Society

Interview with anthropologist Dieter Haller

Tangiers – end of a cosmopolitan era

Two years on from the publication of his book "Tangier: port, people and pleasure – an ethnographic study", anthropologist Dieter Haller met with Karima Ahdad to discuss the clash between indigenous inhabitants and newcomers, Tangierʹs international outlook against the backdrop of the city today and the desire of young Moroccans to emigrate
By Karima Ahdad
Germany′s Academy for Islam in Research and Society

Filling a void in the discourse

Germany's Academy for Islam in Research and Society took up its work one year ago. Its mission is to promote Islamic theological research and to provide a sound factual basis for the public discourse on Islam. By Canan Topcu
By Canan Topçu
Souad Abderrahim: Mayor of Tunis

The "Sheikha", the city and its problems

Souad Abderrahim is the first freely elected female mayor of an Arab capital. Her opponents regard her as being in the pocket of the moderate Islamists. She herself prefers to stay out of politics. By Nader Alsarras
By Nader Alsarras
Interview with Turkish Islamic scholar Professor Mustafa Ozturk

"Religious groups need to be transparent"

Mustafa Ozturk, a professor specialising in "tafsir" – Koranic exegesis – at Istanbulʹs Marmara University was recently accused of blasphemy. Convinced that various Islamic groups seeking to influence Turkish politics are responsible, Ozturk is actively considering self-imposed exile. Interview by Ayse Karabat
By Ayşe Karabat
Non-fiction: Aladin El-Mafaalani's "Das Integrationsparadox"

Demanding a seat at the table

Unlike their parents and grandparents, the children and grandchildren of those who emigrated to Germany one or more generations ago now want a say in how things are done. In his new book "Das Integrationsparadox" (The Integration Paradox), Aladin El-Mafaalani explains why this leads to conflict. Daniel Bax read the book
By Daniel Bax
Sun Box solar energy project

A light for Gaza

A go-getting young Palestinian woman is currently causing an energy surge in Gaza. Her goal: to make solar panels affordable for poor families. Her motto: do your thing, regardless of what others think. Inge Gunther reports from Gaza
By Inge Günther
Pakistanʹs Kalash minority

At risk of extinction

The Kalash culture is on the brink of dying out. Today, Pakistan’s smallest ethnic group consists of only about 3,000 people. By Mahwish Gul
By Mahwish Gul
Interview with Egyptian activist Nawal El Saadawi

"We are a hundred years behind"

The Tunisian parliament is to consider a bill recently agreed by the cabinet that would grant equal inheritance rights to men and women – a proposal that has created a furore not only in Tunisia, but throughout the Middle East. Egyptian writer and activist Nawal El Saadawi describes the move as "positive" and believes that Egypt may finally be following in Tunisia's footsteps. Interview by Imane Mellouk
By Imane Mellouk
Obituary: Amos Oz

Peace campaigner and voice of reason

His works centred on life in the kibbutz and the history of Israel and earned him countless awards and honorary doctorates. Amos Oz, writer and peace activist, passed away on 28 December at the age of 79. Angelika Ditscheid looks back on his life
By Angelika Ditscheid
German–Iranian relations

How the Germans came to Iran

During the First World War, the German Empire allegedly attempted to incite Muslims to engage in a holy war against Russia and Great Britain. This common cliche is also often used to explain the long-standing relationship between Germany and Iran. Ali Sadrzadeh takes a closer look at German–Iranian relations 100 years ago
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Michael Muhammad Knight's "Muhammad: Forty Introductions"

An arba'in for non-Muslims

In his latest work, Michael Muhammad Knight – the enfant terrible of American Muslim writers – has sifted through the thousands upon thousands of Islamic hadiths to find 40 he feels best serve as an introduction to the Prophet Muhammad. Richard Marcus read the book
By Richard Marcus
Introducing the Key Concepts project

From religious tolerance to acceptance

A new project launched by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is working out key concepts from Judaism, Christianity and Islam with the aim of promoting interreligious dialogue. Presenting solid academic findings on similarities and differences, scholars will attempt to disarm agitators on all sides. Claudia Mende spoke to its director Professor Georges Tamer
By Claudia Mende