Society

Germany′s first Arabic newspaper for refugees

Newcomers, not refugees

"Abwab" – the Arabic for doors - is the name of the first and so far the only Arabic newspaper for refugees in Germany. It aims to provide information and serve as a platform for discussing integration-related issues. Ceyda Nurtsch spoke to publisher Ramy al-Asheq
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Interview with the Croatian-German writer Jagoda Marinic

″Cultural identity is not absolute″

"Made in Germany" is a label that sells. But when it comes to people, how German is Germany today? Croatian-German author Jagoda Marinic explains why identity is fluid – and the far-right so dangerous. Interview by Srecko Matic
By Srecko Matic
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum

Dubai′s fairytale prince

Dubai's Crown Prince is a star on Instagram. With some 3.5 million subscribers, he has long since overtaken royals such as Prince William and Kate. Moreover he emphasises Islamic values. Yet for all the glamour and posturing, there′s no denying that the Emirate keeps a tight rein on freedom of speech. By Mey Dudin
By Mey Dudin
Tunisia's TV spoof

Look who's coming to dinner!

This Ramadan, opinions are divided over a hidden camera television show being broadcast in Tunisia. The presumed protagonist: the former ruler Ben Ali. Does the programme trivialise the dictatorship, or is it an intelligent wake-up call? By Sarah Mersch in Tunis
By Sarah Mersch
Azraq refugee camp

Captives of the desert

The Azraq refugee camp sits just off the highway, deep in the Jordanian desert. Lorries, on their way to Baghdad, thunder past along the so-called "road of death", the endless, pothole-pitted eastbound desert dirt track. Visitors are rare. By Dana Ritzmann
By Dana Ritzmann
Interview with Chen Alon

Between the lines

Chen Alon is a teacher at Tel Aviv University, theatre director and co-founder of the NGO Combatants for Peace. In an interview with Fabian Ebeling he talks about how politics in Israel are affecting the cultural sphere and the work of left-wing organisations
By Fabian Ebeling
Transgender activism in Pakistan

The dynamic third gender

In times of increasing radicalisation, minorities and those who occupy society's niches and in-between realms can become prime targets, as the attack last weekend on a gay nightclub in Florida so painfully demonstrated. Recently, however, on the other side of the globe in South Asia, there have also been some astounding breakthroughs. By Sara-Duana Meyer
By Sara-Duana Meyer
Protecting women from violence in Jordan

For a self-determined life

Under pressure from women′s organisations, several women′s refuges for survivors of domestic violence have been set up in Amman. As long as the state continues to offer insufficient protection, initiatives like Lina Khalifeh′s "Shefighter" will focus on strengthening the individual. By Claudia Mende in Amman
By Claudia Mende
The Iftarlendar

An "Advent calendar" for Ramadan

First there was the Advent calendar. Now, with the so-called "Iftarlendar," Muslims can also prepare themselves for one of their most important holidays, the feast of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the fast. And it only takes 30 windows. By Uta Steinwehr
By Uta Steinwehr
Domestic violence against women in Turkey

″Don′t prevent divorce, prevent murder!″

The past few years have seen a huge increase in the number of women murdered in Turkey. There are also increasing reports of domestic violence. Those victims who report violence to the authorities, however, are often treated badly. By Ceyda Nurtsch
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Muslims in Bosnia Herzegovina

Help is at hand

In Bosnia Herzegovina Islam has been part of Europe for centuries. But in the debate surrounding Islam, little consideration is given to the experience of Bosnian Muslims. Nedad Memic considers this approach short-sighted
By Nedad Memić
Interview with Mevlevi sheikh Kabir Helminski

Sufism and the power to transform

The U.S. American and Mevlevi sheikh Kabir Helminski is founder of the international ″Threshold Society″ and one of the most important Sufi teachers in the West. Marian Brehmer talked to him about the role of Sufism in the modern world and the dangers of religious extremism
By Marian Brehmer