Kufi Exhibition – Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

5th March-10th May 2016   The Kufi Exhibition held at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, 5th March to 10th May 2016, included a wide range of Arabic, Maghribi and Osmanlica (Ottoman Turkish) Kufi Qu’ranic manuscripts and examples of calligraphy with a particular focus on the how Andalusian Islamic culture influence the wider Islamic world. … Continued

Asfar and Erasmus+ 2015

During 2015, Asfar held its first EU Erasmus+ Youth Exchange programmes. Organising 4 Youth Exchanges activities throughout the year in Istanbul, Turkey; Amman, Jordan; Jerusalem, Israel; and London, UK, providing cultural learning and international opportunities for over 30 young people in 2015: to participate in inter-cultural activities; learn about the EU, citizenship and human rights; … Continued

Erasmus+ Inspire Europe, March 2015

March 2015, saw the first Asfar Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, Inspire Europe, occur in Istanbul, following over 6 months preparation to bring young people aged 18 to 30, together in a unique cultural and learning experience. 20 young people from the UK and Turkey, were able to meet, engage, learn about each other’s’ cultures, develop new … Continued

Editor’s Note – December 2014

Welcome to Asfar’s December 2014 edition of our e-Journal. Our Editors, Writers and Contributors have been working hard over the last 4 months to bring this fascinating edition to all of our readers. With a slightly new look, Asfar’s e-Journal continues to develop in leap and bounds. Asfar’s December 2014 e-Journal, has evolved, unintentionally, into … Continued

Editorial Note, e-Journal July 2014

With further discord occurring within the Middle East, extending and crossing borders and a new chapter in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict upon unfolding, it has never been more important to show and promote the other side of the region: namely the People, as well as its diverse culture, history and geography etc. Living outside of the … Continued

Editorial Note, e-Journal March 2014

Asfar’s e-Journal, voluntary Editors and Contributors continue to dedicate their time, skills and invention to publish a fascinating and unique e-Journal, produced by aspiring writers, thinkers and photographers of the Middle East. This edition sees a range of diverse articles from: Aisa Martinex’s article and photos on Researching dress in Saudia Arabia, edited by Ruby … Continued

Editorial note – December 2013

Since our inaugural edition in December 2012, the editorial team at Asfar have been fortunate to work with a fantastic number of young writers and photographers. This edition of Asfar would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication and we are keen that the growing interest and engagement in the journal can … Continued

Caravans, Yörüks and the Balkar Mountains

When it comes to the last term of the penultimate year, every student is thinking about the topic of their dissertation. The thesis, which will cap off there undergraduate life, and for some will be the foundation of future learning, research and even greatness in their subject of choice. For others it will be just … Continued

Editorial note – August 2013

Over the past year, Asfar’s Editors, Writers, Photographers and Volunteers, have been considering methods of developing Asfar and its’ reach to new participants and audiences in a variety of different ways. And the results of this activity, can be no better seen than in the August 2013 edition of the e-Journal. From a fascinating rhetoric … Continued

Tbilisi and Sumela: diversity and monastic magic

After nearly 11 hours on the road, our inter-city bus rolled up to the outskirts of Tbilisi. Exhausted and disorientated by the strange journey, I was dropped off at the bus station, and took a taxi to Avlabari district, bidding farewell to my fellow passengers. Finding my hotel’s street, at first I was hesitant as … Continued

Editor’s note – April 2013

Asfar’s second e-Journal brings together eighteen unique submissions, by a diverse group of new Writers and Photographers. Since our first e-Journal in December 2012, Asfar has developed rapidly as a voluntary organisation, growing from a team of just 6 volunteer Editors to 17 Editors all charged with an individual country. Thanks to the dedication of … Continued

Ani, the lost capital of the Armenians and the road to Tbilisi

Journey on the Eastern Express I boarded the train at Haydarpaşa station and was directed to my carriage, my home for the next 2 days. Its archaic style, a 1960s Pullman carriage, amused me instantly. With the seating area to the left, which pulled down into beds, a large table incorporating fridge and a sink … Continued

Editor’s Note – December 2012

Asfar was established for two key reasons. First, to promote interest in the Middle East in a full range of subjects, beyond politics and international relations. Second, to encourage aspiring writers; photographers; thinkers; editors; and others to develop their skills and promote their talents on an accessible platform – an online journal. The e-Journal is … Continued

All writers' views in articles are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the AsfarEurope team.

Published by AsfarEurope in London, UK - ISSN 2055-7957 (Online)