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Urban Trajectories and political experiences of Migrants in São Paulo

The Case of “Al Janiah” Workers, a Cultural and Gastronomic Space in the City

Authors

  • Reginaldo Mattar Nasser Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP)
  • Rodrigo Augusto Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP)
  • Tiago Rangel Cortes Universidade de São Paulo
  • Marina Mattar Soukef Nasser

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5752/P.1809-6182.2024v21n3p12-25

Keywords:

Migration, São Paulo, City-making, Al Janiah, Urban Trajectories

Abstract

This study examines the urban trajectories of migrants and refugees within Al Janiah, a
Palestinian-founded cultural and gastronomic space in São Paulo, Brazil. Functioning as
a restaurant, bar, and cultural hub, it fosters integration through music, workshops, and
language classes, attracting a diverse audience. Through interviews with six workers, the
research explores sociability, network formation, and integration processes. Findings show
that relationships at Al Janiah facilitate professional opportunities and urban navigation.
Shifting from ethnic or legal frameworks, this study approaches migration through urban
spaces, highlighting Al Janiah’s role in city-making and supporting displaced populations
in São Paulo.

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Author Biographies

Reginaldo Mattar Nasser, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP)

Associate Professor at PUC (SP) - Master's in Political Science (UNICAMP), PhD in Social Sciences (PUC/SP), postdoctoral researcher (PUC/SP). Professor in the Department of Political Science at PUC (SP) from 1989 to 2013; evaluator of International Relations courses (MEC 2002-2006); coordinator of the International Relations course at PUC (SP) from 1999 to 2009; professor in the Graduate Program in International Relations (UNESP, UNICAMP, and PUC) since 2003. Head of the Department of International Relations at PUC (SP) from 2013 to 2017. Advisor to the Rectorate (2016-2020). PET Tutor 2010-2012; 2021-; member of the Postgraduate Council San Tiago Dantas (PUC-SP). Ad hoc reviewer for the Brazilian Journal of International Politics, Contexto Internacional, Brazilian Journal of Social Sciences, and Janus.net, e-journal of international relations. Member of the Board of ABRI - Brazilian Association of International Relations (2007-2009). Researcher at Ipea (2011-2012). Responsible researcher at the National Institute for Studies on the USA (INEU). Erasmus Scholar (University of Porto). Fapesp-CES Coimbra Research Grant (September/October 2013). Leader of the Research Group - GECI - Study Group on International Conflicts - dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/3372528312621614. Achieved postdoctoral status in 2019 with the thesis "Revolution and Counterrevolution in the Middle East: The Missteps of US Strategic Actions in the 1950s". Conducts research in the field of International Politics with emphasis on International Conflicts, the Middle East, US Foreign Policy; Colonialism and Postcolonialism.

Rodrigo Augusto, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP)

Professor do curso de Relações Internacionais da Pontifícia UNiversidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP). Doutorando e Mestre em Relações Internacionais pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação San Tiago Dantas (UNESP - UNICAMP - PUCSP). Pesquisador Bolsista CAPES. Graduação em Relações Internacionais na PUC-SP (2014). Membro dos Grupos de Pesquisa -Grupo de Estudos sobre Conflitos Internacionais (GECI) da PUCSP; Núcleo de Estudos Transnacionais de Segurança (NETS) da PUCSP; Integrante do Grupo de Trabajo: Medio Oriente y norte de Africa do Conselho Latino-Americano de Ciências Sociais (CLACSO). 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7245-5448

Tiago Rangel Cortes, Universidade de São Paulo

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the University of São Paulo (2009) and was an Erasmus Mundus Scholar at the University of Barcelona. He completed his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in the Graduate Program in Sociology at the Faculty of Philosophy, Letters, and Human Sciences (2013 and 2023, respectively). He was a Research Intern Abroad (BEPE-Fapesp) at the University of Vienna, supervised by Ayse Çaglar. Currently, he works as a technician at the Interunion Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies. His expertise lies in Sociology with a focus on Urban Sociology, and he has worked extensively on topics such as forced labor, garment industry, transnational migration, sewing workshops, and migration within the garment industry.

References

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Published

2025-03-23

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How to Cite

Mattar Nasser, R., Rodrigo Augusto, Rangel Cortes, T., & Mattar Soukef Nasser, M. (2025). Urban Trajectories and political experiences of Migrants in São Paulo: The Case of “Al Janiah” Workers, a Cultural and Gastronomic Space in the City. Conjuntura Internacional, 21(3), 12–25. https://doi.org/10.5752/P.1809-6182.2024v21n3p12-25

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 3 (2024): CONJUNTURA INTERNACIONAL

Section

"What does Middle East Studies mean in Latin America?"

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