How does anthropology view urban spaces? How do we possibly understand a phenomenon of traffic congestion? Is that specific for third world countries? Does traffic congestion reflect the failure of urban planning/design? Does it represent the failure of third world governments/governance? How might anthropology/urban ethnography be able to offer a solution to this problem? Professor Michael Herzfeld from the Department of Anthropology, Harvard University talks about anthropology and urban space. 

How does Anthropology View Urban Space?

IQRA is an audio work recorderd in the Islamic Society of Boston, Massachusetts (February-April 2013). In the Islamic tradition, to read entails different types of sonic experiences. Not only that to read means to recite the words of Allah but also to read means to share collective sonic experiences that build the whole notion and meaning of being a Muslim, being one community (ummah). 
IQRA consists of two pieces:
1. Say what is good or keep silent (12 minutes)
Recorded entirely in the first floor.
2. Kuwaiti Breads (11.41 minutes)
Recorded mainly in the basement.

Credit:
Recordist+Editor: Veronika Kusumaryati
This work is composed for the Sonic Ethnography class under the supervision and guidance of Ernst Karel with teaching fellow Peter McMurray. Thanks to all friends at the Islamic Society of Boston and Sonic Ethnography, Harvard University. 
