Most recent articles by Canan Topçu
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Muslims in the USAAnything but lethargic
The American Muslim Hind Makki works to promote interfaith dialogue in her neighbourhood Bridgeview, known as the "Little Palestine" of Chicago. She observes that in recent times, the Islamic minority's interest in politics has risen sharply – thanks to Trump. By Canan Topcu
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Interview with the Islamic theologian Hamideh MohagheghiWe need to talk
With the recent rise in Islamophobia across German – and the wider European – society, the Islamic theologian Hamideh Mohagheghi warns against retreating from the debate. Now is the time for Muslims to practise their faith in confidence, step forward and speak out. Interview by Canan Topcu
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Germany′s Muslims and the refugeesIntegrating a new generation
What do Muslim migrants who have already lived in Germany for many years think about the recent arrivals and the European refugee crisis? Canan Topcu found out what Afghan, Turkish, Arab and Bosnian migrants in Hesse have to say
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Interview with Mouhanad Khorchide"Religion seeks to touch people′s hearts"
The new book by Islamic Studies scholar Mouhanad Khorchide argues for a modern understanding of the Koran and considers the relationship between God and humanity. "The Koran aims to bring up mature human beings, who develop their own religious nature", says Khorchide. Interview by Canan Topcu
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The headscarf ruling from Germany's Constitutional CourtHeated debate on all sides
The headscarf ruling handed down by the Karlsruhe judges on 13 March met with divided reactions. While some are calling it a landmark decision, others see it not as a solution but as a potential source of further problems. Canan Topcu outlines the various positions
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Muslims and the Paris attacks"I distance myself from these murderers – not as a Muslim, but as a human being"
Canan Topcu is a freelance journalist with a Muslim background. Following the Paris attacks, she experienced the same knee-jerk reaction that comes after every Islamist act of terrorism: Muslims are called upon to distance themselves from the perpetrators. She finds this irritating and hurtful, especially as Muslims are also victims of Islamist terrorism
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Women's dress code in IslamNo compulsion to wear the headscarf
The Becharis, a Moroccan family from Frankfurt am Main, place great emphasis on respect and tolerance, an attitude that is illustrated by the fact that mother and daughter each accept that the other has chosen a different path when it comes to the issue of the headscarf. By Canan Topcu
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Dispute about Prof Mouhanad KhorchideA conflict of many layers
The dispute about Mouhanad Khorchide, director of the Centre for Islamic Theology at the University of Münster, is heating up. Although the conflict is ostensibly about the "correct" interpretation of Islam, it is also an attempt by the Islamic associations in Germany to make a show of strength to politicians. The dispute has dire consequences for the discipline of Islamic theology, which is still in its infancy in Germany. By Canan Topçu
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Muslim Bloggers in GermanyCreating a Counter-public to Traditional Media
Germany's Muslim bloggers offer alternative opinions and perspectives on Muslim life. In so doing, they correct the image of Muslims that is portrayed in traditional media. Canan Topçu reports
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Ramadan for ShopkeepersBreaking the Fast with Dates and Seafood
Special goods for a special time: How Muslim shopkeepers in Germany experience Ramadan. Canan Topçu reports from Frankfurt