In this episode of the afikra podcast, we explore the hidden histories and vibrant culture of the Syrian colony of New York with Linda K. Jacobs. With a personal connection that spans generations, Jacobs offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Syrian immigrants who settled in Lower Manhattan, forming what was once known as "Little Syria." From their early struggles to their contributions to American society, this discussion sheds light on a significant, yet often overlooked, chapter of American history.
0:00 Introduction
01:24 Linda's Connection to the New York Syrian Colony
04:33 Understanding the Term "Colony"
06:20 Life on 25 & 27 Washington Street
07:29 Navigating the Absence of the 1890 Census
10:50 The First Syrian Family in the United States
16:03 Impact of Kawkab America
19:13 "Social Geography" of Little Syria
25:05 Economic Contributions of Lebanese-Syrian Immigrants
26:02 The Economic Evolution of the Colony
30:53 The Tale of George Forzly & Co Bankers
32:23 Syrian-American Trade Relations
34:35 Syrians Stepping Into Political Life
36:40 The Story of Naguib Arbeely
40:10 Between American and Ottoman Citizenship
42:08 Quick Q&A with Linda Jacobs
45:37 Audience Q&A: Early Palestinian Community in New York
48:36 Syrian Cultural & Literary Productions
51:00 Sectarian Dynamics and 20th Century Immigration
Linda K Jacobs is a scholar with deep roots in the Syrian-American community, who holds a PhD in Near Eastern Archaeology and Anthropology. She has dedicated her career to shedding light on the Syrian colonies in the United States, drawing from her unique family history as a descendant of the New York Syrian Colony. Through her books and advocacy, Jacobs strives to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Middle Eastern Americans.
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 spoti.fi/47I59ns
Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 / mikey_mu
FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast...
» Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1...
» Anghami: play.anghami.com/podcast/1014...
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: • 🎙️ The afikra Podcast
ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region - past, present and future - through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: / afikra_
🔗 Facebook: / afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: / afikra
#NewYorkSyrianColony #LindaKJacobs #MiddleEasternCulture #AmericanHistory #ImmigrantStories #CulturalHeritage #SyrianAmerican #HistoricalResearch #CulturalPreservation #NewYorkHistory