Preserving Palestinian Heritage Through Architecture, Activism & Writing | Suad Amiri

In this episode of the afikra podcast, we delve into the life and work of Suad Amiry, a Palestinian author and architect. Amiry is also the visionary founder of RIWAQ, an endeavor dedicated to the rehabilitation and preservation of architectural heritage across Palestine. Her multifaceted career bridges activism, architecture, and literature, offering insightful perspectives on Palestinian identity and heritage.

0:00 Introduction
0:57 Juggling Careers in Activism, Architecture & Writing
2:12 Influential Figures in Suad’s Life
4:18 Childhood Memories & Formative Years
6:25 Embracing Palestinian Identity
9:30 The Decision to Move to Ramallah in 1981
12:05 The Genesis and Impact of RIWAQ
20:30 The Story Behind "Sharon and My Mother-in-Law: Ramallah Diaries"
23:52 Capturing Real Life Without Romanticism
27:19 The Inspiration for "Nothing to Lose but Your Life"
31:31 Quick Q&A: Insights & Inspirations
38:32 Audience Q&A: Challenges in Preserving Palestinian Heritage
40:55 The Process of Rebuilding Villages & Life in Ramallah
42:14 The Emotional Journey of Writing About Workers
44:25 Navigating Emotional Writing Experiences
45:39 Current Projects & Overcoming Quarantine Challenges
47:30 Conservation Education in Palestine
51:20 Finding Suad Amiry’s Books

Suad Amiry is an acclaimed Palestinian architect and author, widely recognized for her dedication to preserving the architectural heritage of Palestine. She founded RIWAQ, a center that has played a pivotal role in rehabilitating and protecting Palestine's architectural legacy. Amiry has penned several books, including the internationally celebrated "Sharon and My Mother-in-Law: Ramallah Diaries," which provides a humorous yet poignant look at life under occupation. Her work – whether in architecture or literature – reflects a deep commitment to documenting and advocating for Palestinian culture and identity. Amiry's unique blend of activism, architecture, and writing illuminates the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people, making her a significant figure in both the cultural and academic spheres.

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ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.

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