Society

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
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
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
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
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
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
The Centre for Arab and Mediterranean Music (CMAM)

The Perfect Place for Musical Dialogue

The CMAM has become one of the most important facilities for European-Arab cultural exchange. The centre is a popular location for international concerts. By Martina Sabra
Obituary: Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd

Pioneer of Progressive Interpretations of the Koran

Egyptian Koran expert Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd was one of the leading Islamic reformist thinkers of our time. Abu Zayd passed away at the age of 66. Loay Mudhoon looks back
Thorsten Gerald Schneiders on Hostility towards Islam

"An Outlet for Suppressed Intolerance"

The public debate on integration of Muslims is dominated by a general disapproval of Islam. Conversely, many Muslims reflexively defend their religion. Nimet Seker spoke with political scientist and author Thorsten Gerald Schneiders
The Arab-Israeli Internet Portal "OneMideast"

"Dialogue Is Possible"

Syria and Israel are still officially in a state of war. The "OneMideast" Internet portal hopes to finally bring Syrians and Israelis into contact with each other. By Birgit Kaspar
Interview with the Poet SAID

"I Have Defended My Piety against the Islamic Republic"

Since 1965 the poet SAID has lived in exile in Germany, and has found a new home in the German language. In his new book of essays, SAID involves Orient and Occident in a discussion over their common cultural roots. Eren Güvercin spoke to him
The Intercultural City of Neukölln

Image Change through Cultural Diversity

For a long time, Neukölln was regarded as a prime example of an urban district with problems. Yet this Berlin district is becoming increasingly trendy among students and artists. Targeted political measures are one reason for the change of image. Janna Degener reports