SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022 by SoCultures

Jan-Feb 2022

SO CULTURES An exclusive interview reveals the girl-nextdoor behind the insta-fame

CONNECTING CULTURES! CONNECTING COUNTRIES!

1O .ON EUSSI

INDIA & MENA REGION

BUSINESS CREATIVITY CULTURES

so cultures magazine Jan Feb 2022 MENA REGION SPECIAL

CONNECTING CULTURES! CONNECTING WORLD! COLLABORATIONS!

EDITORIAL The year after year rolls in and we welcome every new year with a renewed spirit and zeal. Every year we ponder over our mistakes, achievements, goals, challenges, joys and so much more, and its perfectly alright to make mistakes and create changes. As T. S. Eliot rightly puts in his quote- “For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." Because making mistakes and risking things also means that we are making and trying new things, learning, living, pushing, changing the situations around us and… CHANGING THE WORLD!!! CREATING A BETTER WORLD!!! The world is evolving at a fast pace and still its always wonderful to see gentleness, love, kindness, harmony empathy year after year. SoCultures Jan-Feb issue is about the magnificent Mena region, a part of our incredible world. The MENA region is sometimes known as the Arab World or the Greater Middle East. There are nineteen countries, generally included as part of the MENA countries. A further sixteen countries are also included sometimes. Hailed as ‘the gateway between East and West’ for thousands of years, the Mena region presents a huge legacy of magnificent cultures, scenic natural beauty, natural abundance of resources, and steadily growing powerful economy but at the same time, it is also grappling with grave conflicts within the region, being so diversified.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

The three great religions of the world are in the Middle East aptly making it called the religious capital of the world and at the same time offering some of the world’s greatest cities and infrastructures like geometrical buildings, palatial magnificent mosques, giant domes, ornamental ceilings in Dubai, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, Morocco, and many other cities. There are expos, world religious events, luxury events, easy visas procedures, conferences, and an impressive lineup of ultra-chic luxury hotels and hospitality services on anvil anytime, anywhere. Read in “Taking A Trip to Mena” more about new avenues happening in tourism. Saudi Arabia is a prime tourist destination of Indian Muslims who go there regularly for performing annual HAJ India has always shared ancient energies with the Arab world, and it has always nurtured the connections of languages, religions, cultures, trade, politics, and growth. The key elements of economic mutual collaborations are energy, security, food, human resource exchanges, and multi-dimensional growth in trade and investments opportunities. In “Bilateral Relations” SoCultures makes in-depth insights and finds the ever-growing millions working in these counties, exchange of human capital, improvements and transformational changes in the economy, and the goodwill between the people, etc are some of the major elements of the bilateral relationships. Mena region especially countries like Syria, Dubai, Lebanon is working on building the future culturally and some of the innovative pathways. The organizations like TAMER Institute for Community Education from Israel and Palestine, Racines, Morocco or Ettijahat cultural foundation, Beirut and many others are taking place globally. Read more such initiatives like ‘Visa for Music’, TCD, (EAYMC) Euro-Arab Music Center, Cyprus, etc in the article, “Building the Future Culturally: Mena Region”. The awe-inspiring words about some of the billionaires, millionaires, and money magnet business leaders from the Mena region in “Moneyed Mena”, powerful divas and exceptionally talented women who with their impeccable performances and charismatic persona in the history of cinema, music, art, acting, etc. in the Mena region in “Divas of Mena” to conversations about some creative visionaries from Mena region in “Gifted Mena”, SoCultures honours all these leaders, cultural icons.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Editorial SoCultures is about a better world, beautiful cultures, and people with revolutionary works, making humanity kind and standing up for each other. SoCultures is about exploring every country as a whole world, and all the good it offers to the world. There is so much interesting happening in the world cultures. Read about lots of interesting inspiring stories from around the world. Dead Puppets Society, Legendary musician Andrew Christie, BTS, the renowned French artist Guy Seika, organizations like ASEF etc in this fantastic issue. Happy Best wishes!!! Join the movement!!!

Editor: Rakhee Kaushik Assistant Editor: Anunay Correspondents: Varun Yadav Social media manager: Sagarika Kaushik Advertising: Chirag V. Enquiries: contact socultures9@gmail.com

SoCultures is a trademarked company based in India. It is dedicated to creating a better world by connecting the cultures, countries and creating collaborations worldwide. It publishes the original content and refers the official and authentic websites and sources. All the content is copyrighted and published with noble intentions. Join the movement!!! Contact: soculturesstory@gmail.com Phone: 8860493022

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

contents SoCultures Magazine Jan-Feb 2022 7 MAGNIFICENT MENA REGION A rich region in all the possibilities

10 A RICH CULTURAL TAPESTRY Cultural Mena region is known to be an interesting curious mosaic of people, places, stories, rituals, and heritage

INDIA AND MENA BILATERAL 12 RELATIONS Mutual developments, collaborations, and strong economic and commercial relations

16 INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA Centuries-old economic, socio-cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia

19 INDO-ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IACCI Trade ties between India &the Arab world

27 MONEYED MENA

21 A TRIP TO MENA

20 PROMOTING A CULTURE OF ANGEL INVESTING

Billionaires and millionaires of the Mena region

Growing tourism powerhouse of the world

Mena Angel Investing

SoCultures jan-feb 2022

contents SoCultures Magazine Jan-Feb 2022

39 DIVAS OF MENA Creative lineage of the Arab world

49 MODERN MENA Conversations about some creative visionaries from the Mena region

56 68

CULTURAL ICONS

CULTURAL COOPERATION

BUILDING THE FUTURE CULTURALLY

Interviews from personalities from the past, present and the future - Meet the great

ASEF is enhancing information flow, cultural

kingmaker Chanakya!!!

cooperation, wonderful works, projects, and

Innovative Cultural initiatives in the Mena

ventures around the world

region

76 BACKGROUND MUSIC LEGENDS

THE BRILLIANCE OF BTS

THE WORLD OF GUY SEIKA

Andrew Christie, is one of the legendary faces behind the huge successes of

Being the Bangtan boys: the biggest Korean

blockbuster songs, historic soundtracks, and

band in the world! Art, colours, mysticism, philosophies

films.

“ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” LAUNDRY

DEAD PUPPETS SOCIETY 86

The Dead Puppet Society shows are about showcasing the distinct and inimitable style of puppetry theatre as an art and education

The Laundry Star is keeping the show business clean!!!

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION

MAGNIFICENT MENA REGION MENA region is called a rich region in all the possibilities. This region offers enormous potential, vivid geographical diversity, growth challenges as well as benefits as it sits at the geographical epicenter of global opportunities in travel, tourism and commerce, and various other verticals today. Hailed as ‘the gateway between East and West’ for thousands of years, the Mena region presents a huge legacy of magnificent cultures, scenic natural beauty, natural abundance of resources, and steadily growing powerful economy but at the same time, it is also grappling with grave conflicts within the region, being so diversified. The MENA region is sometimes known as the Arab World or the Greater Middle East. There are nineteen countries, generally included as part of the MENA countries. A further sixteen countries are also included sometimes. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

A region, comprising countries with extreme geographical differences, sundry weather conditions, mixed economy, unsettled politics at times, is under continuous transformation. Its overall growth is affected by all these factors but then, the same diversity also presents avenues of stupendous growth powered by different economies, resources, geographies, and talents. The Mena region is on a continuous progressive spree with modernization and development taking place at an incredible pace. Though there are nations in the region facing conflicts and turbulences, the youth and educated population in the majority of these countries is enthusiastically contributing to building a globally competitive nation with a strong economy. The diversity of the region benefits from a privileged geographic location which has its advantages and privileges - the market access is great and promises several comparative advantages in many sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energies, and tourism as well as commerce.

It has rich natural resources, but these are unevenly divided. Some of the countries in the region are among the wealthiest in the world, while others rank among the poorest. The availability of oil resources and the size of their native populations can be said its two distinctive features. Based on these two factors, MENA countries can be classified into three main groups: Resource-rich, labor-abundant countries are producers and exporters of oil and gas and have large native populations. This group of countries includes Algeria, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Resource-rich, labor-importing countries are producers and exporters of oil and gas. These countries have a significant number of foreign or expatriate residents. This group of countries comprises the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). Resource-poor countries are small producers or importers of oil and gas. These countries include Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Palestinian Authority. Source: World Bank

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA COUNTRIES Nineteen countries are generally considered a part of the MENA region. These are Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. A further sixteen countries are sometimes included depending on usage ---Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Comoros, Cyprus, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Somalia, Sudan, and Turkey. As of January 2021, the UNICEF website groups the following set of 20 countries as MENA: Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran (the Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

Since the uprisings, many of the countries in the region have set out on a path of political transitions and economic reforms with an agenda of increased well-being, peace, and stability for their nations. REGIONAL BACKGROUND The term “Middle East” was coined in the 19th century to refer to the transcontinental area between southwest Asia and North Africa. It was Eurocentric and commonly used by the Western World. However, the composition of countries in the Middle East remains contentious even to date. To clear the ambiguity, the World Bank and the United Nations began using the term “The Middle East and North Africa” to refer to the region spanning horizontally between Iran in the East to Morocco in the West. The second Bush administration coined the word “Greater Middle East” to refer to the entire Muslimmajority nations including Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. While MENA is inclusive of Iran, it does not include Pakistan, Turkey, or Afghanistan. The boundaries of MENA are more geographic rather than social or religious.

.Pic credit: Pilgrims performing Tawaf around the Kaaba/Wikipedia/ Amr Zakarya

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION

CULTURAL MENAT A RICH CULTURAL TAPESTRY MENA MUSINGS

MENA region is known to be an interesting curious mosaic of people, places, stories, rituals, and heritage. Its cultural diversity despite its several challenges also offers several innovative and inspiring pathways, growth avenues with its wealth of creative talents and thriving energies of cultural abundances. SoCultures wishes to honour and appreciate the rich cultures of Meant region and makes this humble effort to give more visibility and appreciation to these amazingly talented artists, creators, curators, and cultural workers of the region. Indeed, these times are the times of renaissance and empowerment for these visionaries and gifted talents. The Arabic culture refers to the common history, cultural values, and language. So, an official definition of “Arab” was given by the Arab League in 1946 – “An Arab is a person whose language is Arabic, who lives in an Arabic speaking country And who is in sympathy with the aspirations of the Arabic-speaking people. Language, ethnicity, and religion are the major components binding the Arab world together.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022 10

The MENA Region is vast and diverse both religiously, ethnically and stretches from Morocco across Northern Africa to the Persian Gulf. MENA stands for the Middle East and North Africa. Islam being the dominant religion in most countries, the five pillars of Islam are important and imbibed in its cultural landscape, behaviours, and attitudes -- Shahādah Belief, Salāt, - Prayer, Zakāt - Charity, Ṣawm - Fasting, Hajj- Pilgrimage to Mecca. MENA region consists of so many ethnicities, religions, and cultures being spread over nineteen countries, it’s a fabulous example of the co-existence of Islam with Christianity, Judaism, and other religions. A melting pot of ethnicities, languages, and religions, the MENA region has perfect elements fused together to showcase a rich cultural tapestry. The occupied territories of Palestine and Israel as the birthplace of both Judaism and Christianity have great history and influence of archeological and religious significance. The Jews, Yazidis, Alawites, Nizari and Ismailis Muslims, and Druze as well as many Levantine Christian groups such as Greek and Orient people are also a part of the population and live in solidarity sharing some core values and cultural practices but there are also found some considerable differences. If we look at THE GULF, it comprises Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yemen, and the UAE. The religious diversity of this area is slightly more homogenous than that of the Levant. Most of these countries follow Islam. In the UAE, however, expatriates make up almost 90% of the population. Although the local Emirati population shares a distinct culture, the large number of expatriates have turned the UAE, especially Dubai into one of the most productive multicultural countries globally. North Africa: At times, people feel how come these countries from North Africa got inclusion in the Middle East countries. The reason is their long and ancient history which spans both Arab identity and the Islamic religion and these countries especially Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt share a religious, cultural, and political history with their Arab counterparts.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 20-22

MENA REGION

INDIA AND MENA REGION BILATERAL RELATIONS INDIA - ARAB LEAGUE RELATIONS A brief look at the shared historic bonds between these nations that always nurtured the connections of languages, religions, cultures, trade, politics, and growth. DEVELOPMENTS AND STRONG ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS The key elements of economic mutual collaborations are energy, security, food, human resource exchanges and multidimensional growth in trade and investments opportunities according to a report published by Ficci, India (http://www.ficci.in/pressrelease). From hydrocarbon era to renewable and solar energies alliances, climate change solutions etc to food security, tourism especially medical tourism, energy, security, human resource exchanges, growing trade and investment relations to a variety of goods and services importexport, from oil to infrastructure and telecommunications to consumer goods, India’s total bilateral trade with the Arab world stands at billions of dollars. It also caters to 60% of our crude oil imports. SOCULTURES JAN-FEB 2022

Many Indians are a part of an immense expat community in the Arab world, who have, over many generations, contributed to the countries of their residence and their motherland too. Much of India’s external trade passes along the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. There are vital Indian investments in countries stretching from Oman and Saudi Arabia to Egypt, Sudan and beyond. Amb Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Secretary (Arab, OIA & CPV), Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India addressing the inaugural edition of Namaskar Arabia organized by FICCI, has said in his speech that Indians are the largest expat community in the Arab world.

