Society

Lalon Shah and the Bauls

The Mystic Minstrels of Bengal

Lalon Shah is the king of Bauls, a unique mystical tradition from the region of Bengal. In Bengali culture Lalon has become an icon of religious tolerance. Hindus depict him as a Hindu and Muslims believe he represents their faith – but he was beyond such notions. By Marian Brehmer
By Marian Brehmer
''The New Arab Women''

Are the Arab Revolutions Devouring Their Own Daughters?

The so-called "Arab Spring" has a female face. Now, a new book by Gabi Kratochwil provides a very personal and exciting insight into the background to this tumultuous period, casting a new light on the major presence of women on the streets of Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. Martina Sabra read the book and spoke to author
By Martina Sabra
Islamic Community under Suspicion

A Disservice to Reformers

The Islamic community Milli Görüs is the second-largest Muslim organisation in Germany. It is being kept under close observation by the federal and state offices for the protection of the constitution, impeding dialogue with policymakers and the public – as well as progressive reform from within. By Ursula Rüssmann
By Ursula Rüssmann
Book Review: ''News - The Televised Revolution''

Mouths Issuing Silent Screams

The work of artist Monika Huber is a critical appraisal of how the media reported on the Arab Spring. Some of her pieces now appear in a book published in cooperation with the Middle East reporter Susanne Fischer. A review by Björn Zimprich
By Björn Zimprich
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