Middle Eastern Culture

Hey Balkaneros! I’m so excited to announce that we’ll be dancing the night away once again at **Robert Šoko’s Balkan Beats DJ set**! Before the party, we’ll meet up for a relaxed chat and a drink to get into the vibe together at Eingang Zwei Bar - Mehringdamm 57. 🎟 Grab your tickets here: [https://www.tixforgigs.com/Event/71969](https://www.tixforgigs.com/Event/71969) See you on the dance floor! Ellenit P.S. Don't miss *Balkan Beats — An Oral History,* a must-read for every Balkan music lover! [https://balkanbeats-book.com/](https://balkanbeats-book.com/)

What happens when incense and wine share the same air? In this intimate session, we pair natural incense with selected wines to explore how scent shapes taste, memory, and mood. As incense burns gently in the background, each sip unfolds differently — softer, rounder, more present. This is not a typical tasting, but a ritual of attention, guided slowly and intentionally. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

**Spice & Giggles Night — Hot Wings Eating Competition & Comedy** Come down for a fun night of hot wings, laughs, and questionable life choices. Spice & Giggles Night is a live spicy wings eating competition hosted by comedian Tyrone Stallone, open to anyone brave enough to enter — or happy to watch from a safe distance. Hot wings are also available at the bar all night, so you can go at your own pace. Whether you’re here to compete, cheer on your mates, or just enjoy some wings and a laugh, there’s a spot for you. **Friday 24 April · Göttin der Weisheit, Lenaustraße 5, Neukölln · Doors 7 PM** Free to watch. Open to enter. For all upto date information visit [republicofheat.com](https://republicofheat.com/en) and head to the events page. Republic of heat : [https://republicofheat.com/en](https://republicofheat.com/en) In association with Berlin Chili Festival : [http://berlinchilifest.com/](http://berlinchilifest.com/)

Join us for a utopian game-based workshop where food becomes the starting point to imagine fairer, more connected and more sustainable ways of living. Through shared dishes, conversation, and a collective game, we’ll explore our relationship with food traditions to our local food systems. Together, we’ll reflect, exchange perspectives, and co-create new possibilities for the future. This is a welcoming experience designed for curiosity, connection, and collective imagination. **No previous experience is needed** — just bring yourself as you are. Along the way, you’ll enjoy **organic snacks included** in the experience. **Collaboration:** 25 eur - Includes organic and vegan snacks and facilitation of the game **Language**: English, German, French

Join us for a relaxed evening focused on hanging out and having a good time. We’re getting together to enjoy some ping pong, kicker, darts, and board games in a very casual setting. It doesn't matter if you’re a regular player or have never tried these games before; the night is really just about the social vibe, not how well anyone plays. You’re welcome to jump into a game whenever you like or just grab a seat and chat with others. It's a nice chance to meet some new people and enjoy the evening in a way that’s easygoing and friendly. See you!