The millions working in these counties, exchange of human capital, improvements and transformational changes in the economy, and the goodwill between the people etc are some of the major elements of the bilateral relationships. Speaking on economic exchanges, Amb Bhattacharya said that a new era in flows of investments, technology and goods and services has begun, and now is the time for us to seize the opportunity and create more prospects to utilize these times optimally. He further mentioned that the most promising and potential business collaborations will be in the areas of high technology partnerships and Fintech should be keenly explored as FDI opportunities. LONG -TERM PARTNERSHIP Info courtesy: https://www.eoicairo.gov.in/page/arab/ India and LAS (League of Arab States) signed an MoU institutionalizing the process of dialogue in March 2002. During Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa’s visit to India in December 2008, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed for the establishment of Arab-India Cooperation Forum. In December 2010. The new MoC was attached to an [Executive Programme (EP)] of the Indo-Arab Cooperation Forum for 2014-15, which included specific cooperation in a number of fields.

Socultures Jan-Feb 2022

ANCIENT ENERGIES As India and Mena region countries enjoy very rich history and cultural heritage from the ancient times, their relations also date back to the ancient times. The lands have always exchanged energies and synergies through transferring skills, knowledge, and businesses opportunities. The Arabian Sea linking India to West Asia and the Arab peninsula were often navigated by traders, scholars and diplomats since ancient times and connections were built forever.

Socu;ltires Jan-Feb2022

India-LAS Partnership and Investment Summit:

This is the flagship event in the economic field, to be held every two years, with the participation of Ministers of Commerce and Industry. The 5th session of the India-LAS Partnership conference was held in Muscat in December 2016. Media Cooperation: Recognizing the value of the media’s role in India and the Arab world and to promote interaction between media houses and journalists, regular interactions in forms of visits, and conferences are planned. CULTURAL BONDS The Arab India Cultural Festival: The Arab Indian Cultural Festival is to be held every two years alternatively in India and in the Arab world for promoting greater cultural interaction. AND MANY MORE CONNECTIONS…. Late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman was awarded the prestigious prize for the year 2019 in recognition of his vision to strengthen relations with India, for his twin policy of moderation and mediation between countries and always maintaining the special ties between India and Oman. His constant drive for addressing international issues and peace initiatives won him praise and respect across the globe. The Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by government of India since 1995, the 125th birth anniversary commemoration year of Mahatma Gandhi. Info courtesy: https://diplomatist.com/2020/04/06/india-middle-east-relations-past-present-andfuture/ https://www.eoicairo.gov.in/page/arab/ and Invest India

Socultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION

INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA

CENTURIES-OLD ECONOMIC, SOCIO-CULTURAL TIES BETWEEN INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA

QUINCY JONES shares her life about skating

BENJAMIN KAPS 16 year old booming business

JENNA KARL ballerina by day b-girl by night

1H.E. King Salman bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia meeting the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in Turkey on November 16, 2015.Wikipedia GODL-India

The two friendly nations have always shared deep bonds and robust engagements throughout the centuries. Always eager to strengthen the progress of bilateral relations in all areas like political, security, economic, defense, manpower, cultural exchanges through high-level consultations and coordination and not to forget the amazing cultural synergies and affinities shared by people of both countries and geographical proximities are some of the factors which have always played a major role in India and Saudi Arabia relations. BILATERAL RELATIONS At the invitation of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the His Excellency Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia on 29th October 2019.Apart from reviewing bilateral, historical social, and close relations, they signed many MOUs and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Strategic Partnership Council Agreement under vision 2030. ·His Royal Highness the Crown Prince visited India on 19-20 February 2019 along with a high-level delegation and held discussions with all the top leadership in India on mutual interests’ collaborations, elevate the contributions towards beneficial partnerships, people to people solidarity, and businesses opportunities and anchoring the historic affinity between the nations. In 2010, then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Saudi Arabia and held many productive collaborations on a wide range of issues from strengthening the strategic partnerships to the enhancement of bilateral relations in politics, science, defense, etc. in an atmosphere of utmost warmth. First India- Saudi Arabia joint naval exercise began from December 2019 to January 2020. Saudi His Excellency Crown Prince visited New Delhi, India in 2006 and signed Delhi Declaration imparting a fresh momentum to bilateral relations. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Yoga enthusiasts at 5th international yoga day event at Al Madi park, Riyadh/ https://twitter.com/IndianEmbRiyadh/status

CULTURAL RELATIONS Saudi Arabia and India signed an MOU on cooperation in tourism in 2019. On 21st July 18, the fourth celebration of yoga day took place at Al-Madi park in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is a prime tourist destination of Indian Muslims who go there regularly for performing annual HAJ.

The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (SAGIA) / https://saudigazette.com

Info Courtesy: (Invest India)

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

COMMERCIAL RELATIONS According to SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority) – there are approx. 450 Indian companies registered amounting to USD 1.4 billion as in 2020. Sabic set up its R &D center in Bangalore with an investment of over USD 100 million in November 2013. Saudi Arabia is the 4th largest source of India’s global imports. Saudi Aramco and UAE ADNOC are developing USD 44 billion “West coast refinery and Petrochemical projects in Raigarh Maharashtra. Saudi Arabia is the 12th largest market in the world for Indian exports.

MENA REGION IACCI (INDO-ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY) TRADE TIES BETWEEN INDIA &THE ARAB WORLD OVERVIEW: Established in 1980, under Section, the Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industries provides a dynamic institutional link for the promotion of commercial and economic relations between India and the Arab World. As an active forum for Indian businessmen who have close contacts with the Arab world, the Chamber constantly strives to identify new areas of cooperation and ensures the smooth flow of trade, investment, joint ventures, and technology. The Chamber is dedicated to the cause of expanding Indo-Arab friendship, goodwill, and business relations with more than 30 years of uninterrupted services. OBJECTIVES: The Chamber offers your company several opportunities in the following areas: Through promotion, broad-based advertising and niche market opportunities, business networking functions etc. Through priority privileges at major business luncheons, dinners, receptions, and private CEO briefings utilizing strategic alliances, technology transfers joint ventures with Arabic Companies. Opportunities for establishing business linkages with 22 Arab countries. Awards and Felicitations for excellence in business. Advance notice of functions and events. Any many wide array of other facilities, to know more visit www.iacci.org

PHOTO COURTESY: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/INDOARABC/PHOTO S, MRS. SUNANDA RAJENDRAN SECRETARY GENERAL INDO-AFRICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION PROMOTING A CULTURE OF ANGEL INVESTING MENA BUSINESS ANGEL NETWORK (MBAN) https://www.m-ban.org MENA Business Angel Network (MBAN) initiative started in UAE in June 2014. This initiative is responding to the growing interest in start-ups by Business Angels and early-stage investors in the MENA region and their desire to find the best modality to manage their investments and guarantee the best return. Angel and early-stage Investors are well established in Europe and globally, with billions of Euros invested annually through the various Angel Network Groups. The MENA region needs to pay attention to setting up the right structure and rules for Angel and early-stage Investing, to have a vibrant, healthy, and promising entrepreneurship ecosystem. EUROPEAN BUSINESS ANGEL NETWORK (EBAN) https://www.eban.org/ EBAN is the pan-European representative for the early-stage investor community gathering over 150 member organizations in more than 50 countries today. Established in 1999 by a group of pioneer angel networks in Europe with the collaboration of the European Commission and EURADA, EBAN represents a sector estimated to invest 11.4 billion Euros a year and playing a vital role in Europe’s future, notably in the funding of SMEs. EBAN fuels Europe’s growth through the creation of wealth and jobs. THE AFRICAN BUSINESS ANGEL NETWORK (ABAN) https://abanangels.org/ The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) is a Pan-African non-profit association. ABAN was founded in early 2015 to support the development of early-stage investor networks across the continent and to grow the cohort of early-stage investors excited about the opportunities in Africa. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

TOURISM MENA

G N I K TA

a trip

A N E M

GROWING TOURISM POWERHOUSE OF ASIA

MENA TRAVEL BOOM

MENA region has always been a big hit with the travel aficionados and now emerging as the most culturally and historically rich tourism destination region of the world. The diversified Mena region attractions are topping the list of favourite travel destinations for people from the world over. The travel boom is not only for corporate travels with its enormous financial and corporate growth opportunities but also for those traveling for leisure. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, there will be an influx of more than a hundred and fifty million tourists by the year 2030 yearly.

Pics: 1.Snow visible on roofs in the Old City of Jerusalem / Wikipedia 2. Egypt pyramids

3.Pilgrims performing Tawaf/ Wikipedia around the Kaaba

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION GROWING TOURISM POWERHOUSE OF ASIA The Middle East and North Africa region continues to be a hotbed of economic and travel activities with the rising upwards economic situations as well as the increase in leisure tourism to the region, As a result, there is growth in other industries too, including the job markets. Though like any other growing market, the MENA region also comes with its preconditions, specifications, and challenges. Still, the tourism sector in the Middle East accounts for approximately seven percent of global tourism industry profits turnover. The future is bright, and the opportunities are plentiful for anyone willing to seize them as the region is visited by many millions of new tourists from Europe, America, China, and India too, all thanks to the rising wealth standards making world travel popular. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region countries are keenly promoting their tourist attractions – for instance, VFS Global has been appointed to promote Yas Islands in the UAE, and its already a big draw with the Island's top attractions, namely Yas Marina Circuit - home to the formula 1 Etihad airways, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. There are expos, world religious events, easy visas procedures, conferences, and an impressive line-up of ultra-chic luxury hotels and hospitality services on anvil anytime, anywhere.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

