Society

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
Interview with Zülfü Livaneli

"The EU Has Treated Turkey Unfairly"

Zülfü Livaneli is one of the Turkey's most influential intellectuals. Hülya Sancak talked to him about his film about Mustafa Atatürk, democracy, xenophobia in Turkey and the relationship between Turkey and the EU
Germany's Team for South Africa

The Multicultural Squad

They have surnames like Marin, Özil, Cacau and Khedira, have foreign roots, and are the great hope of Germany's football fans at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Srecko Matic introduces the German squad
Interview with Albrecht Hofheinz

"There Are Serious Concerns about Social Cohesion and Religious Identity"

Has the Internet brought about a structural change in Arab societies? Albrecht Hofheinz tried to answer this question through research. Youssef Hijazi spoke to this expert in Islamic studies
Citizenship Rights in Iran

One Step Forward, Many More to Take

It was reported late in September 2006 that an unprecedented law had been passed in the parliament to "offer" Iranian citizenship to children born to Iranian mothers and non-Iranian fathers. Golbarg Bashi reports
Muhammad Asad

A Jewish Lawrence of Arabia

Born to a rabbi family Muhammad Asad became an important twentieth-century Islamic thinker. Today he is a landmark for a tolerant and contemporary interpretation of the faith. A portrait by Lewis Gropp
By Lewis Gropp
Football in the Middle East

Lebanon in World Cup Fever

Politicians in Lebanon utilise football to further their own interests, a situation that has alienated fans. As a result, the football-crazy Lebanese are looking forward to the World Cup all the more. Birgit Kaspar reports