**Cuddling as Collective Care – all genders** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Book a Ticket](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/regenerative-touch/w11-2026)** **Member: 15 €** **Regular: 30 €** This Cuddle Puddle offers a safe, consent-based space for people of all genders within the LGBTQIA+ community to experience non-sexual touch, communal connection and rest. Guided exercises support emotional wellbeing, boundaries, and self-awareness. **Cuddle Puddles** are structured, guided spaces where people can experience the benefits of non-sexual touch — such as reduced stress, nervous system regulation, and a deeper sense of belonging. Touch, when consensual and caring, can support emotional resilience and mental health. This **Cuddle Puddle** is open to all genders within the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a space where diverse identities can meet beyond gendered expectations. A non-gender-restricted setting allows for broader empathy, mutual understanding, and connection, while honoring individual boundaries, choice, and safety at all times. **General Information** • This format is for all queer people (LGBTQIA+) interested in experiencing touch in a safe(r) setting. • This is a clothes-on format. • Bring a sheet and towel to cover cushions, mats, or massage tables. • This event will be in English • This event is also available at a reduced member price – but not part of the three-free-monthly-events benefit. • Concession tickets upon written request to **[events@wearevillage.org](mailto:events@wearevillage.org)** **Kuscheln als kollektive Fürsorge – Alle Geschlechter** für **LGBTQIA+** **[Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/regenerative-touch/w11-2026)** **Mitglied: 15 €** **Regulärer Preis: 30 €** Dieser Cuddle Puddle bietet einen sicheren, einvernehmlichen Raum für Menschen aller Geschlechter aus der LGBTQIA+ Community, um nicht-sexuelle Nähe, gemeinschaftliche Verbindung und Entspannung zu erleben. Die angeleitete Erfahrung stärkt emotionales Wohlbefinden, Körperwahrnehmung und klare Grenzen. **Cuddle Puddles** sind angeleitete Räume für bewusste, nicht-sexuelle Berührung, die Stress reduzieren, das Nervensystem regulieren und das Gefühl von Zugehörigkeit stärken können. Konsensuelle Nähe unterstützt emotionale Stabilität und psychische Gesundheit. Diese Cuddle Puddle ist für alle Geschlechter innerhalb der LGBTQIA+ Community geöffnet. Ein nicht-geschlechtergetrennter Raum ermöglicht vielfältige Begegnungen jenseits von Rollenbildern und Erwartungen. So entsteht ein Feld für mehr Empathie, gegenseitiges Verständnis und authentische Verbindung, immer auf Basis von Wahlfreiheit, klaren Grenzen und gegenseitigem Respekt **Was ist Regenerative Berührung?** Regenerative Touch ist ein monatlicher Workshop für Queer People, bei dem wir uns gegenseitig helfen, langsamer zu werden, in unseren Körper zu kommen und in einer unterstützenden und nährenden Umgebung die wohltuende Wirkung von regenerativer Berührung erkunden. Berührung, die im täglichen Leben oft übersehen wird, ist ein grundlegendes menschliches Bedürfnis. In diesen Workshops schaffen wir einen Raum, der ausschließlich ihrer regenerativen und heilenden Kraft gewidmet ist, frei von romantischen oder sexuellen Konnotationen. Berührung kommuniziert direkt und erreicht Orte, die Worte nicht erreichen können. Hast du jemals die beruhigende Wirkung einer warmen Umarmung oder einer tröstenden Hand auf deiner Schulter erlebt? Selbst ein kurzes 15-minütiges Handhalten kann zu einer signifikanten Senkung der Herzfrequenz und des Blutdrucks führen und eine starke Entspannungsreaktion signalisieren. Eine einfache 20-sekündige Umarmung kann zu höheren Oxytocinspiegeln führen, dem Hormon, das mit Bindung und Vertrauen verbunden ist. Jeden Monat wird unser trauma-sensitiver Moderator den Abend um Themen wie Präsenz, Regulierung des Nervensystems und emotionale Sicherheit gestalten und sich auf praktisches Erleben anstatt auf zu viele Worte oder Techniken konzentrieren. Es sind keine Vorkenntnisse in Körperarbeit erforderlich – bring einfach deine Neugier mit. **Vorteile** – Erfahre eine Verringerung von Angstzuständen und Depressionen sowie eine erhöhte emotionale Widerstandsfähigkeit durch beruhigende, achtsame Berührung. – Kultiviere wertschätzende Anwesenheit und tiefere Verbindungen zu dir selbst und anderen. – Unterstütze die Heilung von Traumata und setze in einer sicheren, nährenden Umgebung Emotionen frei. – Verbessere deine Stimmung und deine Immunfunktion, indem du Stress reduzierst und Endorphine freisetzt. – Fördere ein Gefühl von Gemeinschaft und Zugehörigkeit durch gemeinsame, nonverbale Erfahrungen. – Ermutige tieferes Mitgefühl und Akzeptanz durch sanften, unterstützenden Kontakt.

**Village Heart Circle** hosted by **Marco Astolfi** & **Torsten Bless** for **GBTQ men\*** **[free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/shop/heart-circle/w17-2026)** Are you looking for a space where you can express your feelings and share your experiences in a loving and supportive community of GBTQ men\*? In this circle we can sit together peacefully to speak from the heart and listen with our hearts, honouring the different ways from which we come in a safe and non-judgemental space, honouring the different ways from which we come in a safe and non-judgemental space. The Heart Circle is a practice originated by Native Americans and adopted by the Radical Faeries to build community. **General Information** We open the doors at 7:30 p.m. To protect the integrity of the Heart Circle, we ask that you arrive before 8:00 p.m. **Language**: This event will be in German and/or English depending on participant needs. 🔵 Suchst du nach einem Ort, an dem du deine Gefühle und Erfahrungen teilen kannst, in einer unterstützenden Gemeinschaft von schwulen, bisexuellen, trans und queeren Männern\*? Der Kreis ist ein Ort, an dem wir friedlich zusammensitzen, aus dem Herzen sprechen und mit dem Herzen zuhören können. Ein Ort, an dem wir die unterschiedlichen Lebensumstände, aus denen wir kommen, respektieren, ohne zu urteilen. Der Heart Circle ist eine Praxis, die von den Ureinwohnern Nordamerikas stammt und von den Radical Faeries übernommen wurde, um Gemeinschaft zu bilden. **Hinweise** Wir öffnen die Türen um 19.30 Uhr. Um die Unversehrtheit des Heart Circles zu bewahren, bitten wir dich, vor 20:00 Uhr zu erscheinen. **Sprache**: Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe werden wir Deutsch und/oder Englisch sprechen.

