The largest independent multimedia content platform in the region
The House of Wisdom 2.0 connects millions with the world’s most transformative ideas in Arabic, Farsi, and Pashto. Through translation, multimedia, and open dialogue, it builds a culture of curiosity and critical thinking that no censorship can silence.
Our Story
Inspired by Baghdad’s original Bayt al-Hikma, House of Wisdom 2.0 began in 2018 to counter censorship and promote knowledge across the Middle East and North Africa.
We translate and share works that encourage critical thinking, strengthen human rights, and promote science, philosophy, and economic understanding.
Our mission is simple: to help people think freely and shape a future guided by reason, pluralism, and local leadership.
Expanding Access to Knowledge
Authoritarian systems have long limited access to new ideas. House of Wisdom 2.0 reaches across those limits by working with translators, editors, and creators who bring learning to millions in their own languages.
Knowledge should be accessible to all, not controlled by the few. Our work expands access to information that helps people think for themselves.
Our Impact
Our Global Impact in Numbers
These numbers showcase the incredible reach and influence of our work around the world.
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8.6M
followers across platforms
+
1B
views of our articles, books, videos, and podcasts
+
100,000
people indirectly benefited from the work of our 200+ Innovation Hub grantees
“People can’t fight for democracy and freedom if they don’t even know what it means. We are equipping people across the Middle East with the information, skills and resources for them to forge their own paths. This includes access to liberal ideas in Arabic, Pashto or Farsi —often for the first time.”
Faisal Al Mutar
President and founder of Ideas Beyond Borders
How We Share Knowledge
A growing home for Arabic-speaking thinkers who explore the ideas shaping their societies. Each episode turns philosophy, science, and free thought into public conversation.
Since 2021, our translators have published works on critical thinking, civil rights, and science in Pashto and Dari, giving Afghans access to learning that strengthens understanding and choice.
Videos
Our videos make complex subjects accessible and engaging. We use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to spread knowledge.
Magazine publications
Our periodicals feature articles on current events, science, critical thinking, and liberal arts.
Book translations
We bring key works of philosophy, economics, and science into Arabic, giving millions access to knowledge once kept out of reach.
Wikipedia Articles
We translate and publish thousands of articles on human rights, democracy, and free markets, expanding access to credible information online.
HoW 2.0 News
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Read more: From Afghan Classrooms to Arab Podcasts: IBB’s Mission for a Freer Middle EastAcross the Middle East, millions are seeking knowledge and opportunity despite censorship and conflict. Ideas Beyond Borders (IBB) is meeting that demand — one…
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Read more: Philosophy and Freedom: Arab Responses to Ayn RandHow Arabic-speaking viewers engaged Ayn Rand’s ideas on reason, freedom, and morality, turning philosophy into a public conversation.
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Read more: The Books the Taliban Doesn’t Want ReadThey banned “The Kite Runner,” “Sapiens,” and “Brave, Not Perfect.” One young couple sells them anyway
Who We Are
The People Behind the Progress
Meet our translators, activists, editors and producers pursuing freedom of information in the Middle East.
“The ripple effect of knowledge paves the way for a more open and informed society. This is the future we are building, one translation at a time.”
— Habeeb Zrek, translator
“With every mind that is opened, the region moves closer to prosperity and stability. Providing a positive alternative to extremism can change lives.”
— Diana Nous, translator
“I grew up in a country where we were told how and what to think. I started Bel Arabi to create thought-provoking content that helps people question those boundaries.”
— Maher Gabra, Executive Producer of Bel Arabi
“Seeing the impact of our work in Iraq and Afghanistan reinforces my belief in the power of access to information.”
— Ali Younis, translator
Help Knowledge Cross Borders
By donating to House of Wisdom 2.0, you give millions across the Middle East and North Africa access to knowledge often blocked by censorship and authoritarian regimes.
Your support helps us translate and share vital books, articles, and videos—content that promotes critical thinking, human rights, free markets, and democracy.
$25 / month
Provide monthly access to translated content for thousands across the region
$200 one-time
Fund the expert translation of an article, video, or book chapter
$500+ one-time
Support large-scale campaigns that share uncensored ideas across MENA
Stay connected with the ideas shaping a freer Middle East
Discover new translations, podcasts, and stories that bring science, philosophy, and free thought to millions in Arabic.