Heroes and Villains: Dissidence in the Middle East

Considering the historical culture of disobedience in the Middle East and the significant actors as superheroes and villains depending on the time and their affiliations. Investigating how the dissident voices are constructed and performed from pre-modern esoteric practices in dervish convents, or coffee houses to print culture and social media in modern times. Discussing major themes such as protest and propaganda, censorship and self-censorship, and surveillance and counter-surveillance through films, poetry, graphic novels, and music.