LEISURE AND RELIGIOUS TOURISM

The three great religions of the world are in the Middle East aptly making it called the religious capital of the world. Judaism and Christianity born in Israel and Islam in Saudi Arabia attract hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims to Haji alone in Mecca and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Church of the Nativity see millions of Christian pilgrims every year. The key regional industry drivers are the leisure and religious tourism sectors. Leisure tourism is the highest revenue generator in Dubai. While Dubai is ranked as the sixth most visited city in the world, UAE yields 90 percent approximately of leisure tourism with ever-expanding multiple leisure attractions. Then there is huge religious tourism as well as the MENA region possessing several holy places. The Middle East benefits from being strategically located between both the east and west of the world. Well, the point is, over two-thirds of the world’s population lives within eight hours of flight to Dubai and one-third, within four hours. At Jumeirah, the luxury and opulence shine bright, keeping pace with accelerated growth. Linda Lewis, Vice President - Global Sales the Middle East & Asia Pacific, Jumeirah Group is proud with the performances of their ultra-glam hotels in Jumeirah. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are aware of their distinct attractions and are keenly promoting tourist attractions – for instance, VFS Global has been appointed to promote Yas Islands in the UAE, which is becoming a big draw for tourists. Similarly, Dubai travel shops are set up to offer information and convenient travel products for visitors. At the same time, the UAE government recognizes the possibility of more FDI inflows as tourism attracts more foreign investments. The blooming business of tourism is fueling growth and developments like the tallest buildings and tallest hotels to revolutionary transport infrastructure, theme parks, and leisure attractions. Recent reforms in Saudi Arabia and the relaxation of visa regulations, large-scale events like Dubai Expo 2020, and tailormade experiences to suit all budgets and interests are also the big crowd puller. More and more governments in this region make tourism, a key component of their economic growth agenda. No matter, what is the status of the economy or what kind of weather is out there in the world, people the world over love travel and the number of people travelling is increasing every day. The MENA region is making most of the tourism opportunities, transforming itself into a significant source and destination market in tourism. Apart from famous places, smaller Emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are grabbing the attention of travel enthusiasts, and countries like Turkey with Oriental yet European cultural vibes make an ideal location for many. MENA is a diverse region with great history presenting amazing geographical structures, nice weather, million years of history, culture, nature, and world-renowned hospitality. What more a travel lover would ask for? Oman, in recent years, has gained immense popularity with mature and evolved travelers as it presents an extraordinary glamorous, intrepid, historic, and geologically stunning authentic Arabian experience to all. Dubai’s modern marvel of human engineering such as the Burj Khalifa, man-made Island Palm Jumeirah, and other luxury hotels are making Dubai, the first choice of every tourist. MENA region’s key regional industry drivers are the leisure and religious tourism sectors, which are growing very fast. Saudi Arabia attracts millions of pilgrims each year for Hajj and Umrah journeys. Moreover, medical and business tourism is also flourishing in the region, with experts looking at the Middle East as a golden choice for these segments. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022 24

The Middle East… The land of the greatest and most beautiful deserts, endless bazaars of spices, and the warm welcome of the Bedouins.

IRAN

Isfahan is Iran’s most amazing city and is home to a large community of scholars and prestigious intellectuals perhaps can also be called the Athens and Rome of the world. The city has extravagant geometrical buildings, palatial magnificent mosques, giant domes, ornamental ceilings, intricately designed huge lamps, beautiful wood carved minbar (a form of a staircase), beautiful Iznik tiles, the elegant Persian carpets. Pics: Anove: Smithsonian Folklife Festival inOman/ wikipedia Below: Dubai/ Unsplash/ Nick Falcon

NOT TO MISS OUT IN MENA REGION IRAQ Located in the north of Iraqi Kurdistan, only ten km away from the Turkish border, a historical Amadiya is a lovely village located on the flat top of a mountain. It boasts of its culture of different religions and tribes and civilizations from the Assyrians to the Persians, as well as several Jewish and Christian communities. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

SYRIA Damascus is indeed one of the most ancient cities in the world – probably the oldest country’s capital.

LEBANON

Lebanon is fascinating and full of surprises and features on every tourist lover’s list. Today, most of its ruins, some fully destroyed and some in relatively good conditions attract people with their mysticism and history tales as it also presents some great cultural vibes and food.

OMAN

DUBAI

Dubai is dazzling not only for its worldclass events and expo but also for its architecture and city’s cosmopolitan vibes. Perhaps the most exciting of them all is the Dubai Frame, an architectural wonder and an addition to the Dubai skyline.

Info Courtesy: https://www.unwto.org/global/publication/tourism-mena-region https://reports.weforum.org/travel-and-tourism-competitiveness-report-2019/regionalprofiles/middle-east-and-north-africa/?doing_wp_cron=1580052081.3382999897003173828125 http://travelscapesonline.com/mena-region-consolidating-the-tourism-bars/

Stretching from south Oman to the Yemeni border, Dhofar’s coastline may differ significantly from what you expect from an Omani beach. Dhofar’s coastline flows in its most mesmerizing beauty, stretching from South Oman to the Yemeni border making people amazed by its shine of turquoise-blue waters, vertiginous cliffs, turquoise-blue waters, far-reaching expansive quiet beaches…

KUWAIT CITY Kuwait offers extremely authentic experiences of the Arabic world, populated by souqs and museums and pumping with culture amidst the plethora of so many skyscrapers and burgeoning development.

Pics: Above: lighthouse-Rabat city of light from Pixabay Below: Amadiya village/ Wikipedia/ By U.S. Army photo by SGT Daniel Nelson

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION

OUR JOURNEY THROUGHOUT 25 CITIES

M O N E Y E D

M E N A

S S E N I S U B A N ME D L R WO

Meet the money magnet business leaders from the Mena region! The Mena region has always been a land of abundant resources, brilliant infrastructures, and golden opportunities, creating some of the wealthiest business moguls. With the advent of new global opportunities, more ease of business policies, exciting technologies, foreign-educated visionaries, and tremendous economic growth, the area is now powered by a growing legion of powerful, seasoned businessmen. Some of the richest cities of the region are Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, Jerusalem, Tehran, Herzliya, Netanya, Ankara, and Sharjah, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and many others. These seasoned businessmen are not listed here in any order of power or wealth but based on common qualities like sharp vision, passion, and determination to create a billion-dollar business empire.

Today, the Mena region has the wisdom and experience of its old generations and seasoned veterans that have built the Arab's world-class infrastructures, business models, and economies, but also the young ambitious minds educated in the best global universities with extraordinary new-age skills. Together, these powerful Arab businessmen command a significant global power, ample wealth, and brilliant minds to face any challenge and create more opportunities for future generations. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

TAHA MIKATI Taha Mikati is from Lebanon and is the brother of a fellow billionaire and former prime minister Najib Mikati. He earned a bachelor's degree from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He is married with three children and lives in Beirut, Lebanon. His son, Azmi Mikati, is the CEO of M1 Group. Businesses: Cofounder, with his billionaire brother Najib, of Beirut-based holding company M1 Group with diversified stakes in South African telecom firm MTN, fashion retailer Pepe Jeans, and prime real estate in New York, London, and Monaco. His other companies include Investcom, Arabian Construction Company (ACC), headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it’s one of the largest construction companies in the Middle East.

NAGUIB SAWIRIS Naguib Sawiris is one of the most famous business tycoons from Egypt. Being born with a silver spoon, he is a scion of Egypt's wealthiest family. Businesses: Telecom, Orascom TMT Investments, an Italian internet company, Evolution Mining, Endeavour Mining, and Golden Star Resources, which operate gold mines in Africa and Australia, a luxury resort called Silversands in Grenada, and many others. Pics credits: Naguib Sawiris - World Economic Forum on the Middle East from Wikipedia Taha Mikati - https://www.rediff.com

SUHAIL BAHWAN Suhail Bahwan is a self-made Omani billionaire businessman. He began from the scratch, doing business between Oman and India and creating billion dollars business empires. BUSINESSES: In 1965, he moved to Muscat and opened a shop with his brother, and there was no looking back since then. Suhail Bahwan is the founder and Chairman of Suhail Bahwan Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Oman generating 1.3 million tons of urea annually. He also owns Nissan and BWM dealerships. In September 2017, Bahwan won the Sheikh Issa bin Ali al-Khalifa Award for voluntary work by the Arab League.

KUTAYBA ALGHANIM One of the prominent Kuwaiti billionaires, Kutayba attended Gordonstoun School in Scotland and the University of California in Berkeley. Now as the Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, he was first brought into Alghanim Industries by his father Yusuf Alghanim, soon he was appointed to lead the company as the Managing Director. Under his leadership, Alghanim Industries became the first company in Kuwait to have an IBM mainframe with a world par work culture. A father of three children, Kutayba believes in philanthropic work. His organizations are working tirelessly for education, youth upliftment, literacy, underprivileged. In 2003, he founded DIYA, The Children Home project, an orphanage and home shelter in Lebanon that is devoted to promoting the welfare of underprivileged children, libraries, etc. BUSINESSES: Alghanim Industries, ownership of GM and Ford cars in Kuwait, consumer electronics retailer business and Wendy’s restaurants in the Middle East, also vast establishments in advertising, automotive, food, and consumables, financial, transport, travel, etc.

Above:http://www.suhailbahwangroup.com Below: Kutabya Alghanim / https://www.alghanim.com/

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

FAHED HARIRI

IDAN OFER

Born in 1982 in Saudi Arabia, Fahd Hariri is the youngest son of assassinated Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. His entrepreneurial streak was evident when still a student at the École spéciale d'architecture, Paris, his foray started into interior designing and selling furniture to clients in Saudi Arabia. BUSINESSES: In 2012, Fahed Hariri sold his shares in the family construction firm and invested in Lebanese banks, including Bank Audi, and in real estate in New York, Paris, and Monte Carlo. Now his business empire develops residential properties, mainly in Beirut. He is also President of HAR Investment Fund, and a member of Advisory Council at Lutetia capital SAS, Paris.

Idan Ofer is an Israeli billionaire businessman born on 2 October 1955 in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Idan Ofer is one of two sons of shipping magnate Sammy Ofer, who died in 2011 and was once Israel's richest man. BUSINESSES:

Idan Ofer, with great interests in shipping, energy mining, and sports, is the founder of Eastern Pacific Shipping and Principal owner of the Quantum Pacific Group, a holding company. Ofer's Eastern Pacific Shipping operates a fleet of over 100 bulk, container, and crude oil ships. He also owns 51% of Israel Corp. and Kenon Holdings with investments in energy, automobiles etc. Pic credits: FahedHariri / https://www.ndtv.com/ Idan Ofer/https://en.wikipedia.org SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022 I

AZIZ AKHANNOUCH & FAMILY In 1986, Akhannouch graduated from the Université de Sherbrooke with a management diploma. A Moroccan business tycoon and a political leader since 2007, Aziz Akhannouch is the majority owner of Akwa Group, a multibillion-dollar conglomerate founded by his father and a partner, Ahmed Wakrim, in 1932. Aziz Akhannouch's wife, Salwa Idrissi, also runs her own company, which constructs malls, and holds Moroccan franchises for prestigious international brands. Concerned about his social obligations, Akhannouch also donated roughly one billion dirhams to the Coronavirus Pandemic Management Fund. BUSINESSES: Founded and run by Akhannouch's father, the Akwa Group is now managed by Aziz Akhannouch and he serves both as a CEO and as the Chairman. It has interests in diverse fields such as telecommunication, tourism, media, real estate development and hotels, petroleum, gas, chemicals etc.

Pic credit: Aziz Akhannouch/ Wikipedia/ by Jennifer Jacquemart SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

N A I IND RES AND I A N F O O I L S L E I R I M A N O I L L I B A N E M Why Indian diaspora in the Mena region is so important? The number of Indians living there is huge and galloping as fast as the global economic reforms and easy business policies. The statistics involving those making millions and billions and creating world-class businesses are huge, especially in UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. SoCultures mentions here a few of these truly impressive personalities. Though there are many-many equally awe-inspiring names, we wish that this tribe of highly successful business tycoons keep multiplying and keep doing extremely well.

SUNIL VASWANI

Sunil Vaswani was born on 11 July 1963 in Jaipur, India. He is an Indian billionaire businessman and is the chairman of the Stallion Group; a Dubai-headquartered company. The unstoppable entrepreneur has been instrumental in building a diversified conglomerate with diversified interests in cars, commodities, food, food, steel manufacturing, plastics, packaging, petrochemicals, port operations, and technology, The group also manages an exclusive brand portfolio of automobiles including Nissan, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Hyundai, Ashok Leyland, Bajaj, Changan, and Skoda. .

