Society

The annual pilgrimage to Mecca

High summer hajj

Millions of believers, heat and loud prayers: the hajj in Mecca. Once a year, the Saudi city becomes a pilgrimage hot spot and the site of the largest gathering of people in the world. Nermin Ismail was in Mecca
By Nermin Ismail
Fighting forced marriage in Kyrgyzstan

Bride abduction is not cool

"Ala kachuu" is Kyrgyz and translates as "Grab her and run". What sounds like an entertaining popular sport is actually the widespread practice of kidnapping women and forcing them into marriage. With her initiative "Ala kachuu is no cool!" Kyrgyz Svetlana Dzardanova is taking a stand against the alleged custom. By Wolfgang Kuhnle
By Wolfgang Kuhnle
Interview with Islam scholar Riem Spielhaus

#MeTwo: "Itʹs a topic for German textbooks"

Mesut Ozil's withdrawal from the German national football team sparked a wide-ranging debate on racism. In an interview with Yalda Zarbakhch, Islam scholar Riem Spielhaus explains where discrimination comes from and how to combat it
By Yalda Zarbakhch
Civil society in Africa

Sudan′s young people roll up their sleeves

Sudan′s younger generation has already faced all manner of crises, from the conflicts and struggles of a country in the process of breaking apart, economic crises, to problems in health and education. It′s a generation that anticipates the worst and has no concept of peace. But idle? Hardly. By Abdul Salam al-Haj
By Abdul Salam al-Haj
Racism debate in Germany

Integration – a process of give and take

Thousands of Germans with a migration background have been sharing their experiences of racial discrimination using the hashtag #MeTwo. Successful integration is not a one-sided process, says Armin Langer, the majority must also be prepared to address the issues
By Armin Langer
Mesut Ozil and #MeTwo

When are you German enough?

Michel Abdollahi, Idil Baydar and Y'Akoto have all experienced racism and xenophobia – despite calling Germany their home. The artists hope that the #MeTwo debate will change hearts and minds when it comes to identity. By Yalda Zarbakhch
By Yalda Zarbakhch
Interview with Mauritanian artist Saleh Lo

"If I can restore some of their dignity, my work will have been a success"

Self-taught artist Saleh Lo grew up in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott, playing with children from different ethnic communities, among them "Haratin" kids – the children of modern-day slaves in Mauritania. Today, the visual artist portrays freed slaves and anti-slavery activists. Interview by Siri Gogelmann and Wolfgang Kuhnle
By Siri Gögelmann, Wolfgang Kuhnle
Migration from Africa

Upholding migrant human rights

How do authoritarian regimes respond to EU initiatives to stem migration? A recent publication by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP – Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik) demands that Europe adopt clear principles on funding and enforce red lines with regard to human rights. By Monika Hellstern
By Monika Hellstern
The association "Deutsch Plus"

Working for diversity in Germany

The association "Deutsch Plus" was founded in 2011 with the aim of promoting equal opportunities and participation for people with a migration background. The hope is that by embracing diversity, Germany can progress from being a country of immigration to becoming a true society of immigration. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Alternative tourism in Tunisia

Off the beaten tourist track

Demand for the classic Tunisian beach package holiday has slumped as a result of unrest in the wake of the Arab Spring and direct attacks on foreign tourists in recent years. Nevertheless, a small but growing number of local entrepreneurs are pursuing alternatives to the all-inclusive cheap deal, offering experiences that bring visitors closer to the country and its people – and that are kinder to the environment. By Madeleine Löning
By Madeleine Löning
The Sulha Peace Project

Listening for peace

Yoav Peck is director of the Sulha Peace Project, an organisation that specialises in facilitating positive, peaceful encounters between Israelis and Palestinians where the focus is on listening – truly listening – to each other. Marian Brehmer spoke to him about the project
By Marian Brehmer
Non-fiction: Stefan Weidner on the future of the West

Next-level cosmopolitanism

With this major work, Stefan Weidner presents an impressive historical and philosophical canvas depicting the battle for the West. His aim is to help us bid farewell to the West as we know it and attentively curate its legacy. By Reginald Grunenberg
By Reginald Grünenberg