👂 Cultural preservation is no easy feat, especially for a people facing systemic erasure. With a profoundly rich and nuanced culture to pass down, Palestinians bear the responsibility of keeping it alive. Tarwida is one such project dedicated to this mission. Through a series of conversations with Palestinian creatives across the diaspora, the emerging podcast brings the many facets of Palestinian heritage.

Tarwida is a space dedicated to amplifying Palestinian voices. Listening in, you get the chance to hear from filmmakers, Olympic athletes, painters, chefs, writers, musicians, comedians, and all kinds of people who find their voices through art. With hosts Afaf Shawwa Bibi and Tala Elissa, the episodes switch between Arabic and English, featuring both prominent and under-recognized Palestinian voices.

If there’s one defining marker of a rich culture, it’s food. Palestinian cuisine takes the spotlight in one episode with renowned chef Fadi Kattan. Kattan’s background spans different cities with Palestinian parents and grandparents who have lived across various countries, yet he remains rooted in Palestinian cuisine and its significance. With restaurants and hospitality services in Toronto, London, and his hometown Bethlehem, Kattan keeps home alive through cuisine.

In his interview with host Bibi, Kattan reveals the complex politics surrounding food and his commitment to food activism, mainly through using local ingredients and supporting their producers. He explains his theory about the three “terroirs” of Palestine, where each region’s land and food culture are defined by the produce it grows. He shares his deep relationship to the kitchen, which started in his childhood with his grandmother. “The beauty of the transmission of food is that it’s alive, it’s daily,” Kattan says.

The episode feels warm and nostalgic, yet also deeply insightful and eye-opening. Kattan’s knowledge and passion for his work shine through, creating a lively and thoroughly engaging listening experience. With more than 40 episodes to explore, Tarwida promises an equally engaging experience across its entire catalog. The podcast’s unique guest lineup will leave you as informed as you are inspired — it’s more than just a casual listen; it’s a must-add to your rotation.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Anghami | Apple Podcasts | Podbean | Spotify | YouTube | YouTube Music.

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