Poverty, cruelty and political corruption in Egypt. When Nahed (Sumaya Al Khasheb) escapes the advances of her stepfather, she runs right into the hands of rapists. Life takes a drastsic turn for the worse, and Nahed ends up a dancer whose child must live on the streets.
Center for Russian and East European Studies, University of Pittsburgh
In this colorful modern-day parable of good and evil, a humble village electrician devotes his compassion and ingenuity to destitute
neighbors in a wind-swept valley of Kyrgyzstan. Played with wry humanity by writer-director Aktan Arym Kubat, the trusting Mr. Light
strikes a suspect bargain with a rich developer running for local office, as unemployment threatens the survival of the community.
Stoking a dream to supply wind-generated electricity to the whole valley, the modest visionary comes up against an increasingly dark
In 10 short episodes, 10 Egyptian directors imagine different narratives of the first 18 days of the Egyptian Revolution, culminating in the ouster of Mubarak (10 directors, 2011, 125 min).
European Union Center of Excellence & European Studies Center, University of Pittsburgh
“New Security Concerns in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Role of the EU”
Marina Skordeli, Director of the Jean Monnet Center at the University of Athens
In the Country of Men by Hisham Matar. “This powerful novel about a 9-year-old boy and his absent father offers an unnerving portrait of life in the Libya of Muammar Qaddafi. “
The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Sami Hermez, Visiting Professor of Contemporary and International Issues, University of Pittsburgh. The CERIS faculty Book discussion is open to all educators. There will be a light dinner served at 5:30 PM with book discussion to begin at 6:00 PM.
The exhibition provides a beautiful and fascinating look at the diversity of ceramics made in ancient Persia (what is now present-day Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan). Produced for both the luxury and middle-class markets, these vessels, bowls, pitchers, and bottles reflect numerous cultural and artistic influences and an aesthetic sensibility that seems startling modern.
The conference on Turkey's Regional and Global Impact: From Kopru (Bridge) to Merkez (Center) has put out a call for papers. The conference will address Turkey's evolving role in regional and global affairs, its impact and foreign policy in relation to the Middle Eastern nations, and its relations with Russia, the EU/Europe, China and the US. Paper proposals are due December 1, 2013 and should be sent to crees@ku.edu. The conference will be held on Monday, March 3, 2014 at the University of Kansas.