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Koran Studies

A Reappraisal of the Position of Women in Islam

The supremacy of men over women in Islam is often substantiated by citing Sura 4.34 in the Koran. An academic institute in Germany has just published a new study on the Sura. Susan Javad interviews the editor
Interview with Rajaa Al-Sanie

"Change Is Inevitable in Any Society"

Although the book stirred a scandal and is officially banned in her home country of Saudi Arabia, Rajaa Al-Sanie's "Girls of Riyadh" has become the number one best-seller in the Arab world. Friedhelm Hartwig interviewed the 24-year-old
Women in Saudi Arabia

Grand Mufti Pronounces End of Forced Marriages

Saudi Arabia's highest religious authority, the Grand Mufti, has come out against the practice of forcing women to marry against their will. He has said the practice is against the laws of Islam. Kateri Jochum reports
Saudi Municipal Elections

Gradualism of Reform and Traditional Politics

Many commentators have criticized that municipal elections in Saudi Arabia were only a false front to appease calls for more democracy. But in his analysis, Amr Hamzawy argues that historical specificities must be considered
Saudi Arabia

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Recently there have been signs that Saudi Arabia has reached a historical turning point. Pressure from the international community but also from within has forced the Saudi royal family to cautiously introduce reforms. Joseph Croitoru reports
Literary Awakening in Saudi Arabia

A Distant Echo of 9/11

Close connections between the political system and the rigid religious authority of the Wahhabis have blocked Saudi Arabia's cultural and social development for a long time. But now, the fact that most of those responsible for the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 came from this country has had the effect of rousing its literary landscape. By Fakhri Saleh
Interview with the Saudi Arabian Writer Abdo Khal

The Discovery of Arabic Literature in the Gulf

In an interview with Qantara.de the winner of this year's Arabic Booker Prize Abdo Khal talks about the significance of this major award for the Gulf region, as well as the division of Arab culture into a centre and a periphery. Loay Mudhoon spoke to him
Cairo's Literature Scene

Between New Dynamics and Political Repression

Arabic literary publishers usually only conduct small print-runs, and readers usually belong to a restricted clique of intellectuals. But recent times have seen a shift in the literary scene on the Nile. Susanne Schanda went to see for herself
Mohieddin Ellabbad

Starting an International Career from Cairo

The Egyptian Mohieddin Ellabbad is one of the greatest book illustrators and artists in the Arab world. His work is also published in the West, where he has won numerous awards. Jürgen Stryjak visited the artist in his workshop in the Heliopolis district of Cairo
BANIPAL – Magazine of Modern Arab Literature

Dedication to Arab Literature in English

BANIPAL magazine publishes contemporary Arab authors from all over the world in English translation. Based in London, the magazine is entering its tenth year of publication. A portrait by Volker Kaminski