Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Andrew Simon

@simongandrew.bsky.social

2.7K followers 330 following 730 posts

Historian of media, pop culture, and the Middle East; senior lecturer @dartmouth; author of "Media of the Masses: Cassette Culture in Modern Egypt"; founder of “Ideas to Ink”; andrewgsimon.com

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Feb 7

I never had the chance to meet Ahmad Adawiya, but I felt like I lost a friend when the artist recently passed. In this essay, I reflect on what he meant to me and many others. I hope it serves as a small testament to his immense impact and the obstacles he overcame. newlinesmag.com/essays/the-m...

The Making and Mourning of Ahmad Adawiya, a Musical Legend

The singer was banned from the airwaves, but the humble cassette allowed him to circumvent the rules and sell directly to his audience

newlinesmag.com

1 6 16

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 2d

Very much looking forward to this conference!

1 4

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 6d

Life Goal Accomplished: Become a Hakawati! So looking forward to this evening of songs and storytelling in NYC!

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 13d

An exciting opportunity for Middle East historians at MIT!

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 14d

When a reviewer wishes your book was longer 🙏

Reposted by Andrew Simon

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 21d

The fall term is officially underway and I found this note in my mailbox, from a former student, on the first day of it. Messages like this one mean so much.

1 4

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 21d

The fall term is officially underway and I found this note in my mailbox, from a former student, on the first day of it. Messages like this one mean so much.

1 4

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 21d

“The Message,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, is now available in Arabic!

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 24d

Yale's Council on Middle East Studies Fall Colloquium Series has been announced!

1 3

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 25d

An important “staff pick” at the local bookstore: Omar El Akkad’s “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This”

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 28d

Well this upcoming @afikra.bsky.social event in Abu Dhabi looks awesome!

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 28d

Honored to have my book on display at the Baghdad International Book Fair! 📚

Reposted by Andrew Simon

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 29d

Last night, I met up to play pickleball with some friends, who, unbeknownst to me, brought copies of my book to the courts. After our matches ended, the sun set, and the lights went out, they asked me to sign them, turning on the flashlight feature on their phones. A moment I won't soon forget.

1 5

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 29d

1 5

Reposted by Andrew Simon

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 9

Arabic music in Astoria!

Bodega Pop @bodegapop.bsky.social · Sep 8

Made a poster for Sunday's event. Come see & hear me sling a few dozen Arabic bangers & novelty 45s at my local record store this coming Sunday maybe we can share a beverage or something

1 3

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 9

Arabic music in Astoria!

Bodega Pop @bodegapop.bsky.social · Sep 8

Made a poster for Sunday's event. Come see & hear me sling a few dozen Arabic bangers & novelty 45s at my local record store this coming Sunday maybe we can share a beverage or something

1 3

Reposted by Andrew Simon

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 8

A great opportunity for Middle East scholars looking to workshop their first book.

2 9 5

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 8

To learn more: pomeps.org/pomeps-junio...

Call for Proposals: POMEPS Junior Scholar Book Development Workshops 2025-2026 - Project on Middle East Political Science

The Project on Middle East Political Science is pleased to call for proposals for the POMEPS Junior Scholar Book Development Workshops to be held in a virtual format throughout the academic year 2025-...

pomeps.org

1 1

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 8

A great opportunity for Middle East scholars looking to workshop their first book.

2 9 5

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 8

A new call for papers concerning public history in the Middle East! For more information on this conference, which will take place in Qatar: www.qnl.qa/en/programs-...

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 4

4 years ago, I proposed on this beach. This morning, I went on my first real run, at sunrise, since tearing my Achilles tendon. 3 miles! There’s something special about this coastline.

Reposted by Andrew Simon

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 3

When and where can I watch this film?

4 10

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 3

When and where can I watch this film?

4 10

Reposted by Andrew Simon

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 2

A new poster for the first college course I ever taught.

1 5

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Sep 2

A new poster for the first college course I ever taught.

1 5

Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · Aug 29

What can tomatoes teach us about the past? This new culinary history of Egypt with @ucpress.bsky.social sounds fascinating.

Anny Gaul @annygaul.bsky.social · Aug 27

Introducing NILE NIGHTSHADE: AN EGYPTIAN CULINARY HISTORY OF THE TOMATO, coming this October from @ucpress.bsky.social. Read on for details about a preorder promotion I'm running to raise money for mutual aid, a zine giveaway, and a preview of the book. 🧵: (1/9)

Cover of the book Nile Nightshade with the title and author name (Anny Gaul) against a dark background with at least seven beautifully lusciously red drawn tomatoes with their vines and leaves