GAGAN GOEL Gagan Goel is the Chairman and Managing Director of Essel Group and founder of Essel Group, ME. He founded Dish TV business and is also Chairman of Simba Essel Energy Inc., the TSX-V listed oil and gas exploration company, focused on the onshore frontier basins of Africa, and he also sits on the company’s Board of Directors. Pics credits: Above:.Sunil Vaswani/. Wikipedia byRajesh Devarajan Below: Gagan-Goel/ https://simbaenergy.ca/team

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

SHAMSHEER VAYALIL Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath is an Indian radiologist and businessman. He is the founder, chairman, and managing director of VPS Healthcare Group, and the vice-chairman and Managing Director of Amanat Holdings, a healthcare and education investment company.

With a degree in computer science, Shamlal Ahamed was always destined for a golden destiny. He joined the family’s jewelry business, Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The golden phase bloomed when he got into the retail side of the business. He turned the firm into one of the most successful jewelry firms in the world, raking in billions in annual turnover. Soon started the international expansion and now the company has over 180 stores spread across nine countries and more to open in other parts of the world.

SHAMLAL AHAMED

Pic credits: Above:Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath/ Wikipedia/ by Kcmazin Below:Shamlal Ahamed/ CC BY-SA 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

YOGESH MEHTA

Yogesh Mehta, more than anyone else, knows not to allow failure to be a deterrent. Yogesh Mehta, a Harvard Business School Alumnus when he obtained his MBA, is the Founder and CEO of Petrochem Middle East, who established this organization in the year 1995 with a driven passion and a need to succeed. Today, Petrochem Middle East exports more than 700,000 metric tons of products from its distribution terminal at Jebel Ali Free Zone and is the biggest chemical distributor in the Middle East. Believing in happy customers and happy employees, he knows that Petrochem Middle East’s success has been a result of clear and sharp insights on the latest market and customer needs and caring for the people.

RAMESH RAMAKRISHNAN Ramesh S. Ramakrishnan, born in 1961, is the Chairman of the Transworld Group, a global shipping and logistics conglomerate. He started a shipping agency in Bombay, India, in the initial days which went on to become an integrated and holistic expertise company that covers a complete range of solutions from Ship Owning to Project Logistics to Warehousing. Maintaining a global presence, the company has offices across the world in Dubai, USA, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Singapore, Pakistan, and in many Indian cities.

Above: Yogesh Mehta/ https://www.arabianbusiness.com/ Below: Ramesh S./ https://www.transworld.com

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

WOMEN MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES OF MENA

RANIA NASHAR Rania Nashar from Saudi Arabia is the first female CEO of Saudi commercial bank, Samba Financial Group. Armed with degrees from King Saud University and the University of Virginia, she started her career with the Samba group at the time when Saudi Arabia was just beginning to implement reforms to promote gender equality as part of its Vision 2030. Samba Financial Group is Saudi Arabia’s fourth-largest bank, with $63 billion in assets as of September 2019.

BASMAH AL MAYMAN

Pics credits: Above: Rania Nashar/https://www.arabianbusiness.com Below:BasmahMhttps://www.facebook.com/236168066463472/photos

With almost 19 years of experience in the tourism industry, Basmah Al-Mayman is the first Gulf Arab national to represent the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at a regional level. AlMayman has devoted her entire career to developing the tourism industry — long before Saudi Arabia began opening to the world. She said in an interview with a leading magazine that she joined the tourism sector when there wasn’t an official structure for the organization nor was there an industry very few women in the Saudi tourism industry back then. She worked hard to uplift Saudi Arabia’s precious historical architecture, including the awe-inspiring ruins of Al-Ula and Diriyah, registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022 37

WOMEN MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES OF MENA MARYAM EID ALMHEIRI Before becoming Vice Chair, AlMheiri from Emirates was the CEO and COO of twofour54, which is home to over 450 media and entertainment companies. She is also Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office. The Media Zone Authority, Abu Dhabi, is one of the fastest-growing media markets in the world.

MONA YOUSUF ALMOAYYED Mona Almoayyed born in Bahrain comes from a very renowned business family and is a product of the University of Westminster in London. Not content to sit on her family credentials, she started working on her own identity and now Almoayyed is the Managing Director of Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons—a diversified group established in 1940, with divisions specializing in trading, contracting, concrete products, air-conditioning, telecom services, and property development. A big convener of environmental causes, she is involved with lots of social impact organizations. Above:Maryam Eid Almheiri https://twitter.com/2454abudhabi/status Below: Mona_almoayyed/ https://twitter.com/photo

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION

DIVAS OF MENA

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SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

UMM KULTHUM

Umm Kulthum managed to enthrall the entire Arab world with her powerful voice and vocals which could make the heart and soul of nations sing and dance for more than fifty years. Umm Kulthum started her musical journey around 1934 and for almost forty years, she performed at monthly concerts in Cairo. These concerts were also broadcast live on the radio exploding her music and lovely voice into almost every household. Her voice became their voice! The families and loved ones found her music, voice, and lyrics of her songs to express their own emotions and subtle feelings. She influentially helped people to make memories with her melodious music. Her music kind of represented their lives and at the same time embodied the country’s rich musical tradition. Taking her music from the elite to the public, she effortlessly transformed the cultural norms of the society of that time and soon became known as “the Bedouin,” with her unconventional traditional approach to music. Umm Kulthum was born to an Egyptian family around 1904 (her exact birthday is unconfirmed) in the Nile Delta. Umm Kulthum, went on to serve as the President of the Musicians’ Union, as a committee member on the government division of the arts, and as an Egyptian delegate to other Arab countries. She signed a contract with Gramophone Records in 1926 and 1930, she started producing, singing, and acting in cinema and the shiny stardom matched her enviable singing supremacy. The golden era continued, and she started performing internationally, winning more accolades and bolstering the positive image of the Arab world. No wonder her music and name also resulted in big profits what with more than 80 million records sold worlds over.

Pics credits: Umm Kulthum with some of the most prominent names in Egyptian classical music. From left: Riad Al Sunbati, Mohamed El Qasabgi, Farid al-Atrash and Zakariya Ahmad./ wikipedia

socultures Jan-Feb 2022

WARDA AL JAZAIRIA Warda Jazairia has a permanent place in the spirit and essence of the Arab region for her songs conveyed heady emotions and endured heavy love from all kinds of people from all strata of the society from regional leaders, strict music composers, party buffs to homemakers. Her music had synergies matching all kinds of places, from restaurants to personal marriage gatherings, her voice enchanted all. Maybe the magic of Warda’s voice remained in her true and realistic persona which brought out only the real sentiments. It was during 1954 when Algeria war of independence began from France, Warda who was only 15, decided to sing for this cause (Ya Habibi Ya Mudjahid (O Friend, O Fighter) and Ya Merawah Le Belad (Those Going Back to the Country)) and her role was not small. Later in the year 1960, she became a part of an iconic collective song Al Watan Al Akbar (My Great Homeland) featuring many stars and big names. She married an Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi and together they not only enjoyed a blissful yet short married life but also produced some outstanding superb ballads.

She died at the age of 72 and was buried with full state honours. So as her name means “the Algerian Rose”, the fragrance of her voice and music also spread all over the region and the world too.

pic coursey: wikipedia

Often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

LAILA MOURAD A diva in her own right and a brilliant bundle of talents, Laila Mourad was always destined for huge fame, and she surely proved her mettle as a singer and as an actress in the world. Born in Cairo in 1918 to a Syrian father and a Polish mother, Laila started her singing career with radio in the 1930s. Her true fame was not very far as she soon signed a contract for musical records in the cinema as well. Later Producer, director, scriptwriter, and actor Togo Mizraahy gave her a break in the acting and they both worked together for almost seven films. She got married to a famous Egyptian producer, actor, and director Anwar Wagdy in 1945. Life was happening for her in full prospering. Her chemistry, creativity, and synergies with Anwar helped Mourad blossom into an incredible cinema diva and both found immense success, popularity, and laurels. One reason for Mourad’s enormous success was also her uncanny acumen to read the pulse of the latest trends and tastes of her audiences. Her name would drive the crowds to cinema and she, without a doubt changed the status of female artists as a larger-than-life phenomenon in the Arab cinema. Though the massive fame never comes easy, she encountered many controversies too. She decided to retire when she was only 37 and was still at the peak of prominence, both in singing and cinema. Yet, she remains irreplaceable even now. She took herself to this golden and immortal status in Egypt’s modern history where her name only spells a DIVA!!! Pic credits: Left: Laila Murad watching President Muhammed Naguib Photo circa 1953. For which Laila song Union - Order - Work was released in 1953 / Wikipedia Right: Layla Mourad with Youssef Wahbi from wikipedia

Often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

HODA CHARAAOUI The great Egyptian feminist Huda Sha’arawi!!! Huda Sha’arawi was a celebrated feminist and anti-colonial activist. Her name echoes several acts of bravery and revolution and social impact. She worked tirelessly in redefining the perception of women in Egyptian society. World history is full of names of iconic women leaders who devoted their lives to the evolvement of the status of women and underprivileged to meet the ever-changing social and political landscape of her country and the wider region. Sha’arawi was born in a wealthy family in Minya on 23 June 1879. She strived for the rise of women through her campaigns, movements, and poems. After the death of her father at four, she was married at the tender age of thirteen to Ali Sha’arawi. Deeply bothered and unhappy, she decided to do something better for herself and other women and thus began her foray towards revolutionizing women empowerment activism around 1908. Despite her difficulties and unpredictable situation, she chose to fight! She spearheaded several causes, campaigns and went on to establish several secular philanthropic organizations from schools, vocational centers to the medical dispensary for underprivileged women and children. She had realized that people had a wish to see change and she was gathering massive support and strength. The “March of Veiled Women,” the first and largest anti-colonial women’s demonstration took place in the year 1919, by some 300 or more upper-class Egyptian women. worn, and the ceremony Pic credit: HudaOften Sha'rawi / Wikipedia is sometimes followed by a wedding reception

Music, poetry,43 prayers or SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

readings from religious texts or literature.

They were marching through Cairo for the solidarity and determination of the Egyptian people. It was a landmark event as it showcased the power of women not only on society but also as a strong protest and countrywide revolution against the British occupation of Egypt. The protest march against bloody battles, cold-blooded murders of men and women in the streets by British soldiers, a protest march against the gender roles, a protest march against unreality in the system, organized by her circle of upper-class women. Soon, in 1920, she founded and chaired as the president of the Wafdist Women’s Central Committee. She hoped for a better future and her dreams came true as Muslim women would discuss the world issues, raise their voices collectively, sit together and march together for social causes and all the world could do was to realize their unbeatable power and strength. She had won.

1.Huda Sha'rawi / Wikipedia SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

ASMAHAN

EMILY NASRALLAH

Her real name was Amal Al Atrash, and her personality was beautiful inside out. Known in history as a woman of immense talents with a fantastic melodious voice and unmatched acting skills, she was born to be a star. Born in 1912, she came from the Druze clan from the mountains in Syria. Her creative spirits felt suppressed and a desire to live a purposeful life made her break away from the tough restrictions and boredom of daily mundane life. So, unlike other girls of her age, who lived happily a traditional homely, safe life, she became a public performer. She starred in films and was the toast of Cairo cinema of 1930-40.

Born in Lebanon, Emily Nasrallah never stopped talking with the universe. Though she was born and settled down in an unstable war-torn country, she always believed in prayers, poems, and people. She belonged to those blessed souls who carry the “torches” for the others and lighten up the path for them. The famous writer picked up the themes from the lives around her, her own existences, from the people around her. The war and its shredded elements lingered in the psyche of words. Her 1962 novel, Birds of September, is considered a classic of Arabic literature. She wrote many novels, published short story collections, and volumes of essays on pioneering women, not only from her own country but from the rest of the world too. she was awarded Germany’s Goethe prize also. She always Music, poetry, prayers or remained the same unassuming happy readings from religious texts person, who was proud of her humble roots, or literature. her nation, and her people.

