A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with outstanding and influential Iranian-American architect, Gisue Hariri. Known for her award-winning innovative designs and groundbreaking contributions to the world of architecture, Gisue joins Jian from New York to tell her remarkable story of rising from a life in the desert of Khuzestan with her sister to the heights of the global design world - as well as her pioneering role as a woman in the field. Plus, the show starts with a loud discussion between Jian and Pegah addressing the question, “Can we make unity happen in the Iranian diaspora?” and a Roundup of the most recent global day of action, Ronaldo in Tehran, and the most concerning elements of Raisi’s new visit to America.

Roqe Ep. 287 - "The Architect Star from the Khuzestan Desert" - Gisue Hariri, Roqe Roundup

Israel's long-awaited strikes on Iran have targeted military and industrial installations in Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam, with air-strikes also reported in the Syrian cities of Damascus and Homs.  It is now Iran's turn to retaliate in the escalatory tit-for-tat game, as the brink of regional and even world war looms ever closer. In Episode 249 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg advocates a neither/nor position that rejects the militaristic and reactionary regimes of both Zionism and political Islam, and looks to a secular order in the Middle East.

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Production by Chris Rywalt

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Neither Jewish State nor Islamic Republic

Challenges Facing Khuzestan and Iran

Khuzestan, a province in southwestern Iran, has long been plagued by a variety of systemic problems that reflect broader national issues. One of the most prominent challenges is the environmental crisis. Khuzestan has been severely affected by water shortages, desertification, and air pollution. The depletion of the province's water resources has led to a significant decline in agriculture, affecting the livelihoods of many farmers. The air pollution, largely from industrial plants and the burning of fossil fuels, is causing severe health problems for residents.

Beyond environmental concerns, Khuzestan faces economic difficulties. High unemployment rates, coupled with a lack of investment and industrial development, have left many people struggling to make a living. The province is rich in oil, yet the economic benefits of this natural resource have not been evenly distributed, and many locals feel marginalized.

Ethnic and political issues also play a role. Khuzestan is home to a large Arab population, and there have been longstanding tensions regarding ethnic discrimination and political representation. These tensions have sometimes led to protests and clashes with the government, further complicating the province's situation.

Iran as a whole faces numerous other challenges. Sanctions, political repression, human rights concerns, and a weakening economy continue to strain the country's development. In addition to internal issues, the international isolation has hindered progress and growth.

Sound Breaker - Khuzestan

درباره‌ی این اثر، به قلم محمود مشهودی می‌خوانیم: «در ايران، بيشترين تراکم جمعيتیِ قومِ عرب واقع در جنوبِ غربی کشور، و مناطقِ مرکزی، غربی و جنوبیِ استان خوزستان است. قوم عربِ ساکنِ استان خوزستان را می توان، بر اساس نوع زيست، معيشت و فرهنگ، به پنج دسته ی عربِ حَضْری (شهری)، رِيفی (روستايی)، بَدَوی (صحرانشين)، مِعدان (هورنشين) و جِبيلات (عرب بختياری) تقسيم کرد.

به‌‏جز سه نوع موسيقیِ «حَضْری» (شهری)، موسيقیِ «شَعبی‏ ـ   رِيفی» (مردمی-روستايی) و موسيقیِ مردم‏‌پسند، گونه های ديگری نيز در ميان عرب‏‌های خوزستان رايج است. نقش موسيقی در مراسمِ شادمانی، رقص، حرکات حماسی، عزاداری، مذهبی و لالايی بسيار مهم و تعيين کننده است، ولی در فعاليت هايی مانند کارهای گروهی و انفرادی، مراسمِ آئينی، بازی های‌ کودکانه، مراسمِ طنز و داستان خوانی، می توان گفت، موسيقی در درجه ی دومِ اهميت قرارمی گيرد؛ به‌‏صورتی که گاهی نيز اين دسته از مراسم بدون حضور موسيقی برگزار می شوند. 

نکته ی بسيار مهمی که بايد در فرهنگ و موسيقی اعرابِ خوزستان به آن توجه شود مستقل‏‌بودن بيشترِ مراسم و فعاليت های فرهنگی‏- اجتماعیِ زنان و مردان از يکديگر است. از اين رو، کارگان(رپرتوآر) های موسيقی آنان کاملاً متفاوت با يکديگر اجرا می‏شود

Music of Khuzestanian Arabs

Maqam-e Sikah_Hazri (Urban) Music

Maqam-e Sikah_Hazri (Urban) Music/Music of Khuzestanian Arabs

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Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora.

Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.

New tracks tagged #khuzestan