Society

Interview with Shahenda Maklad

''The Revolutionary Forces Should Close Ranks''

Shahenda Maklad has been fighting for social justice in Egypt for decades. The left-wing political activist, who became known country-wide in the 1960s for championing the cause of peasants, has supported the Tahrir revolution of 2011 from the very beginning. In this interview with Christoph Dreyer, she calls on her fellow revolutionaries to unify and not to lose sight of their strategic goals
By Christoph Dreyer
Islamic Fashion Magazine ''Ala'' from Turkey

Hijab and High Heels

Turkish public opinion is divided over the Islamic fashion magazine "Ala". Most of the objections emanate from the Islamist camp, which makes it all the more surprising to learn that most of the women who read the magazine are members of the new Turkish middle class, which is politically aligned with the Islamist-leaning AKP. By Marcel Malachowski
By Marcel Malachowski
Islam in Bosnia

''We belong to the West, culturally and mentally''

Bosnia is entering a new phase in its history: the post-war era is over; communities and mosques have been rebuilt. But where are Bosnian Muslims heading in these turbulent times? Charlotte Wiedemann spoke to Ahmet Alibašić, lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Studies in Sarajevo
By Charlotte Wiedemann
Inter-Islamic Cultural War

The Despondency of the Political Middle Ground

Despite their poor results in elections, the Salafi movements have succeeded in putting their stamp on the policies of the Islamic mainstream - and moderate Islamists continue to react towards the Salafis with a certain degree of despondency. Samir Farangiya reports on the phenomenon of the new inter-Islamic cultural war
By Samir Farangiya
Palestinian Territories

Fishermen from Gaza Risk Their Lives at Work

The fishermen from Gaza have a dangerous job. Israeli soldiers, often armed to the gills, obstruct their work. Last month, a 22-year-old fisherman was shot dead. Bettina Marx reports from Gaza City
By Bettina Marx
Women during the ''Arabellion''

Neither Winners nor Losers

The women's movement in Egypt goes back a long way. But how has the situation of women changed in the 18 months since the start of the Arab Spring? The Egyptian-German political scientist and women's rights activist Hoda Salah takes stock
By Hoda Salah
Interview with Nader Hashemi

On the Compatibility of Islam and Democracy

In this interview with Lewis Gropp, Nader Hashemi, a leading scholar on Islam and secularism, says that the two are far from being incompatible – and that the West has to accept its share of responsibility for the revival of anti-democratic forces in the Islamic world
By Lewis Gropp
Destruction of Historic Sites

Syria Is Losing Its History

The civil war in Syria is not only causing human suffering, it is also endangering the nation's historic legacy. Most recently, extensive damage was inflicted on Aleppo's ancient bazaar. Björn Zimprich discusses the consequences of this destruction with Stefan Knost, who took part in historic excavations in Aleppo several years ago
By Björn Zimprich
The Domiz Refugee Camp in North Iraq

The Agony of the Syrian Refugees

Syrian refugees are flocking in ever-greater numbers to the neighbouring countries, fleeing from the violence at home. In the Domiz refugee camp in northern Iraqi, 700 new people arrive every day. But the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and the Kurdish autonomy government are unable to provide for them. A report by Jan Kuhlmann
By Jan Kuhlmann
''Young, German, Taliban''

What Causes Radicalization?

How does one explain the phenomenon of Salafism? And what causes young Islamists the world over to take up jihad? Wolf Schmidt offers some answers in his insightful book "Young, German, Taliban". Albrecht Metzger has read the book
By Albrecht Metzger
Mohammed Caricatures in "Charlie Hebdo"

Provocation as a Marketing Strategy

The publication of Mohammed caricatures in the French satirical newspaper "Charlie Hebdo" has created quite a stir. In recent times, the newspaper has deliberately and frequently attempted to pick fights with devout Muslims. Bernhard Schmid with a portrait of Charlie Hebdo from Paris
By Bernhard Schmid
Interview with Pınar Selek

''The Old Mindset Is Still in Place in Turkey''

Turkish sociologist and human rights activist Pınar Selek discusses her role in the democracy movement, ongoing legal proceedings against her, and the shortcomings of Turkey's political system. An interview by Ceyda Nurtsch
By Ceyda Nurtsch