“Middle Eastern politics is a central topic in discussions of international affairs, but the region’s cultures are less known, even hidden,” said Dr Mark Perry, Assistant Professor of UIC’s General Education Office, at his talk tracing the main themes of urban cultural life in the Middle East on 4 November.
He told the audience that the Middle East actually encompasses Western Asia and some parts of Northern Africa, and it is changing with its cultural and religious influence.
His talk focused on the rapid changes in daily life like food, education, popular art and family matters. He also gave his thinking on the effects of globalisation in the region.
Dr Mark Perry has a PhD in the history of culture from the University of Chicago. He lived and worked in Beirut, Lebanon, for ten years, and also spent time in Israel, Syria, Egypt and Turkey.
Reporter: Sean Chung (IJ, Year Two)
Photographer: Lin Miao (IJ, Year Two)
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
