Society
Topics
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Interreligious Places of Pilgrimage in LebanonPlaces of Dialogue and Common Devotion
The Lebanese civil war ended twenty years ago, leaving in its wake a society deeply divided both politically and religiously. Yet, a spontaneous dialogue with the old traditions has always taken place among believers. By Mona Naggar
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Morocco
Activists Fight for Right to Eat during Ramadan
As Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, rights activists in Morocco are battling what they call the "religious radicalization" of the month of fasting, exposing conflicts between tradition, power and modernity. By Alexander Goebel
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Obituary for Ghazi Abdul Rahman Algosaibi
Saudi Man of Letters and Cautious Reformer
Last Sunday Ghazi Algosaibi, Saudi Arabian Minister and author, died. Only two weeks ago his literary works were taken off the index. Algosaibi's life and works are proof of the fine line politicians and liberal thinkers are walking in Saudi Arabia. By Hanna Labonté
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German–Turkish University in Istanbul
Academic Bridge-Building on the Bosporus
The first German-Turkish university in Istanbul is an ambitious project. The university is due to open its doors in the autumn of 2011. However, quite a number of questions remain to be answered. By Jürgen Gottschlich
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Islam in Granada
The Mellow Voice of the Muezzin
Seven years ago, the Great Mosque of Granada was opened, more than 500 years after the Muslim Moors were expelled by the Catholic 'Reconquista'. Many people feel uncomfortable hearing the Muslim call to prayer. By Troy Nahumko
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Islamic Studies in Germany
Fostering Intellectual Islam
In future, centres for Islamic Studies are to be set up at German universities to train Muslim religious scholars. Eren Güvercin spoke with Peter Strohschneider, chairman of the German Council of Science and Humanities, about these plans
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Ramadan in Germany
A Test of Faith and Strength of Character
The Islamic month of fasting begins on Wednesday. Most Muslims in Germany observe the holy month – but in an environment where the majority is not Muslim, fasting is something many find difficult. Ulrike Hummel reports
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Rauf Ceylan: "The Preachers of Islam"
Scholastic Offensive
In his new book, Rauf Ceylan reports on the daily lives of imams in Germany. According to the professor for religious studies, imams are the key to a new Islam. By Thilo Guschas
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Women's Lib in Lebanon
Trying to Balance both Family and Career
Women in Lebanon often seem more modern that women in other parts of the region. Behind the scenes, they face a difficult situation, especially when they want to pursue a career. By Birgit Kaspar
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Education in Libya
Stagnation Instead of Innovation
Libya has one of the lowest levels of illiteracy in North Africa, and thousands of students graduate from Libyan universities every year. But the country should be encouraging creativity in its education system and research sector. By Mustafa Fetouri
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The Niqab Debate in the Maghreb
A Negation of Women or Religious Freedom?
Until recently, the black, full-body veil was unknown in the Maghreb, where it is now the subject of ongoing controversy. By Beat Stauffer
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American Evangelicalism and Islam
From the Antichrist to the Mahdi
After the terrorist attacks of 11 September, public anti-Islamic sentiment in the USA increased. Thomas S. Kidd has written a study analysing evangelicals' perceptions of the Middle East. By Joseph Croitoru
Most read articles
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Research on Jew-hatred in Germany
"Antisemitism cannot be deported"
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Palinale film festival Berlin
A politically engaged alternative
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Cairo's Ramadan lanterns
More than decoration
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Afghan cinema
An international coming of age
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Interview with Jordanian novelist Jalal Barjas
"Some Arab writers present distorted images of their societies"
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TV series "Muawiya"
Historical Ramadan drama fuels controversy