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The first caravans were trade expeditions that followed the Silk Road and traversed deserts connecting Eastern and Southern Asia with Europe and North Africa. The caravan travelers banded together for companionship and protection because their camels often carried fine silks, expensive jewelry, rare spices and other valuable items. Each caravan depended on a leader, a well-travelled guide to choose the best routes and navigate safe passage to the markets and trading posts awaiting their arrival.

Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet envisions a modern cultural caravan in which the finest artists of the Muslim world journey across the deserts that currently divide us with gifts of peace, music, stories and fellowship to share with American communities. Guiding this modern arts caravan is Caravanserai’s Artistic Director, Zeyba Rahman. 

Her eclectic resume of creating dynamic music and performing arts experiences in countries and festivals around the world makes her a natural choice to cultivate Caravanserai’s artistic vision. Whether it be serving as the North America and Asia Director for the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, curating high-profile world music celebrations for the United Nations, serving as the Chairwoman of the World Music Institute, or lending her leadership to the Muslim Voices Arts & Ideas Festival, Zeyba’s journey has been dedicated to broadening cultural horizons through shared artistic experiences. Please enjoy this video interview with Caravanserai’s Artistic Director Zeyba Rahman as she guides you through her vision of the contemporary global arts caravan.