Society

Islamic Revival in Kazakhstan

A Pragmatic Islam

Islam is enjoying increasing popularity in Kazakhstan. For many people this represents a return to Kazakh traditions, even if the impetus for the return to their roots has come from abroad. The Kazakh government continues however to promote religious freedom and diversity, and to protect itself against fundamentalist extremism. Edda Schlager reports
Bosnian Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric

A Bridge Builder or a Closet Fundamentalist?

Mustafa Ceric, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina, is a committed proponent of inter-faith dialogue in the spirit of mutual recognition, recently honoured in Germany for his activities. In his home country, however, he is seen as a controversial and conservative religious leader. The German press have also questioned Ceric's suitability for the award. Zoran Arbutina on the case
The Secret Life of Syrian Lingerie

Panties from the "Axis of Evil"

While visiting Syria, two London-based women of Arab origin became fascinated by the risqué lingerie openly on display in the souqs and shops of Damascus and Aleppo. The book they now produced is one of the most unusual publications you are likely to see on the Arab world, says Susannah Tarbush
By Susannah Tarbush
The Egyptian Center for Culture and Art

The Best Music in the "Place"

As is often the case in the Arab world, one almost has to search with a magnifying glass to find an independent art and cultural scene, even in Egypt. It is, however, increasingly showing signs of flourishing. The Egyptian Center for Culture and Art is one of the independent cultural centers to have emerged in recent years in the mega city Cairo. By Sebastian Blottner
Cross-Cultural Competence in the Bundeswehr

Proper Conduct

In officer training, the German armed forces are increasingly concentrating on instilling cross-cultural competence. This is a crucial factor for foreign missions. But this theme also plays a role within the armed forces themselves – because there are some 1,000 Muslim and 200 Jewish soldiers in the service today. Uta Hempelmann reports
Interview with Vanessa Steinmayer

"Islamic Financial System Is Not a Serious Alternative"

The current financial crash has wide-reaching consequences for the world's economy, many of which are yet to come. Élena-S. Eilmes spoke to the financial expert Vanessa Steinmayer on how the Islamic countries are affected, and whether an Islamic financial system would be less prone to crises
Mohamed Talbi

"Religious Dogmas Terrorize the Spirit"

The Tunisian intellectual Mohamed Talbi is regarded as one of the most critical leading thinkers in the Arab world. In his most recently published book, he denounces traditional Islamic religious scholars and argues for a contemporary reading of the Koran. Rachid Boutayeb introduces Mohamed Talbi
Mosques in Germany

"Criticism Is Allowed, But Not Hate Speech"

The Catholic bishops have published guidelines on 'Mosque Building in Germany' as a contribution toward 'making the debate more objective'. It is a rejection of all those who attempt to politically instrumentalize people's fears at Islam's growing presence. Claudia Mende reports
A Journey to the Afghan Province of Nuristan

Hope and Skepticism in the Valley of Light

People in the West generally perceive eastern Afghanistan as a war zone. True, the terrain is hotly contested, both politically and militarily. But we hear very little about the progress made in these remote regions. Martin Gerner reports from the area
Turkish Cultural Policy

Continuity and Change

The diversity of literature presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair also illustrates the contradictions in Turkish society today. Ömer Erzeren with an essay on Turkishliterary and cultural production between Kemalism and the religious conservative AKP
By Ömer Erzeren
Muslims in Laos

Hidden Beyond the Mekong

In terms of economic and political freedom, Laos still ranks among the most restricted countries in the world. It is all the more surprising, therefore, that the country's Muslims enjoy considerable religious freedom. Yogi Sikand paid a visit to Southeast Asia's smallest Muslim community
Perspectives of Radical Islam

Neutralising Violence

Abdelwahab Meddeb is one of the leading intellectuals proposing a progressive interpretation of Islam. His book The Malady of Islam caused heated debates in the Muslim world. In this text, he calls for a revision of Koranic statements based on a historical reading of the text
By Abdelwahab Meddeb