Aa public proclamation of marriage by an authority Above: Asmahan/ wikipedia figure. Special wedding Below:Emily Nasrallah/ Wikipedia garments

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

FAIRUZ

Fairuz performing in July 2001/ Wikipedia

Her music finds a global appeal as it has traditional Arabic music merged with classical Russian, Latin, and Western elements with Eastern beats and rhythms and contemporary setting of the orchestra. The songs have a nostalgic charm of pastoral times with lyrics taken from legendary Lebanese poets. Fairuz won many accolades and hearts of her people for she always chose to remain in Lebanon even during the civil war.

Hailing from Lebanon, Fairuz is in a rare league of formidable achievers. Born in 1934 as Nouhad Haddad, she was given a new stage name – Fairuz by her composer husband Assi Rahbani. She is the Arab world’s living legend and the most celebrated voice in music. Her name means “turquoise” in Arabic, and she manifests the meaning of her name, which means …sparkling, outstanding, and unique like a beautiful turquoise. From Beirut to Las Vegas and from Paris to Royal Albert Hall in London, she has beautifully revolutionized Middle Eastern music. And she sings like she is in the middle of some ethereal spiritual realm as if she is in starry trance or is in a land of smiles and love… but her songs are not only about soft humane emotions, but they also carry strong messages about humanitarian causes. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MEENA KESHWAR KAMAL

Meena K Kamal, Afghan feminist and activist on behalf of women's rights. She founded the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) in 1977, a group organized to promote equality and education for women/ Wikipedia SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Her growing-up years were spent amidst turbulences, upheavals of rising social activism in Afghanistan. The youth and people of the country wanted to see a healthy and developing nation for themselves and free, good life for themselves. Born on February 27, 1956, in Kabul, Meena Keshwar Kamal was also born to be a leader and a dedicated social reformer. Her major contributions were to create a freer, more harmonious, and more educated nation. She inspired women to speak fearlessly and stand up for their rights. Meena established RAWA ( Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan) in 1977, its main activities involved voicing free opinions and justice for women. Not only empowering women in several ways, but she also organized and spearheaded numerous protests, meetings, marches, and movements especially with schools, university students, and without a doubt, it disturbed and angered heavily the then ruling Russian regime in the country. She also launched a magazine, “Payam-eZan” (women’s message) in 1981.

The magazine became the strong voice of justice and truth and a way to serve its purpose of building a more just and better country. It constantly exposed the brutality and hidden agendas of fundamentalist groups and forced regimes, also it candidly advocated for the social causes. They continued to run the magazine despite its extremely secretive operations, minimum funds, and resources and at the same time facing tremendous police pressure. Her crusade not only involved fighting against injustice it also involved working on the new and improved prospects and living conditions for her people. She opened schools, hospitals, etc. for refugee children and women, The world recognized her battle for bold and brave social causes, she was invited to speak at the French Socialist Party Congress at the invitation of the French Government. When Meena, as a representative of the Afghan resistance movement, made a victory sign, the world clapped and hailed a fearless leader, but those guilty and sinners shuddered with fear. Soon she was martyred in Quetta, Pakistan, on February 4, 1987.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION

MODERN MENA GIFTED MENA

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SOME CREATIVE VISIONARIES FROM MENA REGION SoCultures finds stories of optimism, aspirations, hopes, and expressions of works and words which are reviving the lives of people, adding luminosity to the present as well as the future. Meet these inspiring women from the region who are creating the dialogues which are actually “breaking the silence” and inspiring the people around them to move forward towards a more beautiful life. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MAYMANAH FARHAT Maymanah Farhat dons many hats with aplomb. Her art, historical research, and curatorial works not only involve the famous and known artists and influential conversations in the art world but she also cares for the dying and not-so-popular art and obsolete artists. These artworks, and the artists, though may not be, in the mainstream market trends or creating ripples amongst the critics but duly deserve closer and concerned attention. Her research works are presented at many prestigious universities in New York, Italy, Venice, etc, and are published in several reputed artist monographs, museum, and gallery catalogs Art Journals to international magazines. Farhat has successfully curated exhibitions throughout the U.S. and abroad also. Her impressive body of work got her several accolades like winning a place in “40 ArabAmericans under the age of 40”, who have made significant contributions to the Arab American community (2020) by Arab America Foundation, also featuring among the Foreign Policy’s annual list of 100 Leading Global Thinkers.

Pic: Maymanah Farh at/https://www.artrabbit.com

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

HEND SABRI Tunisian-born actor and model Hena Sabri has been named “Chevalier and Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters”, France’s highest honors!!! Sabri who is known for being charismatic and forwardthinking has presided over the Cairo Film Festival since 2018 and has succeeded in raising its international profile significantly. From being on the Venice Film Festival jury in 2019, winning several accolades, notably at the Carthage Festival to being a Venice Film Festival jury in 2019, she was included in the CEO Middle East magazine’s list of the world’s top 100 most powerful Arab women in 1913. The Cairo-based Sabri is not only an actor, model, and producer, she is also known to openly raise her voice for women-centric issues in the Arab world and for working towards social and humanitarian causes including women’s rights organizations. Beginning her film career in 1994 from Tunisian films like “The Silences of the Palace”, “The Season of Men” etc., she became one of the most prominent Tunisian actors in Egypt and the Arab world, in a very short time. Sabri uses her influential status in the world wisely and purposefully. Pic: : Hena Sadry / Wikipedia

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

A filmmaker, sculptor, and installation artist, Essma grew up in Damascus, Syria. She studied art in the US in 2011 from Minneapolis college of art and design in 2016. Her body of artwork explores the missing connections in life - from the refugee experiences, the journey of immigrant parents, emotions about fear, safety, familiarity, nostalgia, to cultures and heritage. Pic: Essma Imady/ https://creativemornings.com/talks/

Socultures Jan-Feb 2022

Myriam

Boulos

Beirut

photographer who was born in 1992, in the shadow of the Lebanese civil war. Her works attract people with their distinct style as if someone reading a personal diary or watching a documentary created with creativity and heart n soul while staring at her photographs. somehow

Her

align

the

photographs connections

between the body, the lives, the places, and the meanings behind commonly held ideas. And somehow, they entice a strong response – people find themselves in her images.

She begun her journey using a camera to question Beirut, its people, the system, power, gender

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politics,

overlooked

marginalized

migrant

and workers,

young protestors, economic crisis,

toxic

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etc. at

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understanding her images is a

Pic: Myriam Boulos/http://twelve2017.serviceplan.com

process of awakening! A kind of revolution surging within! SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

BASMA AL-BALAWI

A Saudi artist, who found global recognition for her work. She made the world take notice of her art and strong presentation, appreciating and admiring her recent works exhibited to mark the 41st gulf cooperation council summit held at AIUIa. She used different colours of sand, symbols, and drawings that resemble AIUIa’s ancient cultures. A tourism graduate and self-taught artist, Balawi began working with sand in 2019. She was fond of playing with sand as a child and used to create models and now she brings in the same shine, same happiness, and same passion in her works….

Nabi works with images and texts to tell stories of everyday lives. The stories about the environment, green earth, humane bonds, flowers, plants, cultures, and modern-day times invoke a strong humane response. She earned a BA in film and postcolonial studies from Hampshire College and an MA in cinema and media studies from The New School. She lives and works in Lahore, Pakistan where she is teaching at the Beaconhouse National University.

HIRA NABI Pic credit :Above:Basma Al Balawi artwork/https://www.abouther.com Below: Hira Nabi/ www.picuki.com

IKRAM ABDI

SHIRIN NESHAT A contemporary Iranian visual artist, best known for her works

This Muslim model from Bristol wants to change the

in photography, video, and film exploring relations between

perception about the hijab (the veil). A girl of many talents, she

women and the religious, cultural value systems of Islam.

has her own YouTube channel, where apart from makeup, etc

Born on March 26, 1957, in Iran, she left to study in the United

she also brings the spotlight on issues of social injustice,

States at the University of California at Berkeley before the

minority injustice to environmental issues also.

Iranian revolution took place in 1979.

From international campaigns to gracing the cover of Vogue

Though her photographs made political statements, her film

Arabia with other hijab-wearing models, she is one of those

narratives tend to be more abstract, focusing on themes of

strong personalities, who take their values and beliefs to a

gender, identity, and society. Currently, in New York, her

different level.

works are included in collections of prestigious museums, art

Wearing the hijab since age 11, she comes across as a beauty

galleries.

with brains. And she does not shy away from following her own path. She has not sacrificed her faith despite thriving in the ultra-glam fashion world.

Pic credit : Shirin Neshat at an open discussion about her film Zanan bedun-e mardan (Women without men) during the Vienna International Film Festival 2009/ Wikipedia IBelow : IKram Abdi// https://www.premiermodelmanagement.com

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

MENA REGION

B U I L D I N G

T H E

C U L T U R A L L Y :

F U T U R E M E N A

R E G I O N

INNOVATIVE PATHWAYS TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY!

Above: The Visa For Music festival stage features emerging artists from Africa, the Middle East, Creole territories, and other horizons./ https://www.visaformusic.com Below: FIFAK / https://www.facebook.com/FtcaFifakTunisie/photos

Mena region boasts of extraordinary diverse cultural diversity. From South Africa to UAE, the Mena regions are full

architectural practices,

enormous marvels

unique

wealth

traditional

rituals,

and

rich

performing arts. Always been gifted with

amazing

talents,

changemakers, going

the

through

artists,

area

and

has

been

cultural

transformations, more progress, at the same time, exploding with many more talents and artists. Fuelled

with

brilliant

multiethnicity

ideas,

wisdom,

encouragements,

and

energies, the region is having much Above: Ethno Cyprus 2018 : which was held at Limassol held between July 1st and July 10th 2018. Below: Euro-Arab youth musoc center organized in 2016 held at Limassol. 35 virtuoso of traditional instruments from European and Arab countries met to explore their common cultural identity. http://www.eaymc.org/ethno-cyprus-in-limassol/)

offer

the

world.

Many

organizations, changemakers bringing in

progress

impact amongst

on the

the people

overall in

the

region, not only in way of living but also

their

thought

process.

High

time to celebrate, applaud and honor these great programs, energetic ideas, works, and people… SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

ASHTRAYNUTZ // POLAR OPPOSITES

https://www.visaformusic.com/ The Visa For Music festival

EAYMC EURO-ARAB MUSIC CENTER, CYPRUS

www.eaymc.org Music is a fundamental human right and a very important factor for the sustainable development of societies, especially youth. Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI), the Cultural Movement EPILOGI (Cyprus), and the Arab Academy of Music (League of Arab States) established EAYMC in Cyprus. The goal is to generate educational, social, and cultural outcomes and to encourage participation and cultural exchanges between Arab countries and Europe. What a beautiful music endeavor connecting the continents! SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

VISA FOR MUSIC: Visa for Music from Morocco is the first professional music market and festival in Africa and the Middle East. It was born in 2014. The African music scene is very creatively rich with its vibrant and inspiring melodious tunes and beats are capturing the soul of its people. Here comes, “Visa for Music”! It showcases the musicians and artistic creation of the continent to the world and brings together music lovers. Apart from this, they also organize conferences, speed-meetings, workshops, and training sessions to foster networks and upsurge the field of professional international partnerships. Visa For Music is held every year for four days at the city of Rabat, a UNESCO world heritage site, also known as the “City of Light and Moroccan Capital of Culture” which becomes the center of international artistic dynamism. https://www.visaformusic.com/en/vfm-in-brief/ TANDEM SHAML https://www.tandemforculture.org/ Tandem is a cultural collaboration program that strengthens civil society in Europe and neighboring regions. Within each Tandem programme, participants form cross-national partnerships aka tandems join and for one-year work in tandems as a part of a larger network sharing good practices. These Tandem partners organize visits, joint pilot projects, workshops, cultural exchanges. They also work towards the goals to confront global challenges like migration and support local community development by linking local people, places, art forms, and ideas. Tandem Shaml supports experimental and lasting collaborations between change makers from the Arab region and Europe.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

TCD (TRANS CULTURAL DIALOGUES) TRANS-CULTURAL DIALOGUES It was a platform that was established to create communications between people and ideas, critical and thoughtful, nurturing international cooperation and exchange. It gathered young artists, activists, cultural workers, cultural professionals, and researchers from different countries around the Mediterranean region, dedicated to work on organizing cultural and artistic activities in public spaces as well as improving the contemporary socio-cultural issues with methods of creative, artistic and discussions. TCD was born within the Cultural Innovators Network Forum in Istanbul in December 2012 organized by Goethe Institute (Istanbul, Alexandria). TCD team developed a multidisciplinary cultural festival called DJART’14 in November 2014, with great support from Algerian and international partners. The multitude of activities, such as: visual art workshops and installations, public space re-design, street musical concerts, calligraffiti/street art happenings and discussions about artistic mobility and Art in public space took place FIFAK FIFAK is a generational expression of a passion for cinema in Tunisia. The FIFAK is a film festival organized by the Tunisian federation of amateur filmmakers. There are many more such organizations working in this field….like TAMER Institute for Community Education / from Israel and Palestine/ West Bank and Gaza strip, Racines, Morocco, Ettijahat cultural foundation, Beirut, UNESCO German Commission for UNESCO and many others.

