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An exhibition of Arabic/English Type Fusion, hosted by Zaman and featuring the work of students from the American University of Dubai, opened in Courtyard 69 of Bur Dubai’s Al Bastakiya on February 2nd 2008 – heralding the launch of Modern East. The compositions on display explored the relationship between the English and Arabic languages and combined traditional and contemporary graphic styles, working as symbolic expressions of the interaction between Eastern and Western cultures. Zaman included the works of the exhibition in an exclusive desk top calendar, which was given out to all those who attended as invitations to join the Modern East debate.
Imagine a Majlis and images of a big hall with large armchairs stacked next to each other against the walls may well come to mind. Visit some of the major hotels in the Arab world and invariably you will find one room called a Majlis. Look at the brief of most houses built for the Arabs and Majlis is an interpretation of a lounge or drawing room.Yet Majlis in its original meaning is simply a seating area with an audience – an “assembly”, literally a “session”, from jalasa meaning “he sat down”. Don’t worry: I’ve checked my sources: see the Online Etymology Dictionary). Among its several usages, Majlis has been used to signify the different types of formal legislative assemblies in Islamic culture states. It is also commonly applied to a special gathering in remembrance of Husayn ibn Ali, the son of Ali and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Often now distinguished as "adabi majlis" ("artistic majlis"), Majlis has been widely adopted to describe parties, most notably the musical parties of the Abbasid era, and in this sense resembles the European salon as a space for artistic expression, appreciation and dialogue.But across its differing historical contexts the term Majlis has consistently referred to a discussion forum where people gather to raise issues openly. In practice, the head of the Majlis would usually sit in the middle with people rotating around in a free flow, allowing equal exposure to all visitors. Majlis in its truest form transcends the principles of connectivity, egalitarianism, and free thinking – a concept both civic and cultural, communal and personal, structured and spontaneous.What if we stretch the limits of the office today and extend the philosophical principles of the Majlis to the conference room? This implies that the room be transformed into an idea incubator where staff can sit comfortably alongside managers and openly discuss all issues relating to business as well as more ad hoc topics.This isn’t just a case of interior design. The idea is to create a unique atmosphere and informal platform where managers and staff meet on regular basis. Here staff would have the opportunity to voice their opinions – even if results are not necessarily immediate! Managers would also benefit by getting direct insights from every person, irrespective of their position and function.There is a rather sweet dimension to having Majlises replace our formal meeting rooms. Conversation would in some way become lighter and communication more effective…
Grace YacoubFounder and CEO, Zaman branding consultancyModern East initiator
Modern East is a new initiative aimed at awakening Middle Eastern cultural values in a modern context.I and those at branding consultancy Zaman are looking to the future and launching into the great adventure of Modern East. I’ve been in Dubai long enough to see the rapid changes the region has undergone, yet I’ve never felt so passionately about the potential of the context in which we are living. Like many others in the region, we at Zaman are focused on highlighting and boosting the new cultural renaissance we see taking place in the Middle East today. The idea of Modern East starts with design and all that touches it from lifestyle, socio-economic behaviour and aesthetics. We see Modern East resulting in wide ranging articulations of new ideas inspired by the conditions we are living in – the refinement of traditional concepts and creative expressions inspired by the Middle East. In addition to this blog, Modern East will embrace exhibitions, workshops, seminars and other events and activities which promise to stimulate debate about subjects of importance to peoples’ lives in the region. Modern East aims to generate ongoing discussion among people in the worlds of business, design, aesthetics and public services in the Middle East. Please feel free to join the debate.Some further reflections…The Arabs left a strong impact on Europe’s learning and culture during the Renaissance and golden age. Conversely, today’s Middle Eastern economy reflects mainly Western values which do not necessarily relate to Arabic identities. We see fragments of Arab culture in the local dress, the way people eat, religion, calligraphy and architecture but many of these elements are slowly disappearing. On the other hand, Arabs are living new realities that will shape their cultures.While rethinking the current climate with a view to preserving local traditions, what are we to project in Modern Arab Brands? While modern Arab companies are projecting their future should they consider ‘Arabness’ in their identities? Grace Yacoub Founder and CEO, Zaman branding consultancyModern East initiator
An exhibition of Arabic/English Type Fusion, hosted by Zaman and featuring the work of students from the American University of Dubai, opened in Courtyard 69 of Bur Dubai’s Al Bastakiya on February 2nd 2008 – heralding the launch of Modern East. The compositions on display explored the relationship between the English and Arabic languages and combined traditional and contemporary graphic styles, working as symbolic expressions of the interaction between Eastern and Western cultures. Zaman included the works of the exhibition in an exclusive desk top calendar, which was given out to all those who attended as invitations to join the Modern East debate.
