Society

Alevis

A Massacre as a Turning Point

In July 1993, Islamic fundamentalists stormed and torched a hotel in Sivas, Eastern Turkey, killing 37 Alevis. This event marked a turning point in Alevi identity. Steve Zwick about Alevis in Turkey and Germany and about inter-Islamic rifts and tensions.
Muftias

Women Issuing Fatwas

Until recently, it was unthinkable that in Turkey women could be appointed as mufti. In India, however, this has been common practice for quite some time. Now, this innovation seems to have reached Turkish shores as well, as Dilek Zaptcioglu reports.
Turks in Germany

Becoming German, but Staying Muslim

More than three million Muslims live in Germany, most of them are of Turkish heritage. Consequently, Islam is becoming less and less a "foreign phenomenon" and more and more a German reality, says Mehmet Daimagüler.
Marriage Counseling

A "School of Marital Bliss" in Cairo

Many Arabic men and women are unhappy with their sex lives. Recently a school opened in Cairo to tackle this problem through counseling, seminars and Koran verses. Nelly Youssef introduces the school.
Aid Organisations

The Business of Helping People

The nature of humanitarian aid has changed as governments outsource more of their development programs to privately-run organizations.The result: the needy are often exploited by the people meant to be helping them. By Heinrich Bergstresser
Egypt

The Media and Civil Society

Journalism in Egypt tends to overemphasise the role of the government and to neglect the relevance of civil society. This results in a sense of impotence and frustration. But the Internet provides new possibilities, of which better use should be made, says Noha El-Mikawy.
Germany

Foundation of a Muslim Academy

Forty-three years after the start of an immigration wave to Germany, the country's first Muslim Academy has been formed in Berlin. The institute is meant as a platform for Islamic religious and societal discourses. By Abdul-Ahmad Rashid
Arab Universities

East Discovers West

Trying to eradicate prejudices, Arab universities are beginning to offer courses in Western culture to their students. But some experts fear that these efforts won't do much to change entrenched views. By Rafael Heiling
Headscarf Fashion

Creative Variations on the Veil Theme

Fashion designer Susanne Kuemper established the Department of Fashion at Helwan University in Cairo. According to her, the most daring design ideas often come from her most strictly religious students. Ute Meinel reports
Morocco

World-Leading Solar Energy Nation

Morocco has made itself one of the two biggest users of solar-generated electricity in the world. Not because it's the most environmentally-friendly solution but because it's the cheapest. John Laurenson reports
Germany

A Multicultural Home for the Elderly

Forty years ago the first "guest workers" came to Germany. This generation of immigrants has now gotten older. German homes for the elderly are unprepared for this aging population of immigrants. Except for one, reports Silke Ballweg.
Syria

"Difference Is Wealth"

The Tharwa Project is an independent initiative that seeks to foster better relations between minority groups and the majority population across the Arab World. Kristin Helberg interviewed Tharwa coordinator Ammar Abdulhamid in Damascus