PLEASE NOTE: The information below was accurate for Gulf Wars XIX (2010) and is listed here for your reference with the understanding it may change at any time.  This will be updated for Gulf Wars XX (2011) as soon as the information is available.

Al Mahala welcomes you!


Welcome, traveler, to the Al Mahala at Gulf Wars!

Our origins are found at the very first Gulf Wars, which featured a dance and music competition sponsored by Duchess Ilissa the Nightwatcher. In the following 17 years, under the stewardship of Mistress Edwina Dirks Sterne and with the support of many others, it has evolved into an entire series of expos, classes, and and full-sized living learning encampment.

The Al Mahala at Gulf Wars is here to promote the music, arts, cuisine and other topics from regions called "eastern" in current SCA terminology. Class topics this and previous years have included the Silk Road, far Eastern Europe, North Africa, Ottoman, Persian, Arabic, Spanish, Mediterranean, Moorish and of course, Berber and Indian. 2009 saw the introduction of East Asian topics as well - so come visit and discover!

Those interested in teaching a class, giving a demo or leading a panel talk, please contact Lady Zhara um Nikko.

Al Mahala is also a residence, within a very short walk of Merchants Row and even closer to the Battlefield. Please contact Mistress Edwina Dirks Sterne with any camping inquiries. At this time, M.E. persona is not required to camp with Al Mahala, but is always encouraged!

The highlights of the week are twofold: First, please join us for our Wednesday Afternoon In an Andalusian Courtyard, an opportunity for more historically-focused performances and activities to be enjoyed with an extra emphasis on accuracy specific to the SCA time period. Secondly, Wednesday evening in Al Mahala features the annual Known World Middle Eastern Dance Expo; all are welcome to dance, drum and enjoy.

Al Mahala is delighted to provide environment at Gulf Wars where historical accuracy is encouraged, and the request is made to refrain from electrical amplification for music performances. Dancers and instructors requiring recorded music for the Expo or for classes are gently asked to veil their boombox and to stick to period-friendly musical selections.

Please check back to this page for updates as Gulf Wars approaches, and please do use the above links for ANY questions you may have.

Humbly and In Service,
Gulf Wars Al Mahala Staff