Safari typo workshop with Louise Dib/ TCD website

Recycled Urban Furniture Atelier at the Placette Benboulaid/ TCD website

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

world cultures T H E W O R L D O F A R T I S T G U Y S E I K A ART, COLOURS, MYSTICISM

socultures Jan-feb 2022

SoCultures had this beautiful chance to attend the art exhibition of the renowned French artist Guy Seika which was held at New Delhi. It was a pleasant day, and the Delhi sky was full of fluffy bright white-blue clouds. The evening descended slowly amidst the flickering stars in the sky. Many of Delhi’s elite circle were present at Alliance Française de Delhi to view the exhibited masterpieces by renowned artist Guy Seika. The art works were imbibed with the cultural influences ... full of mysticism and brilliance of it. He has a deep-rooted connection with India, in fact not only with India but with the entire world. The artist Guy Seika has deep connections with cultural wisdom of the universe. He has studied Chinese and Japanese Buddhism and has spent several months in the Indian Himalayas. This interlude allows him to set out on new bases. He seizes Zen, tantric and Shamanic iconography to express these cultures by confronting them with popular Western imagery. And its brilliant! The whole interpretation and learning about his art. It’s a unique experience to look at Guy’s art works.

socultures Jan-Feb 2022

S O C O W I A R

C U L T U R E S I N N V E R S A T I O N T H T H E T I S T …

You started painting early at the age of eighteen and later moved to London. What are your early memories? Being a teenager is not always easy and art was a mean for me to express my feelings. At this time my art was very much linked to the music as I was listening to (From punk music, bands like “Velvet Underground” and “Pixies” to industrial and early electronic music) all kinds of music. Music and art are the reasons why I moved to London, spending much of my time in those underground clubs. This scene was very powerful, both visually and musically. It was at that time that I had my first shows.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Your first exhibition! What were the main elements and topics of your canvasses? My first exhibition was very much about this underground scene, I was part of. It had some very colorful and sort of tribal paintings influenced by the art of Keith Haring and Tony Cragg. Some of these paintings were actual inspired rendering of musical tracks. I would translate sounds into forms, signs, volumes, colors. And I would paint an imbrication of symbols, animals, humans in the background that would depict the nightlife of the time... You started studying Orient and learning Tai chi. Do you think Tai Chi and such master arts help enhance creativity? It certainly helps to see the world from a different point of view. Through the practice of Tai Chi, you'll start perceiving reality more in terms of energy and energy flow. You'll also be more in your body, in your movement, and so be in the present moment. Body and mind unified get more vigour and stability to create more intense art and your art becomes naturally influenced by this new vision of the world and by this new connection within your body. I feel my conscience opens with these kinds of practices, I also like Yoga and Zen meditation. Your fascination with words happened and you started to maintain notebooks and write poems, scribbling texts and drawings watercolors. You started later Sauvagerie productions. We always had a lot of books at home, my parents and my sister were great readers. My sister was excellent with words, which was not my case, but she certainly influenced me. I read a lot! Slowly, I got into reading poetry, and finally into writing poems. My first notebooks were more about drawings, mixed with poems from other people, I admired. But I got into writing more and more... But these notebooks lead me to publish some fanzine and illustrated poetry. I first published my own things and started publishing other poets and artists later. Sauvagerie Production is about mixing powerful texts and images... You have studied Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, and you have spent several months in Indian Himalayas. How has this interlude allowed you to set out on new bases? I got into Zen Buddhism when I left London. Practicing meditation and reading books and then I met a master of Zen in Paris, a disciple of Japanese master Taisen Deshimaru. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

In India, the encounter with the Himalayas and its cultures was a very strong blow. The snowcapped mountains always in the background, the small stone temples with idols smeared with sacred colours and adorned with pigments and flowers, scenes of weaving of colorful wool in the villages all these about lovely Himalaya fascinated me. In my mind it got mixed with the traditional Chinese paintings of mountains and rivers that embodied a Zen and Taoist view of the world. And that is something I wanted to render in my own more colorful and abstract style in art... I started my Zen drawings around the same time, but this was more through the influence of Zen poetry. Cultural amalgamation…diverse studies…Zen, Orient, Western influences, how all the travels and learnings impacted your original expressions? SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

As some would say, we are conditioned... It is difficult to say, "This is the reason why I do this", because there are so many hidden reasons that lead us to where we are, doing what we do. What is evident is that because of our past experiences and upbringing, some things resonate more with our inner self in the present moment. Asia just happened to be a part of my life from an early age, from the tales of my grandmother about Vietnam and all the objects that surrounded her, to Manga books or Bruce lee and the early practice of martial arts. But there was also the music of my youth, the street art that surrounded me, the shows in museums, the comic books I was reading, the movies I was seeing, the surfing and skateboarding culture. It was all bound to mix for the better or for the worst... Since my twenties Zen and Tai-Chi practices are central to my way of life. As a Zen Buddhist, I study Zen teachings and poetry, but also philosophies and cultures which are related to it, from Taoism to Advaita Vedanta, from Tibetan Thangkhas to Tantric art... This interest seems logic to me.

Recently you had held an exhibition titled in Delhi, India, “Threads through Asia” influenced by monks, mountains, and many cultures. It was a great show. The alliance Française of New Delhi has a beautiful space where I've been able to show most of the different aspects of the art, I've been doing this for the last 20 years. I was delighted by the response I had from the Indian public. People seemed to intuitively understand what it was all about. I thank the people who came to see the show and Particularly the French Ambassador H. E. Emmanuel Lenain, Mrs. Jaya Jaitly, President of Dastkari Haat Samiti and amazing painter Arpana Caur whom I admire very much. I just wish if I had been able to perform a musical concert at some point... maybe next time...

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Your ink drawings which at times are accompanied by calligraphy are so beautiful and inspiring. Tell us your vision. With these drawings, the viewer is confronted with the riddle of the place of human beings in the universe. Minstrels, Taoist hermits, (seers) Sadhus or everyday people, wander the world all the time. Inspired by the traditional Zen paintings of Japan, often illustrating a short poem, these paintings present profound teaching on Tao (The Path, Dharma). The strokes of ink seem to emerge from the emptiness on the bare sheet of handmade paper, and the colours pulse and flow on the surface like a wild cloud. It's in a way like the Zen gardens of Japan. Some of these drawings depict the wandering of a Japanese monk in his traditional garments (a long black robe with enormous sleeves). He seems lost in the countryside, below the mountains. This monk was inspired by a manga called Ikkyu. In fact, those drawings were often direct illustrations of poems by Chinese and Japanese poets like Hanshan, Ryōkan Taigu, or Ikkyu. Sometimes it's a Baul of Bengal, a mythical Native American figure, a surfer, or Milarepa who pops up on the paper. What are your future projects? I would like to find a way to present another show like “Thread Through Asia” in another Indian city, like Mumbai or Kolkota. A tour of an installation of imbricated drawings (more the psychedelic, punky style) accompanied by a concert of underground electronic music reflecting those drawings. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

ASEF CULTURAL COOPERATION

Socultures Jan-Feb 2022

ASEF

THE ASIA-EUROPE FOUNDATION The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) founded in 1997, enhances dialogues, enables exchanges, facilitates cooperation among the people, and institutions of Asia and Europe. Located in Singapore, (ASEF), the collaborations across the thematic areas of governance, economy, sustainable development, public health, culture, and education are initiated and put into implementation.

Socultures Jan-Feb 2022

ASEF culture360 ASEF culture360, initiated in 2005 by the Culture Ministers of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to facilitate information flow and cultural cooperation amongst member countries is doing wonderful works, projects, and ventures. Launched in 2008, it has been recurrently acknowledged by ASEM Culture Ministers as “a concrete deliverable of the ASEM process … to facilitate the visibility of cultural activities of member countries.”

ASEM MEMBER COUNTRIES Since ASEF culture360 is an initiative of ASEM, only ASEM member countries are included in this portal. Presently, the 51 ASEM member countries included are Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lao PDR, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Viet Nam. For more information, please visit www.aseminfoboard.org.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

CULTURAL ICONS

INTERVIEWS WITH GREAT PERSONALITIES FROM OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

CHANAKYA

The past cannot be erased. For it’s the foundation stone of our present. Humanity and its evolution have always been cultivated and shaped up by our great, creative artists, thinkers, scholars, writers, and bold revolutionary leaders, who have always played a very influential and significant role in creating our existence and identity of today! Our present! Our future! Our world! Inspired and to bring back the spotlight on these iconic personalities from all times, who changed the way we perceive ourselves, and the way we lead our lives, SoCultures has invented a praiseworthy section in the magazine. SoCultures interviews such great personalities from the past, present, and future who through their brilliant minds, ingenious thoughts, and visionary leadership skills, have guided and enriched the world. Well, though it sounds a bit selfish and awkward, to pry, to ask personal questions from the people not alive, from the bygone history and who are no more there to defend themselves, but seriously, we try our best to come up with the most accurate and most valid details about these great people, especially those from the past – Some are famous and some even infamous ones! Our intentions are pure and it’s about to bring back the focus on them and remember their extraordinary accomplishments and analytical thinking. To be true, it’s our humble effort to honour these leaders who changed our world and discover rather unknown aspects of their lives. Here is another interview in that series with the Indian kingmaker, thinker, and the world’s first Indian economist, Chanakya, who is often called the "Indian Machiavelli" THE CHANAKYA!!! Good Morning, Mr. Acharaya Chanakya! (Acharya in the Hindi language means scholar, teacher) I am delighted to meet you. You are looking very good… Mr. Chanakya – Thank you. Pranam! (Greetings in Indian Hindu culture) (His appearance is calm and rather intimidating) Me: May I call you just ..ahh…Mr. Chanakya or Chanakya Sir? Mr. Chanakya: (thoughtful and looking up) If you like this and are comfortable with that… but call me AC (Acharya Chanakya) or simply Sir for short? Got it? I prefer to keep away the confusion.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Me: Oh cool! (a bit surprised with the easy response, was not really expecting) AC! It sounds cool and nice. No, I will prefer to say, Sir. Tell me first, why are you addressed as the “Acharya”? AC: It wasn’t because of my stature as most people would like to think. You can see I am the perfect example of intelligence combined with sharp practical knowledge. My farsighted and in-depth studies, breakthrough research, the perfect ideologies, and theories got me the admiration of people. And I believe I earned all this since my knowledge helped mankind to progress and flourish. (Looks straight in the eyes with confidence, adjusts his white spark clean crisp shawl on shoulders) Me: True! The entire universe especially India, is in awe of your intelligence, your shrewd, cutting-edge, and politically correct acumen, amazing strategy building, and leadership skills. And the universe till today perceives you as a person who creates kings!!! The most intelligent kingmaker of all time and the world’s first economist. AC: Well! Yes, you are right. (His face glows with the wisdom and it shines through, yet his face is expressionless, barring any emotions) I am an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist, and royal advisor. (He truly knows what he is worthy of.) Me: But then you have so many other names also – Chanakya, Kautilya, Vishnu Gupta... AC: Oh, yes! I got many names…but I like to call myself - Chanakya!!! It’s my fav. As the ancient literature suggests that I was born in a Brahmin family in 350 BC. According to the Jain writer Acharya scholar, poet, mathematician Hemachandra, I was born in the Chanaka village of the Golla region, to Chanin and his wife Chaneshvari. There are claims that my father’s name was Chanak not Chanin and that’s how I got my name. Let me tell you my birthplace also has many claims – some say it is Kusumpur (modern-day Patna, India) and some say it was Taxila or Takhkhasilā (the Buddhist text) and the Jain accounts find it somewhere in South India. Now I am a bit confused but let me also tell you that I was known to be very ugly and had to face the ire and disgust of many (Gives a sarcastic smile). Well! (Shrugs his shoulders with a smile on his face) I don’t think so. Me: Well, even I am confused. And there is confusion about your works also. I was researching about it then found that according to the writer KC Ojha, Vishnugupta was a redactor of Kautilya’s original work, and Thomas Burrow, the Boden Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Oxford says that Kautilya and Chanakya may not have been the same people. (thebetterindia). As far as your name is concerned, let’s keep it Chanakya! I like it best. You studied at Takkshila (Taxila), still known to be a great example of education. AC: Takshashila is now known as Taxila, can still be called the best educational university where the teachers are highly knowledgeable and dedicated to teaching. It wouldn’t matter to them if the students are princes, rich or commoner or poor. The teaching of subjects was done through the best of practical knowledge and theoretical aspects. The eligible age to enter the university was sixteen. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

