Past Events

Theodore Friend presents his account of five Muslim societies and the life situations of women therein. Friend served as President of Eisenhower Fellowships and the Philadelphia Committee on Foreign Relations, and is an FPRI Senior Fellow.

Grab a "Passport" and experience the spirit of the holiday season at the Penn Museum's 16th annual Peace around the World family afternoon. All visitors receive Museum "passports" with itineraries to visit nine cultures via nine speakers and explore holiday traditions from around the world. The day also features a Middle Eastern drumming workshop, children's world music performances, storytelling, "Adopt an Artifact" activities, face painting by Peanutbutter's artist troupe, balloon art, international family crafts, free treats for children, and more! Visitors who bring a new, unwrapped toy donation receive buy-one-get-one free admission.

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The University of Pennsylvania's Greenfield Intercultural Center, Penn Arab Student Society, and  Wharton Pennguins are pleased to present a screening of the feature film, Salt of This Sea (2008). This feature film by Annemarie Jacir, starring Suheir Hammad and Saleh Bakri, tells the story of a Brooklyn woman who travels to the West Bank and Israel to discover her roots. The film screening is followed by conversation over delicious Arab cuisine generously provided by Leila Cafe, Ariana, and Falafel House.

The American Tunisian Association (ATA) lecture series, "Tunisians and their Hopes for Democracy," continues to bring together Tunisian speakers to discuss the nation's transition to democracy. On December 1st, Salah Bourjini will explore Tunisia's vast history of civilization, culture, political and social reforms, all of which were followed by 23 years of dictatorship beginning in 1987. Dr. Bourjini will ask: What are some of the political and social changes in Tunisia and whole region? And what can be envisioned after Tunisia’s first free elections of October 23, 2011?

The 9th Annual CitiesAlive is the leading multi-disciplinary, international conference dedicated to growing new business opportunities for green roofs and walls through the latest scientific research, innovative design practices and products, and novel public policy development.

Internationally acclaimed vocalist Azam Ali (singer for Niyaz and Vas as well as guest vocalist for Conjure One, System of A Down, The Crystal Method, Chris Vrenna, Mickey Hart and many others) brings her timeless, ethereal voice to the stage on November 21st in Philadelphia. Opening the show will be Raquy and the Cavemen, a duo of virtuoso drummers / multi-instrumentalists who bring some rock energy to traditional Middle Eastern rhythms.

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is pleased to launch a concert series presenting a resident music ensemble performing classical Arab music repertoire with a different guest soloist for each program. This month's guest soloist is A.J. Racy, a performer, composer and Professor of Ethnomusicology at UCLA. This monthly series is presented in partnership with Trinity Center for Urban Life.

Have an intimate encounter with Scandinavian design at a behind-the-scenes tour of the popular Philadelphia boutique Hello Home. From funky vases, one-of-a-kind furniture, and home décor that is classic in function but unique in style, 17 Swedish Designers has transported visitors across the Atlantic to the hip design studios of Stockholm.

World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and the State of New Jersey's Business Action Center present: "An Export Finance Workshop: Financing Tools to Drive Your Global Sales."