Society

Tattoo trends from Beirut to Baghdad

In the spirit of rebellion

For some it's about following a trend; for others, tattoos are a symbol of their faith, but whatever the reason, the fashion for stylish tattoos is fuelling a growing subculture across the Arab world. By Mey Dudin
By Mey Dudin
Mona Siddiqui on Brexit, Muslims and the migrant issue

How do you welcome someone?

The recent influx of refugees into Europe, seen by some as threatening its secular and liberal identity, triggered a wave of right-wing populism. Mona Siddiqui, professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Edinburgh, is nevertheless convinced that the continent is still strong enough to pull back from the anti-Islamic rhetoric. An interview by Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Baghdad City of Peace Carnival

Grassroots, green shoots

An annual event shows what the Iraqi people want most of all: peace. Young people in Baghdad organise a major street carnival to set positive images against the daily news of violence and war. The event has also given rise to regular participation in civil society. By Eva-Maria Verfurth and Qayssar Alwardii
By Eva-Maria Verfürth, Qayssar Alwardii
Muslim theologian Farid Esack

More than just an "Israel critic"

Some German commentators have labelled the South African theologian Farid Esack an "anti-Semite". But this over-simplification of his views on Israel does little justice to the intellectual and activist, who champions human rights and a liberal reading of Islam, says Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
Non-fiction: Mohamed Amjahid′s "Unter Weißen"

"Racism, like a plastic bottle in the sea…"

In his book, "Unter Weißen" (Among Whites) just published in Germany, journalist Mohamed Amjahid examines the stereotype of the "lust-driven, primitive and dangerous 'Oriental'". He holds up a mirror to the white majority in society, exposing the racist nature of myths of "otherness" and showing what it means to live among whites as a non-white person. By Ozan Keskinkilic
By Ozan Zakariya Keskinkilic
Afghan refugees and the right to remain

Fast-track baptisms

Germany is currently witnessing a sharp increase in the number of conversions from Islam to Christianity among its considerable refugee community. Christian sects from Asia are exploiting the fear of deportation among Afghan refugees – with potentially fatal consequences. By Ulrike Hummel
By Ulrike Hummel
Aleppo soap

Balsam from a war zone

Although the mere mention of the city of Aleppo conjures up images of war and destruction, Aleppo soap is flying off the shelves in Germany's organic shops and supermarkets. But how does this popular product get from war-torn Syria to Germany? And is it really made in Aleppo? By Mey Dudin
By Mey Dudin
Closure of NGOs in Turkey

Forced to down tools

Civil society in Turkey has practically ground to a halt in Turkey since the state of emergency was declared last year. The work of many NGOs has been discontinued seemingly overnight. Many still don't even know why. Ceyda Nurtsch spoke to some of their representatives
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Saudi health reforms and women′s rights

Still a sore point

A Saudi decision to license the kingdom′s first women-only gyms over the coming weeks constitutes progress in a country in which women′s rights are severely curtailed. Yet it also reveals the limitations of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman′s plan to rationalise and diversify the kingdom′s economy. By James M. Dorsey
By James M. Dorsey
Interview with Lutheran pastor Mitri Raheb

″Till we have a fair peace″

Mitri Raheb is a Lutheran pastor and Arab Christian and the founder of the International Center of Bethlehem. Martina Sabra talks to him about Luther's influence in the Middle East, the chances of an Islamic Reformation and accusations of anti-Semitism
By Martina Sabra
Christians in Iraq

Coping with wrack and ruin

The Christian villages around the Iraqi city of Mosul may have been liberated, but in reality, the scars of brutal IS rule mean they are uninhabitable. For most residents, returning is not an option at this stage. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Recycle Beirut and Lebanon′s rubbish crisis

Green awakenings

With Lebanon's rubbish crisis in its second year, ordinary citizens are taking the problem of the ever-growing piles of trash into their own hands. This shift in consciousness represents a new reality for the government. By Alice Kohn in Beirut
By Alice Kohn