Tunis

After a decade of war and conflict, a group of creative peacemakers from Libya convenes in Tunis to explore reconciliation through artistic and creative ventures, including a dialogue with Yo-Yo Ma about peace and cultural diversity. Video capture of the workshops will be used to promote ongoing peace initiatives in Libya. In partnership with the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Libyan Peacemaker Network, and the European Union.

Craft is an essential part of Tunisian culture, its history, and its future. After a conversation with at-risk youth about their hopes for their future, silk weaver Abdennebi Chentouri, shoemaker Souhail Fitouri, book binder Mohamed Ben Sassi, and calligrapher Saber Akili welcome Yo-Yo into their studios and shops in the historic Medina to explore the beauty and history of each other’s crafts. Following the visits, third- and fourth-generation artisans gathered by social enterprise Blue Fish join Yo-Yo Ma in one of the Medina’s restored courtyards to practice calligraphy.

Artisans, urban revivalists, and scholars gather for a discussion with Yo-Yo about the importance of culture in establishing belonging and the next generation’s investment in Tunisia. Featuring Tunisian visual artist Sonia Kallel and urbex photographer Mourad Ben Cheikh Ahmed, the conversation highlights the work of craft workers who are vital to the preservation and restoration of Tunisia’s material culture and architectural history and the creation of a shared “story of home.” Hosted by the Harvard Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Tunis.

The day ends on a traditional Medina rooftop with a collective meditation on past and future overlooking the city. As the sun sets on the Medina, Tunis, and North Africa, second-generation musical legend Sabry Mosbah and his trio perform for the afternoon’s participants, including a special collaboration between Sabry Mosbah and Yo-Yo Ma. Just before the Magrib sundown prayer, poet Zina Ben Ammar presents reflections on Tunisia’s cultural future. The day ends in darkness with the promise of tomorrow.