[Originally published on June 11 2018; updated on June 15 2019] Anthony Bourdain was a a gracious and insightful observer of people everywhere. As a digital scholarship initiative focusing on Islamic studies, we are leaving our comfort zone slightly to pay tribute to Anthony Bourdain. We created this page to highlight his experiences and writings on the Middle East and Muslim contexts, a region and peoples often misrepresented in the broader media and society.
If there are other pages and sources that should be included, please comment on our Twitter (@themaydan) or Facebook pages or send an email to info@themaydan.com.
Anthony Bourdain’s Notes from the Middle East and Muslim World
Anthony Bourdain showed the Middle East I know and love
The Washington PostRania Abouzeid, an Australian-Lebanese journalist, writes of Bourdain’s open-mindedness and acceptance of different cultures and countries, including Beirut, Lebanon.
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How Anthony Bourdain Helped Humanize the Muslim Community
VarietyAccording to Sue Obeidi of the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Hollywood Bureau, Anthony Bourdain’s travels programs provided an unfiltered, genuine glimpse into the lives and communities of people in “the shadows,” including Muslim peoples, a much appreciated contrast to common media portrayals.
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How Lebanon Transformed Anthony Bourdain
The AtlanticAnthony Bourdain had been in Lebanon in 2006 the moment violence broke out yet remained in the region and continued shooting for his documentary piece. He returned after his first experience in Beirut, learning a new way to make conversation and explore culture.
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Middle East remembers celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain
AlarabyThe people of Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Palestine grieve over the death of Anthony Bourdain.
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Anthony Bourdain shone a different light on the Middle East
CNNCNN covers Anthony Bourdain’s work around the world, highlighting some of his most memorable visits in the Middle East.
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What Anthony Bourdain meant to his fans in the Middle East
The NationalTributes from around the world came pouring in after the news of Anthony Bourdain’s death spread. Fans from Palestine also expressed their gratitude and grief for Bourdain.
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Tributes pour in for celebrity chef and writer Anthony Bourdain
Al JazeeraFans of Anthony Bourdain express their gratitude toward Bourdain for his compassionate work and outlook on different cultures and regions that are often overlooked and misunderstood.
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Brash, Swashbuckling, and Humane—Remembering Anthony Bourdain
Mother Jones“And that brings me to the second reason I loved Bourdain’s work: He used the enormous reach and cachet he amassed to stick up for the marginalized and poke the eyes of celebrated goons—from Batali to former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.”
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Anthony Bourdain Reveals the City You Should Visit Right Now
The ThrillistBourdain says that people around the world should visit Beirut for its delicious food and unique culture.
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Parts Unknown's Punjab Episode: Just the One-Liners
EaterAnthony Bourdain visited Punjab and appreciated not only the flavorful food, but also the culture and landscapes.
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Anthony Bourdain explains the Israel-Palestine conflict through food
The Washington PostAnthony Bourdain explores and shares the complex conflict between Palestine and Israel through food, knowing that his take on this situation would bring in criticism no matter what he says.
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Anthony Bourdain: The Post-Election Interview
EaterBourdain shares his thoughts on Trump’s America and the continuation of being fearful of the Other.
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What Anthony Bourdain Didn’t Eat in Israel
HaaretzJournalist Liz Steinberg provides a list of restaurants that Anthony Bourdain could have visited in an episode nearly devoid of food.
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Anthony Bourdain Really, Really Hated Henry Kissinger
SlateIn his book, Anthony Bourdain wrote his personal opinions on Henry Kissinger, stating that Kissinger should not be treated with any respect.
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Bourdain in Beirut during 2006 deadly attacks
Anthony Bourdain details hashish in Morocco (Parts Unknown)
Israel: Anthony Bourdain has traditional Palestinian meal (Parts Unknown, Jerusalem)