Deira’s visual universe was developed using a research-based approached. This glossary provides a glimpse into the foundational pillars that directed this journey, providing insight into the rich history and meanings of the images and symbols that orbit the visual universe of DEIRA.
2048
2048 is described as Saint Levant as “the north star.” It is the forward looking & optimistic future for a liberated Palestine and unified world. The name is inspired by a book of short stories titled Palestine +100 edited by Basma Ghalayini that asks twelve Palestinian writers what the country might look like in 2048 – a century after the tragedies and trauma of the Nakba.
Saint Levant wanted to reimagine this not-so-distant future in his own terms, and all that he does is contributing to this journey.
THE JOURNEY TO DEIRA
Beginning in displacement and exile, reaching Deira is a journey that begins with a call to a distant home—a telephone, a postcard—until a map of return is found, which listeners are invited to embark on. Guided by travel motifs like DEIRA airline tags and luggage labels, which represent the beginning of a return, you undergo a transformation marked by longing, loss, and importantly, an optimistic determination to reach home.
Upon arriving at your destination, you will find the white & terracotta doors which bear Deira’s insignia, where return to a reimagined Palestine is actualized. From here, we invite you to step into the enchanting world of Deira Hotel, where the story of Palestine unfolds in every room and corridor.
Deira’s lobby is a tapestry of tradition, adorned with Palestinian motifs The staff, draped in Deira merchandise, welcomes you with robes and gift baskets. As you continue through the hotel there is the Deira book shop – a sanctuary of nostalgia, filled with vintage cassettes, vinyl records, and the Deira music magazine, narrating the story through Saint Levant’s melodies.
Continuing from here, you discover Rashid’s a café, bar, and lounge where music bridges worlds. Malak Mattar’s art adorns the walls. The atmosphere is surreal, an alternate universe of dancing and camaraderie, where cigars and pipes rest beside Deira matchboxes. This cafe represents SL’s live show, a jazz cafe where the audience is not only spectators but active participants in a narrative that transcends boundaries.
In the heart of Hotel Deira, dreams don’t just exist—they come to life. This is more than a dreamscape; it’s a haven where collective resistance prevails, breaking the shackles of exile. Here, return isn’t a mere symbol; it’s a tangible reality, bringing freedom for Palestine within reach.
The Deira Hotel isn’t merely a place to stay; it’s a celebration of Palestinian steadfastness and strength.
With each step, every emotion, and every shared moment, the narrative of Deira unfurls—a beacon of hope marking the path to a liberated Palestine. Welcome to the Deira Hotel, a space where all the displaced come to heal, love, and radically imagine a future where 2048 is not only achievable but very much a reality.
JAFFA ORANGES
Jaffa oranges, originating from the 19th century in Jaffa, Palestine, were renowned for their sweetness and thick skin, making them ideal for export. Historically significant, these oranges symbolized prosperity and were a major agricultural product for Palestinian farmers. Post-1948 Nakba, Jaffa oranges took on a deeper meaning in Palestinian culture, embodying loss and displacement as depicted in Ghassan Kanafani’s literature, particularly symbolizing the uprooted lives and abandoned orchards in his works. Today, Jaffa oranges remain a poignant reminder of Palestinian heritage and the enduring connection to the land.
TATREEZ
Tatreez is the art of Palestinian embroidery, a skill handed down through generations of women, each region featuring distinctive styles that narrate different aspects of Palestinian life. This embroidery, rich in motifs from nature and geometric patterns, is primarily found on traditional thobes. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, tatreez is a vibrant expression of identity, history, and the artistic legacy of Palestinian women.
THE KEFFIYEH
The keffiyeh, also spelled kuffiya, is a traditional square-shaped cotton headdress characterized by its distinctive checkered pattern, widely worn in the Arab world primarily for protection against the sun. Originating as a practical garment, the keffiyeh gained significant political symbolism during the Arab Revolt against British colonial rule in the 1930s. The black-and-white variant is particularly emblematic of Palestinian identity, symbolizing the struggle for self-determination, justice, and freedom. This association was further popularized by the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who often wore it folded in a triangle and draped over his head and shoulders. The patterns on the keffiyeh also hold meaning: olive leaves represent perseverance and resilience; fishnet patterns echo the connection of Palestinian fishers to the Mediterranean Sea; and bold lines reflect historical trade routes with neighboring merchants. Today, the keffiyeh has transcended its regional origins to become a global symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, adopted by activists and organizations worldwide as an emblem of resistance and support.
WATERMELON
The watermelon has become an unexpected symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance due to its colors, which echo those of the Palestinian flag. Following prohibitions on the Palestinian flag by the occupation, the watermelon emerged as a creative form of protest, its imagery used in various forms of art and digital communication. Its use, especially in the digital realm, continues to serve as a subtle yet powerful tool for expressing solidarity and circumventing censorship in discussions about Palestinian rights and issues.
MAP OF HISTORIC PALESTINE
The map of historic Palestine delineates the geographic area before the establishment of Israel in 1948. This map is a visual affirmation of Palestinian claims to their land and self-determination, serving as a symbol of identity and resistance amid ongoing conflict and displacement. The map is frequently featured in jewellery, clothing, and art, reinforcing the cultural and national identity of Palestinians both locally and in the diaspora.
THE KEY
The key is a poignant symbol of the enduring hope of Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Nakba. Held as a promise of return, these keys are heirlooms symbolizing the right to return to their homes, a right supported by international law. The key underscores the ongoing nature of displacement faced by Palestinians and their unyielding connection to their ancestral lands.