{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafikra.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Fmuhsin-almusawi-qwMgOcU0","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"1001 Nights, the Arab Novel & the Age of Decay That Never Was | Prof. Muhsin al-Musawi","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/1ce0a58c-3e05-4d4b-a2e7-f3ffb869b215/29decdd8-9ed2-413f-87ee-5362994ea4a1/the_afikra_podcast.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/dfe4e042-c728-4094-bac6-40e08fe75576\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"1001 Nights, the Arab Novel &amp; the Age of Decay That Never Was | Prof. Muhsin al-Musawi\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"Arabic culture and literature hold a vastly rich classical history that continues to captivate scholars and readers worldwide. Renowned literary critic and Columbia University professor, Dr. Muhsin Al-Musawi, explores the depths of this heritage, from the global allure of the Arabian Nights to the historical dynamic of Baghdad's intellectual hubs. The discussion delves into how translation served as a window between cultures, the contested notion of an age of decay, and the brilliant prose of modern artists like Jabra Ibrahim Jabra. Reflecting on his own career of writing out of love and devotion rather than mere scholarship, Dr. Al-Musawi critiques how literary prizes can drive trendy imitation instead of a genuinely creative mind."}