Archive · 1 Aug 2025
NYC's Barzakh Cafe Bridges Cultural Divides Through Music and Cuisine
Barzakh Café in Brooklyn is like a special meeting place where people from all over the world can come together.
It was created to feel like the founder's home, with music, food, and events that celebrate different cultures.
They have qawwali music, couscous nights and other activities that bring people together and make them feel like they belong, and they also have events outside of the cafe.
It is a place where everyone is welcome.
Barzakh Café in Brooklyn hosts diverse cultural events and fosters community among NYC residents.
Founded by El Atigh Abba, the cafe's design mirrors his childhood home in Mauritania.
The cafe organizes qawwali performances, couscous nights, and gatherings for cultural exchange.
Beyond Barzakh, a co-founded initiative, expands the cafe's community reach through monthly events.
The cafe provides a welcoming space for diverse groups, including immigrants, to build connections.
- Who
- Founded by El Atigh Abba, co-founded by Shazia Choudri.
- What
- Barzakh Café is a cultural hub hosting diverse events to build community.
- When
- Founded in mid-2024; Beyond Barzakh initiative started December 2024.
- Where
- Located in Brooklyn's Crown Heights, New York City.
- Why
- To create a space for cultural exchange and community building.
- Cafe Name
- Barzakh Café
- Location
- Brooklyn, NYC
- Founder
- El Atigh Abba
- Co-founder
- Shazia Choudri
- Event Examples
- Qawwali performances, couscous nights, gatherings.
- Initiative
- Beyond Barzakh
- Community
- Diverse immigrant groups and residents
- Menu
- Teas, Arabian kabsa, and cashew baklava