KAZAN, TATARSTAN – AUGUST 1: The Halal Market in Kazan, the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, is drawing a large number of Muslim shoppers. The market, which opened its doors in 2011, offers an array of halal products and services, serving as a prominent platform to promote the halal industry in Russia. Inside […]
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A Dubai-based Moroccan entrepreneur last month launched Muslim Blocks, a Lego-style toys modeled after important Islamic holy places. His company also released two sets of blocks of the Kaaba and Masjid Al Nabawi. Moroccan national Abdellah Zejli said he has found that toy stores do not offer options that ar...
KABUL, Afghanistan – Conservation work is restoring the 9th-century mosque in Afghanistan’s Balkh province to its former glory. The mosque’s unique architecture has captivated architects and archeologists for years. The Noh Gonbad Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Afghanistan, is known for its characteristic stucco decorations a...
AMMAN, Jordan (AA) – In the ancient Jordanian city of Umm Qais, north of the capital Amman, basalt rocks are taking shape in the hands of Tarik Milkawi, 41, who turns them into works of art. He brings the basalt rocks from his hometown of Umm Qais to his workshop in Amman by car and […]
WASHINGTON – The Islamic apparel market will experience remarkable growth, reaching a staggering $122.73 billion by 2030. According to a report by Data Bridge Market Research, the companies and individuals interested in this industry will benefit immensely in the coming years. Rising Muslim population and growing preference for modest Is...
ANKARA (AA) – Syria’s opposition urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Monday to protect the historical structure of the Old City of Damascus, a World Heritage Site, following a fire at Souk Sarouja. In a letter addressed to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, the group blamed Syria’s Bashar...
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – A rare collection of manuscripts is on display at the women’s section of the library at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The manuscripts include Quranic scripts written during the reign of the third caliph, Uthman bin Affan. There are also calligraphic works by Mohammed Ibrahim and a rare copy [&hell...
Karachi, Pakistan (AFP): When Ahmed Rabbani ran out of paint to satisfy his artistic yearnings during 20 years of incarceration at Guantanamo Bay, he turned to whatever came to hand — dirt, coffee grinds and even spices such as turmeric from the prison canteen. “Through painting, I would feel myself outside Guantanamo,” the 5...
NEW DELHI (AA) – The holy month of Ramadan has brought hustle and bustle to cities and towns in India where centuries-old markets remain open almost 24 hours to serve delectable foods. Since Ramadan began at the end of March, the streets of the national capital New Delhi’s old parts have been bustling with visitors. […]
Sabratha, Libya (AFP): Dozens of Libyan chefs are busy preparing a couscous platter the size of a large inflatable swimming pool as they seek international recognition for their country’s beloved dish. “It’s part of our identity, our culture, our heritage and we’re proud of it,” said spectator Ahlam Fakhri, watchi...