The training and education of four Vedas, archery, hunting, elephant-lore and 18 arts, law, medicine, etc. forms of learning were given only to those showing the best credentials. The study years spanned eight good years resulting in producing the generation of geniuses. (He pauses and smiles with a gleam of pride in his eyes. His voice has now become softer as his mind is wandering in the good old times) The big red Tikka (a red dot of vermilion paste) on his large forehead seems very natural adding a feel of profoundness accumulated with wise experiences. (He starts talking again turning his gaze towards me. He sits now bending slightly forward as if it is to reiterate his point) My idea of education is to benefit others. I believe in broadcasting knowledge. In sharing the wisdom …the knowledge and information are not to store in mind and books only. This type of education was meant to alleviate the dark times, the ignorance, and the information collapse. The emphasis should be on indigenous forms of learning. Me: You have written many books which are still relevant and considered top-class resources on politics, economy, etc. – Kautilya, “Arthshastra”, “Chanakya Niti”. AC: (Looking curious) Are they still in demand? Do people still talk about them? Good to know that. In fact, Arthashastra is a serious manual on statecraft, on how to run a state, informed by a higher purpose, clear and precise in its prescriptions, the result of practical experience of running a state. Arthashatra, a Sanskrit book that means “The Science of Material Gain” is the philosopher’s guide to running an empire. It is not just a normative text but a realist description of the art of running a state. And “ Chanakya Niti” is a collection of aphorisms, said to be selected by Chanakya from the various shastras. It’s all about my principles of sharing education, knowledge, and wisdom. Go ahead and use my quotes and sayings, ideas …or better implement them. Me: Your role as a political thinker? AC: To instill the qualities of a leader and an able emperor in Chandragupta was my vital objective to establish a big empire, to build a mighty nation. I have a very clear approach and a line of action policies about what a leader should do or should not do. How to run the administration, how to influence international relations, strategies of good governance, tackle the unrest, warfare … And with an able, motivated, visionary Emperor Chandragupt Maurya, I proved all these theories implemented with great success. (Looks at me) I was the first to visualize the concept of a nation for the first time in history. Do you know I brought parts of India together under one central government thus creating a nation called Aryavartha, which later became India? Me: How relevant it (Arthshasthra) is in modern times? AC: A study of Kautilya’s Arthshastra guarantees tools and techniques by which you can create a fantastic business model which will exist beyond you. It’s the knowledge of wealth and a wealth of knowledge. People will be following you and your organization for years. Look how they have been following the Chanakya! (smiles). Arthashastra when translated means ‘scripture of wealth’. But it contains knowledge about every subject under the sun.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Me: How easy is it to stay secure in power especially when one reaches the top? AC: “For the king, there is always a danger of revolt in the interior or the outer regions.” Me: How does a king get the best results delivered? AC “The king severe with a rod (punishment) becomes a terror. A king with a mild rod is despised. The king with just a rod is honoured.” The leader should know the right level of punishment. Me: I am impressed. Well, tell me about your relationship with Chandragupta Maurya? AC: I assisted the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in his rise to power. I served as the chief advisor to both emperors Chandragupta and his son Bindusara. It all started when I was searching for a person worthy of replacing Dhana Nanda. Chandragupta had been born in a royal family but was brought up by a hunter after his father was killed by a usurper. I started training both Pabbata and Chandragupta to take over Dhana Nanda. I gave each of them an amulet to be worn around the neck with a woolen thread. One day, I decided to test their skills and gave them the very difficult task of removing the thread without waking up the other person. While Pabbata failed to do it, Chandragupta’s removed woolen thread by cutting off Pabbata's head. My training continued for the next seven years; Chandragupta was prepared to perfection to fulfill all his royal duties. Me: Your legacy? AC: The diplomatic enclave in New Delhi is named Chanakyapuri in honour of Chanakya… I mean me, I suppose. There are many Institutes named after me - Training Ship Chanakya, Chanakya National Law University, and Chanakya Institute of Public Leadership. Chanakya circle in Mysore has been named after me. There are films, books, tv serials, theaters, etc etc. (folds his hands together) Thank you all very much! I am grateful! We are grateful to you too, the genius Acharya Chanakya of all the time. The great economist, thinker, and scholar Chanakya died in 283 BC in Pataliputra).

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

WORLD CULTURES WORLD CULTURES

MUSIC

BACKGROUND MUSIC LEGENDS

ANDREW CHRISTIE Imagine, how boring life would be without creativity!!! Everything will be so soulless, drab, static, and silent without these artistic pursuits especially music. Music has this exceptional notable capacity to etch long-lasting impressions in our memories forever. The unique characterizations, brilliant performances of all films keep influencing the entire generations… decades after decades. But what we usually skip to notice is the powerful background music scores in all these films, tv series, etc. The sounds of brilliant compositions created with varied instruments instill life in those epic screen images. The music introduces us to our own lives in its complete entirety. The wonderful compositions, soundtracks, songs all make the complete experience so dramatic! So larger-than-life! So dreamy! Such is the power of music!!! “Joy, sorrow, tears, lamentation, laughter – to all these music gives voice, but in such a way that we are transported from the world of unrest to the world of peace, and see reality in a new way as if we were sitting by a mountain lake and contemplating hills and woods and clouds in the tranquil and fathomless water.” Albert Schweitzer said very apt words for music.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

WORLD CULTURES

THE FACES BEHIND MUSIC

These faces behind the huge successes of blockbuster songs, historic soundtracks, and films are the ones who are toiling behind the scenes and are making a huge contribution to make everything a grand success. Let’s talk about the great musicians who compose the background music and here is one such artist – Andrew Christie! The Simpsons, Blue Planet II, Nat Geo series, Son of God, Symphony for our world, to many other films, TV series, fashion shows, theaters, The Planets (BBC) and Roman Empire (Netflix), Symphony for Our World (National Geographic), etc are some of the famous works of Andrew Christie. He is a Los-Angeles based composer, arranger, engineer, producer and has given some epic music in several blockbuster movies and series, etc.

THE EARLY LIFE FROM MELBOURNE TO HOLLYWOOD

Andrew’s musical journey started very early. He started dreaming of a successful career in music, life around instruments, lyrics, tracks, beats, and musicians. And It was his Christmas gift of a four-track tape recorder that got him interested in sound recording and all this was the start of a real ambitious dream in music.

Pic:Andrew Christie/https://artistecard.com/

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

The seed was sown in the destiny of Andrew Christie to become THE GREATEST! And thus, the journey commenced of creating history, greatness, and achievements… His talents got professional polish when he graduated from Box Hill Institute, Melbourne with the Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition) Degree majoring in Film Scoring. The iconic names in the music arena were inspiring him and shaping up his taste in music. Beatles, Beach Boys, Phil Spector, John Williams, James Newton Howard, and Danny Elfman retro pop, rock, classic cinema, etc were influencing his gifted tastes and he was reaching his destiny of becoming a great musician by learning and observing these legendary names. Andrew got his big break when Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz heard a recording of his music during a university event in Australia in 2011. The year 2012 was a year of extraordinary work as he was working at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Productions where he started as an assistant and an additional writer. Now as a lead composer, he has been delivering several blockbuster musical chartbusters. In an interview given to sc-exhibitions (https://www.scexhibitions.com/). When asked about his creative juices, inspirations, and his music scoring arrangements, Andrew replied, “It’s project-specific. For a lot of that, the creative process is you don’t have time to think, so you just do it. If I’m pitching or developing themes for something more expansive, I’m a bit of a traditionalist. I come up with the main melodic ideas and basic orchestration and let it flow.” According to Bleeding Fingers music (https://www.bleedingfingersmusic.com) website, Andrew has a forte for fusing the music with modern electronic and cinematic sounds.

THE BIG BREAK

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

CULTURAL STORY

MUSIC

THE BANGTAN BOYS

THE BRILLIANCE OF BTS BTS in 2019 From left: Jin, RM, Jungkook, J-Hope, Suga, V, and Jimin/ Wikipedia

THIS RECORD-BREAKING SOUTH KOREAN BAND BTS (AKA BANGTAN BOYS) IS MAKING THE WORLD DANCE TO THE TUNES OF KOREAN MUSIC.

FOUNTAIN OF MUSIC OF YOUTH BTS also known as Bangtan Boys is a South Korean boyband that has smashed all the records all over in the world of music. The band started its formation in 2010, and soon become a recognizable name with their top-notch blockbuster performances and original, charismatic chartbusters packed with fiery rapping along with trap beats, brass, and soulful melodies. And the world was never the same. It had listened to the amazing vibes of BTS music. BTS is an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan which means “Beyond the Scene” and in Korean, literally translates to “bulletproof boy scouts.” BTS has come very far from its initial days as a hiphop group of talented teenagers. Their lyrics often focus on personal and social equations and emotions and talk of mental health, breakups, school life troubles, teenage and young emotions, losses, gains, happiness, individualism, literature, stories of the world, etc.

