Shemlan

More about the book

Set in the small village of Shemlan, the narrative explores the establishment of the Middle East Centre for Arab Studies (MECAS) in 1947 and its impact on Arab perceptions of Western intentions. While MECAS aimed to educate Westerners about Arab culture and history, it sparked suspicion among Arabs, fueled by its success in training specialists. Despite attracting diplomats and businessmen, financial struggles plagued the center, leading to its untimely decline. The story raises questions about the potential of British initiatives and their failure to thrive.