Bengali New Year Celebration Step into a new year, Bengali style 🌿✨ Pohela Boishakh marks the Bengali New Year—a celebration of renewal, simplicity, community, and food that is deeply rooted in tradition. This evening is an invitation to experience that spirit in an intimate, thoughtfully curated supper club setting. If you’re new to Bengali cuisine, this is a beautiful place to begin. The menu will center around bhorta—a traditional style of preparing food where vegetables, seeds, and herbs are gently mashed together with mustard oil, spices, and care. It’s humble, soulful, and incredibly expressive of Bengali home cooking. This edition will be fully vegetarian, highlighting the diversity and depth of plant-based dishes in Bengali culture. Each preparation carries a story- of seasonality, resourcefulness, and the art of making something extraordinary from simple ingredients. The full menu will be shared a few days before the event. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you thoughtfully. ✨ What to expect: – A curated cultural dining experience – A chance to learn about Bengali New Year traditions – Warm, communal seating and storytelling through food – A slower, more intentional way to connect over a meal 💳 Contribution: 29.90€ per person Come as you are, bring your curiosity,and celebrate new beginnings with us. If you feel a bit unsure, you can check our instagram account for past event photos to get a feel -> [https://www.instagram.com/appayonberlin?igsh=d3ZjcnFteG10cWZz&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/appayonberlin?igsh=d3ZjcnFteG10cWZz&utm_source=qr)

📚 **Berlin Arabic Book Club – Weekly Meetup** Join us for our weekly book discussion. Whether you're reading a novel in Arabic, a memoir in English, or a philosophical essay in German, you're welcome to bring it and share a few thoughts. Each session is relaxed, with no required reading — just bring a book you’re currently into or one you’ve read and want to talk about. ### 🔸 What to Expect: * We gather, grab coffee or tea ☕, and introduce ourselves. * Each member briefly talks about their book (any language is fine: Arabic, English, or German). * We open the floor for conversation, questions, or thoughts sparked by the books. * Cultural exchange is encouraged! ### 🔸 What to Bring: * A book you're reading or one you'd love to talk about. * An open mind and curiosity. **اللقاء الأسبوعي لنادي الكتاب العربي في برلين** انضموا إلينا في لقاءنا الأسبوعي في مقهى **دندنة** الدافئ! سواء كنت تقرأ رواية بالعربية، أو مذكرات بالإنجليزية، أو مقالة فلسفية بالألمانية — فأنت مرحب بك لتشارك ببعض الأفكار عنها. اللقاء غير رسمي، ولا توجد قراءة إلزامية — فقط احضر كتابًا تقرأه حاليًا أو كتابًا أحببته وتود الحديث عنه. ### 🔸 ماذا تتوقّع؟ * نبدأ بالتعارف وطلب القهوة أو الشاي ☕. * يشارك كل عضو نبذة عن كتابه (أي لغة مرحّب بها: العربية، الإنجليزية، أو الألمانية). * نفتح المجال للنقاش والأسئلة وتبادل الأفكار المستوحاة من الكتب.

**Relax. Connect. Create. ☕** After a full week of work, meetings, study sessions and life in fast-forward, it’s time to slow down. Join us this Saturday afternoon in Berlin for a relaxed coffee hang-out where this week's agenda is good company & warm drinks. You're also invited to bring some boardgames, drawing/coloring materials (I will bring an adult coloring book) **What’s the plan?** We’ll meet in a cosy spot, draw, chat about everything and nothing, swap stories and simply enjoy the moment. No pressure. No formalities. Just a bunch of friendly people sharing a Saturday coffee. **Who’s welcome?** Everyone! Whether you’re a Berliner born and raised, newly arrived in the city, from Germany or abroad, if you like meeting open-minded folks and spending some relaxed time—come join us. **When & how?** Saturday afternoon. Detailed time and place in our Telegram group. ➡️ Join us on Telegram: [https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee](https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee) Hop in, say hello, and we’ll share the final details. **Why join?** * Because you deserve a break. * Because you enjoy being creative. * Because you enjoy boardgames * Because meeting new people sparks fresh energy. * Because coffee tastes even better when shared. * Because Saturday afternoons were made for this. Respect and Safety: There is always at least one organizer present at every meetup. If you ever feel unsafe or bothered by someone’s behavior, you can reach out to an organizer privately. Your identity will remain confidential, your concern will be taken seriously, and no inappropriate behavior is tolerated — anyone making others feel uncomfortable will be removed from the group immediately. We hope to see you there. Bring yourself, your smile, drawing materials, your stories—or just your comfy self. Let’s make Saturday a little more laid-back, a little more social and a lot more nice. See you soon! —Your Saturday Creative Coffee Crew ☕

