A new exhibition at the New York Public Library explores the rich and often overlooked history of Middle Eastern and North African communities in New York City. Spanning from the mid-19th century to the present, the show features artifacts and stories that highlight the contributions and experiences of immigrants from the region. Visitors can view items such as a video interview with Edward Said, photographs of Yemeni bodega owners, and writings from the early 20th-century Arab literary society known as the Pen League. The exhibition also delves into the history of Little Syria, once a vibrant neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, and showcases the impact of performers, publishers, and activists from the Middle East and North Africa.

Highlights include the story of Christopher Oscanyan, an Armenian Christian who challenged stereotypes of the Ottoman Empire, Moroccan acrobats who performed in New York, and the Lebanese American dancer Ibrahim Farrah, who helped document and teach Middle Eastern dance traditions. The exhibition also traces the rise of Arabic-language newspapers and record labels, reflecting the community's cultural and entrepreneurial spirit. Through these stories, the show underscores the enduring presence and influence of Middle Eastern and North African New Yorkers, and their role in broader transnational conversations.