Society

Social Media in Turkey

Circumventing Censorship

A growing number of young Turks are turning to social media, complaining that mainstream media are being increasingly controlled by the government. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul
By Dorian Jones
Press Freedom in Turkey

Against the Criminalization of Journalism

Despite some reforms and ongoing negotiations for EU membership, Turkey's ranking in the Reporters without Borders Press Freedom Index remains strikingly low. Qantara's Fatma Kayabal spoke to, Erol Önderoğlu, the organization's correspondent in Istanbul
By Fatma Kayabal
"Salwa's Adventures" – A Women's Initiative in Lebanon

No to Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment of young women remains widespread in Lebanon. Together, five young feminists hope to change things with their campaign called "Salwa's Adventures". Nidhal Ayoub reports
The Palestinian Nakba of 1948

An Objective Delineation of Events

The Swiss journalist Marlène Schnieper describes how Palestinian society is still affected by the experience of flight and expulsion it went through in 1948. In her book on the Nakba she links the broader history with the life stories of individual Palestinians – both prominent and unknown. By Moritz Behrendt
By Moritz Behrendtz
Young Muslims in Germany

''Berlin Needs You!''

While the debate about Muslim integration in Europe sometimes seems dominated by fears and division, Berlin-based writer Julia Hoffmann highlights one German effort to help promote diversity in the public sector
By Julia Hoffmann
The Intercultural Theatre Project ''Koran School''

Intensive Course in Muslim Life in Germany

In the "Koran School" theatre project at the National Theatre of Mannheim, theatregoers get to know places and people in their town that they're unlikely to have had much contact with before. Susanne Kappe reports
By Susanne Kappe
Social and Educational Services for Muslims in Germany

''We Want Participation, Not Integration''

While German politicians continue to argue whether Islam is part of Germany or not, German Muslims have for quite some time been making a contribution in many social spheres. But many institutions in Germany are still at the beginning of a process of intercultural opening. Claudia Mende reports
By Claudia Mende
Sexual Self-determination in Traditional Muslim Families

In the Firm Grip of Honour

For many conservative Muslim families adhering to traditional norms and values, marriage plays an important role. This can lead to conflicts, especially when individual freedom confronts community beliefs. In the case of sexual self-determination for Muslim men and women, this confrontation can be quite extreme. Jan Kuhlmann reports
By Jan Kuhlmann
On Tour in Afghanistan, Part 4

The Other Half of Society

Our author Marian Brehmer spent two weeks travelling through Afghanistan during the Persian calendar New Year. He spoke with people in Masar-i-Sharif and Kabul about things other than the war. What hopes do the people have for the coming year and how do they assess political developments in the country?
Germans in Egypt

Mirror to a Society in Flux

After Egypt's revolution, western foreigners have come under suspicion. But many Germans have been living in the country for years and have found their place in society. Their stories tell of how Egypt is changing. Birgit Svensson reports from Cairo
Christian Minorities in the Islamic World

No Arab Spring for Christians

Christianity first emerged in the Orient. But today, Christians living in the Islamic world are marginalised and threatened with persecution. A problematic issue addressed at a conference organised by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Berlin, Germany. Report by Bettina Marx
By Bettina Marx
''Love, InshAllah''

Muslim American Women Tell Their Own Stories about Love

There's plenty of discussion by outsiders about Muslim women and marriage, love and relationships, but now Muslim American women are telling their own stories. And both Muslims and non-Muslims have plenty to learn, writes Marwa Helal
By Marwa Helal