### About this Event Weekends in Berlin are for slowing down. Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to the city, or are just passing through, come join us for a caffeine-fueled afternoon! The goal is simple: **Good coffee and even better conversations.** No forced networking, no strict agendas—just a relaxed group of people enjoying a break from the city hustle. ### Why join us? * **Meet Locals & Expats:** Expand your social circle in a low-pressure environment. * **Discover Berlin’s Cafe Scene:** We’ll explore one of the city's many cozy hidden gems. * **Perfect Weekend Kickoff:** It’s the best way to transition from your Saturday errands into the evening. We meet at W66. A cafe at Leipziger Straße! Looking forward to seeing you all there and sharing a slice of cake! 🍰☕

Merhabalar, **26 Nisan Pazar 15:00**'da buluşuyoruz. Mekan [März Bar](https://www.maerzberlin.de/). İçeride rahat berjer koltukların olduğu bir oda var, girince solda. **[Schönhauser Allee ringbahn](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oWVqcXtfZM5q69yN9)** durağına yakın, Stargarder üzerinde. Ulaşımın Ring Bahn (S41 ya da S42) ile kolay olacağını düşünüyorum. Her zamanki etkinlik formatı ve tanıtımı aşağıda: **Önemli Not**: Mekanda sınırlı sayıda koltuk olduğu için genelde 8-9 kişi ile sınırlıyoruz etkinliği. **Eğer gelemeyeceksiniz en azından bir gün önceden meetup'taki etkinlik sayfasında etkinlikten kendinizi çıkartmayı unutmayın**. Böylece Pazar günü gelebilecek kişiler kendilerini ekleyebilirler Açık kitap kulubü formatında buluşacağız, detaylar aşağıda, görüşmek üzere! * **Kitap kulübü "açık" formatta. Yani** **belirli bir kitap üzerinden değil**, katılımcıların o sıralarda okudukları ya da bitirdiği bir kitap üzerine paylaşımda bulundukları daha geniş katılımı mümkün kılan bir format. * Kulübü **kurmaca kitaplar kategorisi ile sınırlı tutuyoruz**. **Kurmaca kitaplar kategorisi şunlardan ibarettir: roman, öykü ve şiir. Yani edebi eserler**. Otobiyografi, kişisel gelişim kitapları ya da sosyoloji, psikoloji vs. kitapları kurmaca değildir. * **Kulüpteki Türkçe vurgusu konuşma dili için**. Kitaplar elbette herhangi bir dünya edebiyatına ait olabilir. Herhangi bir dilde de okunabilir. Yine de misafirlerin ana dili ya da ona yakın seviyede Türkçe bildiğini, ortak paydasının Türkçe edebiyat okuru olmak olduğunu varsayıyorum. Herhangi bir ulusa ya da etnisiteye ait olmak değil.

Love rasam? The sound of tadka? The crunch of a papad or curry leaves popping in ghee? Or just in a mood to try something new? ***Then this brunch has your name on it.* 😉** What are we eating? **Firsts** - *Masala Chai & Podi Aloo Cones* **Slow** - *Paniyaram & Gunpowder Butter Sambar* **Crunch** - *Rasam Caviar topped on Rice Papad* **To share** - *Ragi Uttapam Canapes with Chutney Trio* **Mainstay** - *Malabar Parotta & Vegetable Kurma* **Last Bite** - *Rava Kesari* **Contribution : *€35 per person*.** We'll get in touch with you soon after your registration, keep an eye on your DM's. :)

Personalize your bag or keys with unique charms made from colorful beads, ribbons, charms, clasps and fun accessories. Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee, chat with fellow creators, and let your imagination unfold in a warm, inviting space—no experience required I'll guide you step-by-step: from designing your charm to assembling and finishing it so it lasts. Come solo or with a friend; it's the perfect low-key Saturday to unwind, connect, and leave with 1-2 handmade pieces you'll love attaching to your everyday bag. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your style while enjoying music, laughs, and a creative break from the week. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

Join us for a fun Dinner & a Movie event as we get together to see MICHAEL + Dinner at CAP City! The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) as the King of Pop! Early buzz is strong for what should be an excellent musical-biopic! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This biographical musical drama follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career! Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) stars in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw) MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 3:35pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 3:10 and 3:20pm. Tickets already on sale and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie (around 6pm) at nearby CAP City Fine Diner! Seating is limited for the dinner portion of this event, so separate RSVP required. If you plan to join for Dinner AND the movie, please be sure to RSVP in both places. CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan