Society

Turkey's femicide problem

"It was suicide!" – a state-sanctioned cover-up?

According to figures released by a leading Turkish rights organisation, 300 women were murdered in Turkey last year. The number of unreported cases is apparently much higher, however, since many unexplained deaths of women are classified as suicides. By Burcu Karacas
By Burcu Karakaş
Ten years of war in Syria

80 percent of Syrians impoverished; 60 % food insecure

Ten years since the start of the Syrian war, the situation for the population is desolate. Prices for basic foodstuffs have risen by 250 percent in the past year and are unaffordable for many people. Three out of 4 people in Syria rely on external assistance for basic needs, while some 12 million people have had to leave their homes. Report by Action Against Hunger
Muslim marriage, Muslim divorce – and the wider family

"Problems are often dealt with collectively"

Ayse Gerner is a Muslim woman and a marriage counsellor. It is a combination appreciated by her clients, most of whom are Muslim. Although Muslim couples face the same relationship challenges as everyone else, they also have to overcome very specific obstacles. By Said Rezek
By Said Rezek
International Women's Day

Fatma Aliye, pioneering women's rights under the Ottomans

The fight for women's rights around the world continues. Fatma Aliye, Turkey's first female novelist and a pioneer of women's rights in the Ottoman Empire, is a figure who deserves greater recognition. By Canan Topcu
By Canan Topçu
Femicide and coronavirus in the Maghreb

Algeria's ongoing war against women – #WeLostOneOfUs

The Algerian state's insufficient response to a recent spate of femicides has driven hundreds of women to defy coronavirus lockdown restrictions to take part in street protests, while also rekindling a debate about the death penalty. By Dalia Ghanem
By Dalia Ghanem
The Pope in Iraq – "We are all brothers"

Can Pope Francis save Iraq's Christians from extinction?

Iraq's Christian minority has dealt with decades of persecution – and many are sceptical about whether a four-day visit by Pope Francis will make a difference. By Cathrin Schaer and Gasia Ohanes
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Islamisation, a racist conspiracy theory

The hatred of Hanau and its enablers

The Hanau terror attack showed just how dangerous racist conspiracy theories can be. And yet it is a threat that continues to be underestimated. Commentary by Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
Preparing for Pope Francis' visit

The scant remains of Iraq's ancient Christian community

Some fled after the U.S.-led invasion, others during sectarian bloodshed and more following jihadist attacks. Iraq's last two violent decades have hollowed out its Christian community which dates back two millennia.
UAE and Sheikh Maktoum under pressure

Dubai's double standards – where is Princess Latifa?

The United Arab Emirates' carefully administered public image is taking a different turn. Growing calls for evidence that Princess Latifa is alive reflect the Emirate's double standards on human rights. Jennifer Holleis reports
By Jennifer Holleis
Interview with Yemen expert Marie-Christine Heinze

"Now is the time to start preparing for reconstruction"

Islam scholar and social anthropologist Marie-Christine Heinze is head of an academic exchange project with the University of Sanaa on "Post-conflict Reconstruction in Yemen". In conversation with Elisa Rheinheimer-Chabbi, she talks about weapons from Germany, crucial reforms and why Yemeni women are the ones healing social rifts
By Elisa Rheinheimer
Hate speech "inferno" on Germany's social media

Muslim students face Islamophobia after meeting CDU deputy

German Muslim students became the target of a vicious online campaign following a digital meeting at the beginning of February with federal politician and high-ranking Christian Democrat Norbert Rottgen. By Peter Hille
By Peter Hille
Spotlight on bridge builders: Farhad Dilmaghani

Working towards a society without discrimination

Farhad Dilmaghani is co-founder and chairman of the association "Deutsch Plus: Initiative für eine plurale Republik". He works to ensure that institutions, public authorities and businesses reflect the diversity in society. Ceyda Nurtsch introduces him for Qantara.de
By Ceyda Nurtsch