dying art craft. A shopkeeper standing on the side encourages the small number of tourists that have made it the extra mile to stop and look at water pitchers, storage urns, vases and decorative objects. But it’s to no avail. It’s a ghost town of old pretty buildings, uphill roads and empty streets. Here is a craftRead more