Saliha Bayrak, Author at Texas Monthly

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5 Articles

Middle-East-American-Southwest-Hadji-Ali-Hi-Jolly-Camel-Corps

February 28, 2023

From Camel Herding to Blues Music to Tacos al Pastor: Finding the Middle East in Texas

I long thought they were at odds, but after a summer in Texas and a deep dive into its history, I discovered that they have been married for decades.

By Saliha Bayrak

Maryam Zafar Round Rock ISD

Politics & Policy|

November 7, 2022

How to Lose a Texas School Board Campaign in 150 Days

Maryam Zafar, a college junior, wanted to improve the Round Rock schools she had attended. Then she saw how hard it was.

By Saliha Bayrak

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble speaks to Alex Jones during his trial at the Travis County Courthouse in Austin on July 26, 2022.

News & Politics|

August 4, 2022

In Judge Maya Guerra Gamble’s Courtroom, It’s Not the Alex Jones Show

Meet the woman who made the Infowars host shut up.

By Saliha Bayrak

Demauriae with party sponsor Arturo Alderete (right), characters from Sonrisa Entertainment, and hosts of the Y100 Frito & Katy radio show (bottom).

Best Thing in Texas|

July 6, 2022

It Takes a Village: San Antonio Shows Up to Celebrate a Local Teen’s Birthday

For Demauriae Bennett, turning fourteen has never looked better.

By Saliha Bayrak

Kemp's Ridley Turtles Eggs Hatch on Texas Beach

Best Thing in Texas|

June 28, 2022

The Little Turtles That Could: 45 Endangered Sea Turtles Hatch in Texas

“It really is one of the greatest wildlife-conservation successes of our time here in Texas.”

By Saliha Bayrak