Overwhelmed as we are with dramatic information, made inescapable with 24 hour digital media, we look for some understanding of the Middle East; its history, current situations and the way forward. Philosophy, Art and Food - next to disciplines relating to politics, religion and history - offer insight at different levels. This event offered an opportunity to appreciate and comprehend the Middle East and its society with a platform that brings together artists, academics, professionals and local people, including Syrian new Scots. Chair: Lynn Rutter9.30 am            Mint Tea10.00 am          Manaf Halbouni / Artist Talk. In conversation with Claudia Zieske
10.30 am          What If? Film Screening 1
11.00 am          Hayat and Soubie Shahoud(Syrian new Scots) / Personal Story. In conversation with Katie Maclean
11.30 am          Prof Paul Starkey / History of the Middle East: how we got to where we are now.
12.00 pm          Munir Emikdeh / Law and Order: a human rights perspective. In conversation with Lynn Rutter
12.30 pm          Lunch / Middle Eastern soup
1.30 pm            What if? Film Screening 2
2.00 pm            Wafa Khalfan / Women and Gender in modern Middle East. In conversation withFiona Wilson
2.30 pm            Dured Alhalbe / Personal Story in conversation with Jordan Gillespie
3.00 pm            Imam Ibrahim / Islam, Ramadan, Mosques and Qur’an in Syria and Aberdeen. In conversation with Donald Boyd3.30pm             Discussion over mint tea and traditional Syrian sweets