The concept of Caledoniyya was born during the final year of my doctoral studies in 2007.
Beset by writer’s block, fatigue at the formal drivel of academic writing, and itching to vent my spleen about the various political situations taking place in and around my subject area of Jordan, Caledoniyya proved to be a worthy confidante and the solution to my writing problems.
From time to time I divert from the injustices of this world to indulge in trivialities and personal quirks, such as photography, art, and literature.
However, I pretty soon clamber back onto the soap-box; as a self-confessed lover of all things Middle Eastern, a day passed without commentary and/or observation, is a day misspent.
Accordingly, Caledoniyya welcomes all comments and as censorship remains an oppressive element that I expostulate against, I try to avoid practicing it unnecessarily.
However, objectiveness, fairness, and peaceful constructive comments shall be always be prized above bigotry, fallacy, and propaganda – contributions that shall more often than not fall into the trash can of unwanted expressions.
About Layla
Born: Germany, 1981
Current Location: Britain.
Occupation: Postdoctoral Researcher.
Adorations:
Books, laika, anarcha-feminism, photography, kunafa, Italian movies, strawberry Nesquik, Fairouz, the smell of fresh basil, motorbikes, travel, gypsy punk, Oum Khaltoum, harissa, postcards, snow, calamari, Δημήτρης Μητροπάνος, AEK, Monty Python, farm smells, football, the ocean, did I mention books?
Detestations:
Lists, deadlines, cold, bigotry, arachnids, nosebleeds, slow walkers, loud-chompers, swindlers, cyclists on the road, spitters, Home County Conservatism, slapstick, corned beef, cream, oppression, water chestnuts, and the yellowy liquid that forms on top of yoghurt after 24 hours in the fridge.
a 27 year old Dr of middle east studies..Impressive! I just got chomskey’s book, interesting to see it on your list.
so from the evidence laying around..I gather you’re Armenian?
Oh dear! Ammar, don’t age me prematurely – I shan’t be 27 until the end of November! (Every month counts after the age of 25…)
No, I’m not Armenian – though you’re not the first to assume so!
yeah sorry about that, I passed 27 a few novembers ago so to me thats not so bad!
well my assumption of your Armenian connection was based on the shape of the letters used in one of the posts I saw!
Haha! No, that was probably Greek!
Now why didn’t I think about that? ella!
What a great blog. Much luck to you in your studies.
Hello.. nice blog..
I love your site. I keep linking to it compulsively from ArabComment.com (we highlight cool posts from around the blogosphere), I hope you don’t mind.
Thank you Natalia, that is splendid praise, indeed!
I find this all really interesting. I shall be a keen and frequent reader.
You might be interested in this project
http://www.feminijtihad.webs.com
It is a research initiative into Gender in Islam. We are producing a textbook (manual) on the subject for Afghan women and human rights organisation. We are based in the UK too! Write to me if you are interested!
Hi Natasha – the project does indeed appeal; I shall explore the site further and get back to you!
One of the most inetersting blogs I’ve ever read.
Thank you, Bobby – the compliment is too kind!
Enjoyed your site very much. In another life, I was a missionary whose mission president used to say, “consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” I remember this constantly and was struck by your header.
lovely page – funny y mention to have started Caledoniyya amongst others coz or writing problems. I hate writing and you made me just now realize after one and a half years that this problem got a lot better since I do blog – never figured that out…an I do have to write a lot for work as well, I am a cinematographer, you should think I deal with images, not words, but talking to people about what those images should be like is big part of what I do.
I am born in Germany as well.
7 years before yourself in a lovely town at the Rhine.
And I have never been to Caledonia.
Salams Layla
Allah! A cool blog…with some really great photos.
Thanks Abdur Rahman – your blog is quite inspirational!
Hey just found your blog and i think both harissa and your blog are great.
Thank you, Re Gypsy, you are too kind
Visited you through wordpress recommendation. Great work. Best.
Many thanks for stopping by, Neeraj!
Hi
Is there a way to contact you off-blog?
I’ve just started a blog on the books of Enid Blyton – http://blytonlyobvious.wordpress.com/
Yup, via the box at the base of this page – it directs the message to the private inbox
Great blog! I will continue to check it out!
You have a very interesting blog. Well done and keep it up!