Glossary
al-Azhar al-Sharif University: A central Islamic university, known around the world
Asr: the afternoon prayer in Islam
Bandar: “the world of civilisation and luxury”
Basbusa: Middle Eastern semolina cake
Effendi: a Turkish title of respect
Esha: the nighttime prayer in Islam
Farquilla: a whip made of plaited rope and an iron handle
Fatiha: the first surat or chapter of the Quran, traditionally recited in Muslim families in Egypt to bless an engagement before it is formalised
Fatta: a dish prepared using bread soaked in soup with rice on top
Fiseekh: a salted, fermented fish
Ful: fava beans, or a dish made using fava beans
Ghazal poets: poets who write secular love poetry
Haseera cheese: cottage cheese made using a suspended straw mat
Hattat, plural of hatta: a form o
