分类： society

In an unprecedented display of cross-cultural solidarity, the Philippine House of Representatives witnessed a vibrant celebration as female Muslim legislators distributed colorful head veils to their colleagues during the country’s inaugural observance of World Hijab Day on Monday. The main gallery of the congressional chamber transformed into a tapestry of cultural exchange, creating one of the most distinctive expressions of unity in an institution typically characterized by political divisions.

The event marked the Philippines’ first official recognition of World Hijab Day following the passage of Republic Act No. 12224 on June 18, 2025, which designates February 1 annually as the ‘National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire.’ The observance was moved to February 2 this year as February 1 fell on a Sunday, a non-working day.

World Hijab Day, initiated in 2013 by Bangladeshi-New Yorker Nazma Khan, serves as a global movement to promote religious freedom and cultural understanding by inviting women worldwide to experience wearing the hijab for one day. The Philippine celebration saw enthusiastic participation across party lines, with Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Sarah Elago and Makabayan coalition member Renee Co among those who joined in solidarity with Muslim women.

Maguindanao del Norte Representative Sittie Shahara Bai Dimple Mastura, chairperson of the Committee on Muslim Affairs, emphasized the hijab’s significance as an expression of faith, modesty, and cultural identity rather than a basis for discrimination. She highlighted ongoing concerns about discrimination against hijab-wearing women, particularly in educational institutions where some students face restrictions.

Speaker Faustino Dy III underscored the importance of such initiatives, stating, ‘When women are empowered to be fully themselves—without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding—our communities become stronger, more compassionate, and more fair.’ The event represented a significant step toward fostering greater religious understanding in a nation where approximately 80% of the population identifies as Catholic and 6% as Muslim.

The historic Banpu village in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, transformed into a vibrant hub of cross-cultural celebration on February 1st as it welcomed approximately 100 expatriates from nearly 30 countries. The 800-year-old settlement, renowned for its 24 preserved cultural heritage sites from the Ming and Qing dynasties, organized special festivities ahead of the Lunar New Year commencing February 17th.

Participants, primarily comprising faculty, students, and their families from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), were greeted with traditional drum performances and folk dances by local residents. The visitors immersed themselves in the village’s rich history as a former center of water transport while exploring ancient architectural treasures.

The cultural exchange flourished through hands-on culinary experiences where international guests collaborated with villagers in preparing traditional New Year delicacies. Activities included dumpling making, spring roll preparation, and rice cake pounding using traditional techniques. British educator John Burrows, a Ningbo resident since 2016, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with local traditions and strengthen community bonds.

Professor Derek Irwin of applied linguistics at UNNC attempted rice cake pounding and marveled at the villagers’ expertise, noting their remarkable skill and endurance. Following the culinary activities, the expatriates visited residents’ homes to decorate courtyards with festive couplets, red lanterns, and exchange gifts. Burrows shared homemade cookies with hosts, who reciprocated with local snacks and symbolic red envelopes, embodying the spirit of mutual cultural appreciation and friendship.

The aromatic steam of Sichuan peppercorns and simmering meat broths now permeates the air across Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape. Malatang, the customizable Chinese hot pot dish, has transcended its cultural origins to become a gastronomic phenomenon embraced by the city’s multicultural population.

At bustling malatang restaurants throughout Dubai, stainless steel baskets overflow with fresh leafy greens, premium meats, and an assortment of noodles while patrons of Asian, Arab, African, and European backgrounds sit side-by-side. The distinctive sound of clinking chopsticks and forks accompanies lively conversations, creating a unique cross-cultural dining experience that bridges culinary traditions.

This culinary migration represents more than just food trend adoption—it signifies Dubai’s evolving identity as a global gastronomic hub where Eastern and Western flavors converge. The malatang experience, traditionally characterized by its build-your-own bowl concept and numbing-spicy flavor profile, has been adapted to accommodate local tastes while maintaining its authentic Chinese character.

Restaurant owners report consistently growing demand across all demographic groups, with particular popularity among young professionals and families seeking both flavorful and customizable dining options. The dish’s interactive nature and health-conscious preparation—with customers selecting fresh ingredients cooked to order—align perfectly with contemporary dining preferences.

The successful integration of malatang into Dubai’s food scene demonstrates how culinary diplomacy can foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. As Chinese cuisine continues to gain international recognition, malatang stands out as a particularly successful ambassador of China’s rich culinary heritage, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange through shared dining experiences.

In the vast desert landscapes of southwestern Libya, an entire generation of Tuareg people exists in a paradoxical state of belonging without recognition. Indigenous to North Africa and traditionally nomadic across five nations, these communities face systematic exclusion from citizenship despite deep historical roots in Libyan territory.

The administrative nightmare begins at birth for thousands like Abdulbaqi Hamdi, a Tuareg in his early twenties born and raised in Libya yet denied basic documentation. “We have always been on the margins of the state, but we have never been outside our homeland,” Hamdi reflects, capturing the essence of this institutional limbo.

Historical context reveals this predicament stems from decades of political manipulation rather than accident. During Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, many Tuareg families from Mali and Niger settled in southern Libya, fleeing Sahelian droughts and conflicts. They were recruited into military service with promises of naturalization that never materialized—a deliberate strategy of administrative blackmail to maintain control.

