Society
Topics
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Interview with Sedat Korkmaz"German society [...] still does not know much about Alevism"
Some 4,000 children and young people now attend classes in Alevi religious education in public schools in Germany. But there is still a shortage of teachers who are able to convey the Alevi faith with competence. Martina Sabra discussed the situation with Sedat Korkmaz, head of the Alevi Academy in Mannheim
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Egypt′s media and the new anti-terror lawTowing the government line
The anti-terror law passed in mid-August has struck fear into the hearts of journalists and bloggers in Egypt. It imposes legal limits on how they report terrorist attacks, severely curtailing freedom of speech. Background by Mustafa Hashem in Cairo
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One Syrian refugee’s story″I could no longer live in Syria″
Syrian refugee Alaa Houd left his job and family and hired people smugglers to make his way to the wealthy countries of Western Europe. Hiring people smugglers was his only way of leaving war-torn Syria. Diana Hodali spoke to Syrian Alaa Houd and recounts his story for him
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Portrait of the refugee helper Father Zerai"All these people want is a chance"
The feisty Catholic priest Mussie Zerai is a staunch advocate of the rights of refugees in Italy and has already saved countless lives. A candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, he is known as the "refugees' guardian angel". Many refugees simply call him "Father Moses". By Andrea Backhaus
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The National Museum in BeirutFighting to save the region's cultural heritage
As world heritage sites in Iraq and Syria continue to be bombed, blown up and bulldozed, the question as to what can be done to save their historical treasures has taken on a new urgency. The National Museum in Beirut is playing its part in trying to save the region's cultural heritage. By Juliane Metzker in Beirut
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Converts to IslamGerman Islam
Germans who adopt Islam not out of frustration but out of a sincere passion for the religion are often disappointed by those born into the Muslim faith, finding that they insufficiently embody the beauty of Islamic doctrine and spirituality. By Charlotte Wiedemann
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Life in the West BankThe changing face of Ramallah
After the signing of the Oslo I Accord in 1993, Ramallah, the de-facto capital of the Palestinian Authority, became the biggest per-capita recipient of aid in the world. This, coupled with the influx of investment, turned the city into something of a boomtown. Ramallah's vibrant nightlife and work opportunities with international organisations have attracted many young people from the periphery of Palestine, but also criticism from those who ask how an occupied city can be so seemingly oblivious to what is happening just a few kilometres away or so willing to build over the city's heritage. By Ylenia Gostoli
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Syrian refugees in Turkey on the Syrian conflictKeeping the revolution alive
The focus of the violent Syrian conflict has shifted from atrocities committed by the Assad regime to IS. But activists who joined peaceful protests four years ago say their commitment to the revolution hasn't dimmed. By Ruby Russell and Louise Osborne
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Book review: "Why I Am A Salafi" by Michael Muhammad KnightAn in-depth exploration of Islam
Novelist and essayist Michael Muhammad Knight is known for his provocative views. He has already written at length about his exploration of his faith. His latest book, "Why I Am A Salafi", delves even deeper. A complex and detailed book, it is nevertheless accessible, interesting for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and dispels many misconceptions about Islam says Richard Marcus
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The #siirsokakta movement in TurkeyThe poem is on the street
In the wake of the Gezi protests – and through interaction with social media – a movement arose in Turkey that inspired people to write, spray and scrawl snippets of poetry on all kinds of surfaces in public spaces. It became a vibrant part of literary life in Turkey. By Achim Wagner
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Media portrayals and geopolitics in the Near and Middle EastWho shapes our image of the world?
In this commentary, Charlotte Wiedemann considers how press freedom and the media are tethered to Western geopolitics
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Interview with Shirin EbadiTime for a human rights deal in Iran
Following the recent nuclear agreement, Iranians are hoping not only for a boost to their country's economy, but also for improved rights. In this interview, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi explains why the time has come for the West to focus on the human rights situation in Iran. By Sharam Ahadi and Mitra Shodjaie
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