Pic: BTS performing "Butter" at the 49th American Music Awards on November 21, 2021 / Wikipedia byCarolin von Petzholdt

BEING THE BANGTAN BOYS: THE BIGGEST BOY BAND IN THE WORLD

Even before hitting the global celebrity status, they were still making their presence felt all over social media, music shows, concerts, and most importantly in the hearts and minds of the people. Slowly establishing their image as a socially conscious group, showing to the world that they are simply born to be the future global icons, they have conquered the world. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

BIG HIT ENTERTAINMENT A TURNING POINT The seven-member boy band has delivered several hits grabbing top slots and winning the hearts of millions of fans across the world. But BTS wasn’t always BTS. These seven normal South Korean guys had huge pop stardom. Then came Big Hit Entertainment Co. ltd., a South Korean entertainment company and their lives changed forever. It was a huge turning point. Under Big Hit Entertainment, they released their debut single album, “2 Cool 4 Skool” in 2013. There was no looking back since then. One of the songs peaked at number 44 in Korea and the number three on Billboard's World Digital Songs Chart. It amassed close to 100 million views on YouTube. BTS commenced their third concert in 2015, debuting their new song and the lead single "Run” from their fourth EP titled “ The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2”. And it proved to be an instant hit from the album topping the Billboard World Albums charts. Now BTS emerged as the “Princes of Pop” and became the first K-pop band to remain numero uno on various album charts for multiple weeks. BTS was awarded the Best World Performer at the 17th Mnet Asian Music Awards leading the Korean music waves into the international arena. Their chartbusters “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever (2016), and “Wings” (2016) helped establish BTS more firmly and as a socially conscious music band and catapulted their reputation into the most elite league in the music world. In fact, “Wings” became BTS' first album to sell more than one million copies in South Korea. Their albums “Love Yourself: Answer” (2018) and “Map of the Soul: Persona” (2019) have already made BTS become the best-selling artist in South Korea of all time, having sold over fourteen million albums.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

THE BREAKTHROUGHS, HONOURS, ACCOLADES…

They got the honour of being the first Korean group to receive a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and also of making BTS the first group since the Beatles to earn three number one albums in less than a year. While the “Map of the Soul: Persona” is the BTS was ranked the second best-selling artist of 2018 worldwide according to the IFPI's Global Artist Chart, as well as the only non-English speaking artist to enter the chart. That was a huge victory. More accolades followed. The group has won the Top Social Artist award three years in a row and Top Duo/Group at the 26th Billboard Music Awards. The group graced the Time's international cover as "Next Generation Leaders" also.

Exterior of the nightclub Troubadour (photo taken 2006) where BTS held their first concert in the US / Wikipedia by Gary Minnaert

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

THE BRANDING GENIUS OF BTS They are the ultimate branding story, successful enormously in building a merchandising and endorsement empire that extends far beyond, on a scale not seen in Western pop music. Everything about BTS sells! From their music to merchandise or anything that BTS touch, produce or lend their names to. Undeniably South Korea’s biggest exports, BTS come with their exclusive global popularity and a commanding social media presence. And they are accessible to reach millions of young, global consumers — with ticket sales, music downloads, and merchandise racking up in billions of dollar profits. Then there are lucrative partnerships with sportswear manufacturer Puma for tracksuits and sneakers; global character brand ‘LINE Friends’; South Korean beauty brands VT Cosmetics and ‘Mediheal’ for makeup, perfume and face masks; and toymaker Mattel for figurines and an Uno card deck. Other collaborators, such as Starbucks and UNICEF, have said they plan to harness the band’s popularity to promote their humanitarian efforts.

W W O O N K KN EE H TTH S S Y Y O B BO

The super-cool band consists of seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

JUNGKOOK

Jungkook, whose full name is Jeon Jungkook, is BTS’s main vocals and is the youngest member of the band. Jungkook was discovered when he auditioned for the third season of Superstar K in his hometown of Busan. Jungkook has said that RM was the reason and inspiration, he chose Big Hit Entertainment.

V, whose full name is Kim Tae-hyung, always had a dream of becoming a musician, he accompanied a friend to an audition for Big Hit Entertainment in Daegu. V auditioned on the spot and became the only person from Daegu that day to make it to the next round. He eventually became a member of BTS and sings sub-vocals for the band.

Suga

Suga, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, started as a rapper under the name Gloss in high school. It didn’t take long for Suga to make a name for himself as both a rapper and a producer. Suga auditioned for Big Hit Entertainment after he saw a flyer for the company’s rap competition called “Hit It.” He secured second place, Suga was convinced to join BTS in 2010 and became the band’s main rapper.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

Jimin Jimin, whose full name is Park Jimin, was the final member of BTS. He studied at the Department of Dance, Busan High School of Arts, after he passed the audition at Big Entertainment in his hometown in Busan, he debuted with the rest of his members in 2013.

J-Hope Before BTS, J-Hope, whose full name is Jung Ho-Seok, was best known as a dancer. He started in the dance crew Neuron in his hometown of Gwangju, which later led him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment instead. Because of his dance skills and his sense of rhythm, Big Hit Entertainment saw JHope’s potential as a rapper and signed him as a trainee. .

RM Kim Nam-Joon a.k.a. RM a.k.a. Rap Monster was the first member of BTS and is known as the band’s leader. RM started rapping in 2007 under the name Runch Randa, which led him to the rap crew Daenamhyup. After that, RM started releasing more songs as a solo rapper rapping, he got connected to producer Bang Shi Hyuk, who invited him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment. Then, in 2010, RM became the first member of BTS, and the rest is history.

Please refer…. https://kprofiles.com/ bts-bangtan-boysmembers-profile/

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

WORLD CULTURES

DEAD PUPPET SOCIETY THESE PUPPETS ARE NOT TOYS

The Wider Earth (photography by Guy Bell), he Wider Earth (photography by Guy Bell)/ deadpuppetssociety website

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

DAVID MORTON AND NICHOLAS PAINE https://www.facebook.com/deadpuppetsociety/photos

DEAD PUPPET SOCIETY The Dead Puppet Society shows are about showcasing the side of a distinct and inimitable style of art and entertainment in front of the world. The shows are puppet-based, using that old-world-charm combined with this cutting-edge modern world technology and the results are extraordinary. Dead Puppet Society is a production house and design company creating puppetbased, visual theatre in Australia and United States. Working in the theater genre with artistic, innovative puppets which portray life in its entirety- sometimes funny, light and at times horrifying and shadowy… DPS has undeniably strengthened the presence of puppetry theater on the international stage. Its winning laurels and awards from common people to artists to critics, as well as entertaining and educating all stratas of society. Soon, international acclaims also came in plenty. Their Olivier Award-nominated hit show “The Wider Earth” about the travels of the young Charles Darwin in 1831 was nominated for two Helpmann awards, Best New Australian Work and Best Set Design.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

THE UNIQUE NAME The original name “Dead Poets Society” has always been the real inspiration, but the vision and mission have always been to bring the inspirational “still things” back into life. They always strive to create magnificent live shows inspired from philosophies, ideologies, and classic literature etc around dead puppets and the everything comes alive on the stages with massive wooden structures, actors, puppeteers, and unique handmade puppets…

pic courtsey: Facebook/ deadpuppetssociety.

Laser Beak Man (photography by Dean Hanson)/ deadpuppetssociety website

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

PUPPETRY AND AVOIDANCE OF THE WORD PUPPETS Proud of their work, especially their use of laser cutting to create their models, Morton and Paine prefer not to use the word - “puppets”! The reason behind is that people tend to carry the notion of

THE WORLD OF PUPPETS

DPS is using puppetry to impart education classified in different formats as teacher’s professional development classes, adult masterclasses, to school workshops on puppetry creations, visual theater processes, residencies etc.

puppets as toys, dusty dolls or the

They also create custom puppets for the

Muppets as some primitive things or the

individual production, puppets for purchases.

concept of the past. These puppets are made of plywood, aluminum, brass, steel rods and other kinds of waste materials. The puppetry theater brings life to the “Life from past, present and future”!!! The life-sized

DAVID MORTON AND NICHOLAS PAINE

Partners professionally and personally Australian stage producers, David Morton and Nicholas Paine love puppets and puppetry. Both were the students of drama at

puppets, spectacular stage ambiences,

Queensland University of Technology in

impressive surroundings created with right

Brisbane and soon discovered that they

props with big screens infuse life into the

shared a love for puppetry.

classic literary adaptations. Everything seems all real yet so dramatic! So adorable yet full of mysticism! The exceptional wooden structures that can be moulded into different shapes like ship,

There were no puppet companies in Brisbane. The idea to start a puppetry theater company took off and with luck by their side, they found good support from their university funding and the rest is history. Now, Paine and Morton are best known for their visual design and production company

rocky jungle, dinosaur, or an island etc on

named “Dead Puppet Society” all over the

the stage simply add to the massive

world. They are the proud recipients of

experience.

winning five-times Matilda Award and many other international awards and nominations.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

CULTURAL STORIES

HANS JÜRGEN TOPF KEEPS THE SHOW BUSINESS CLEAN

Washing clothes of stars involves high stakes. Keeping the show business clean!!! “Rock ‘n’ Roll” Laundry mentions on its website.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LAUNDRY As the world’s top laundry specialist for the show businesses and doing their work impeccably for the last good thirty years, it deserves huge appreciation. Rock ‘n’ Roll is a mobile laundry that caters to the stars. The world’s top specialist for tour laundry, Hans-Jürgen Topf, its founder has travelled with many of the world’s biggest music acts, catering to big-shot artists including Madonna, Pink, and Beyoncé. As tours have become bigger and more professionalized, their logistics have become increasingly daunting. … That’s where Topf’s skills prove why he is the most trusted person when it comes to keeping the stars’ expensive wardrobe shiny clean. SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

THE ‘CLEAN’ PROFILE

Pic:https://www.facebook.com/TheRocknRollLaundry Hans-Jürgen Topf/https://www.musicworksinternational.com

No matter it’s the personal laundry of one single band or it’s an international fame popular artist with a crew of 200 people or it’s about catering to the wardrobe, towels, bed linens of a giant team of event management, festivals, worldwide EXPO or even a World Cup…Rock ‘n’ Roll laundry claims to have done it all with deft professionalism and do it impeccably. Known for their stark clean venues with a van offering to pick up, wash and return the production's clothes, the company maintains a prompt and perfect work system from delivery of washed clothes to keeping the star customers satisfied. Also, the company is known to always return the laundry from luxury couture to daily wear on time! – Sparkling and shining! Neatly folded laundry. People live for their passions. But it’s hard to find someone who is so passionate about his work and Hans is surely passionate about laundry as his work speaks for itself and is appreciated by the who’s who of the world. HANS JÜRGEN TOPF The world's top specialist for tour laundry, Mr. Topf has travelled with many of the world's biggest music acts, including Madonna, Pink, and Beyoncé. He grew up in Ludwigshafen where his parents used to run a laundry business. He wanted to grow in his life, his ambitions were to become a great personality. Initially, he offered to wash the laundry of the artists/ stars who would be coming there for performances. Slowly, it grew into a huge laundry empire catering to all sizes of crews and teams with absolutely no competition.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022

A PIONEER

With time, the audiences, performers to the crew - the tours have become bigger, better organized, and more professional. Their logistics have become increasingly daunting. Hans is a pioneer in providing a super clean laundry service. The big shows of huge stars travel in different continents, at times for several months in a stretch, facing issues like food, clothes, and other random timings. Most of the tour laundry has to be ready quickly on dot time. Hans has developed perfect infrastructures to accomplish all that.

CHALLENGES

Most tour laundry has to be done quickly during tour stops at the local laundromats. At times, the clothes come back wet or soiled, or damaged. This is not a smooth job, but the biggest challenge of doing tour laundry, Mr. Topf explains in one of his interviews to a leading daily that it’s the volume, which can vary unpredictably. On tour, almost every day is on a tight schedule. From washing the performers’ clothes, air-drying with a small fan to taking care of the most soiled garments sprayed with beer, cream, fake blood, etc have to be handled with utmost professionalism.

THE LAUNDRY LIFE

Consistent hoarse sound humming washing machines, dryers blowing with full speed with that chhhrr noise, and piles and piles of clothes…, that’s right, it’s what a laundry room usually looks like. Oh, not so glamorous at all. In one of his interviews with “The New York’s Time”, Hans has said that he loves his laundry life. He is the one who has developed a system for washing massive laundry, especially the tour laundry that of stars and celebrities. In an interview with https://www.spiegel.de/, Hans shares his advantages in the business of laundry, “It’s the total availability of our services around the clock. The work orders are random and quick as many artists are performing. We must be available and ready 24X7 ready with our best services available all the time.” After all, it’s this the magic formula behind the success of Rock ‘N ’Roll laundry which makes them the most trustworthy and sough-after laundry brand in the world of glitzy stars.

SoCultures Jan-Feb 2022