The 2011 uprising that toppled Gaddafi worsened their situation dramatically. Tuareg communities faced immediate suspicion due to some members’ involvement in Gaddafi’s army, resulting in double marginalization: first through exploitation by the state, then through stigmatization after its collapse.

Libya’s current political fragmentation between rival governments in Tripoli and Benghazi has created governance vacuums in the Fezzan region, where most Tuareg inhabit areas under military commander Khalifa Haftar’s control. Entire neighborhoods in cities like Sabha and Ubari lack basic infrastructure—nonexistent roads, sanitation networks, and healthcare facilities—functioning as forgotten enclaves.

The legal framework exacerbates this exclusion. Law No. 8 (2014) made the national identification number mandatory for accessing fundamental rights: obtaining passports, voting, owning property, or receiving social assistance. Without this number, Tuareg individuals cannot register marriages, open bank accounts, obtain SIM cards, or even receive death certificates.

Education and healthcare access remain particularly problematic. While children can attend school, they are denied official diplomas. Medical treatment requires navigating complex administrative hurdles that often prove insurmountable.

Human rights activist Majdi Bouhanna estimates between 16,000-17,000 families remain affected, their cases languishing in “provisional” civil registries despite completed legal processes. Contrary to popular belief, this issue impacts indigenous Tuareg alongside those with cross-border histories, reflecting broader systemic failures in civil registration.

The security implications are profound. Marginalized youth, deprived of education and formal employment, increasingly turn to informal economies or armed groups. This creates vulnerability to recruitment by militias and criminal organizations operating in migration and smuggling routes that crisscross the Fezzan region.

Community responses have emerged despite these challenges. Khadidja Andidi, a humanitarian activist in Ubari, established the volunteer center Noor al-Ilm following deadly inter-tribal conflicts in 2014-2015. Her organization provides healthcare, training, and emergency assistance while operating outside official channels due to her own statelessness.

UN reports from 2018 highlight how denial of nationality fuels chronic marginalization, exacerbating conflicts and instability. As Bouhanna emphasizes, “The Tuareg are an integral part of Libya. They have protected its borders and defended the country at every stage of its history.”

With anger mounting and calls for mobilization increasing on social media, experts warn of potential explosion in an already fragile nation. The bureaucratic nightmare surrounding Tuareg and Tebu communities represents not just a human rights crisis, but a critical security vulnerability that demands immediate political resolution.

Newly released aerial cinematography has unveiled the breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry of Guizhou province in Southwest China. The sweeping drone footage provides unprecedented perspectives of the region’s most iconic destinations, capturing everything from the thunderous cascade of Huangguoshu Waterfall to the traditional architecture of Zhaoxing Dong village.

The visual documentation showcases how Guizhou’s unique geographical features and well-preserved ethnic cultures have transformed the province into an increasingly popular destination for domestic and international travelers. The aerial perspective emphasizes the dramatic karst formations, terraced fields, and traditional villages that characterize this mountainous region.

These visually stunning recordings have generated significant attention across social media platforms, with many clips going viral and drawing renewed interest in Guizhou’s tourism offerings. The footage not only highlights natural wonders but also provides glimpses into the daily lives and cultural practices of local communities, particularly the Dong ethnic minority known for their distinctive wooden architecture and cultural traditions.

The timing of this visual promotion aligns with increased domestic travel initiatives and growing interest in China’s diverse regional cultures. By showcasing Guizhou’s attractions from above, the footage offers a comprehensive view of how natural landscapes and human settlements coexist in this topographically diverse province, potentially influencing travel decisions and cultural appreciation among viewers worldwide.

The historic Three Lanes and Seven Alleys district in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, has become the site of an extraordinary cultural exhibition that continues to draw substantial public attention. At the heart of this display lies an astonishing collection of over 160 meticulously sculpted dishes, all crafted entirely from Shoushan stone—a material renowned for its diverse colors and textures.

This remarkable stone feast represents a modern interpretation of the legendary Manchu Han Imperial Feast, historically known as one of China’s most elaborate culinary traditions. The exhibition showcases an impressive range of items, from regional specialties like the iconic Fujian seafood dish “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” to contemporary Western favorites including burgers and french fries. Each piece demonstrates exceptional artistry and attention to detail, with no two items appearing identical in their stone composition.

The creative master behind this ambitious project is Sun Zhaoyong, an officially recognized provincial inheritor of intangible cultural heritage. Born into a family with generations of carving expertise, Sun has dedicated decades to perfecting his craft. His inspiration for this comprehensive stone banquet emerged during the 1990s when he created an exceptionally lifelike blood clam sculpture for his wife. This initial experiment revealed the remarkable potential of Shoushan stone, which offers approximately 200 distinct color variations and textural qualities ideally suited for replicating the visual characteristics of various foods.

The exhibition not only highlights traditional Chinese carving techniques but also demonstrates how ancient art forms can creatively interpret both historical and modern culinary culture. Visitors to the historic district can experience this unique blend of gastronomy and sculpture, which serves as both an artistic achievement and cultural preservation effort.