Most recent articles by Marian Brehmer
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40th anniversary of the death of Shia scholar Allameh TabatabaiThe modest scholar of Qom
Right up until his death, Allameh Tabatabai dedicated himself to the revival of Shia Islam’s intellectual traditions. But few in the West have even heard of this exceptional philosopher. A portrait by Marian Brehmer
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Katajun Amirpur's "Khomeini" biographyKhomeini, the enigmatic Ayatollah
Recently published in German, Katajun Amirpur's new biography of Ayatollah Khomeini is a multi-faceted and knowledgeable portrait of the Iranian revolutionary leader that also offers some surprises. Marian Brehmer read the book for Qantara.de
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Moosa Raza's "In Search of Oneness"What do the Bhagavad Gita and the Koran have in common?
Despite over a thousand years of co-existence, India's Hindus and Muslims often know little about each other's religious traditions. In an effort to promote understanding and reconciliation among the two communities, Moosa Raza, an Indian scholar of Islam, compares the sub-continent’s two most important sacred scriptures. By Marian Brehmer
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The alchemy of fastingRamadan – a feast for spirit and soul
In Islamic mysticism, Ramadan is more than just a period of prescribed abstinence, signifying an opportunity for inner contemplation. Marian Brehmer explores the spiritual dimensions of the month of fasting against the background of Sufism
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Sufi musik: Qawwali ensemble "Fanna-fi-Allah"Searching for God's love
Fanna-fi-Allah is the West's most renowned Qawwali ensemble. It stands out not only for its strong stage presence, but also for its commitment to preserving the centuries-old tradition. By Marian Brehmer
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Press killings in AfghanistanAfghan journalists forced to run a murderous gauntlet
In recent months, Afghanistan has been rocked by a wave of targeted killings aiming at civil rights activists and journalists. Marian Brehmer talked to Mujeeb Khalvatgar, director of NGO NAI – Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, about the dire situation currently facing Afghan journalists
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Caught between tradition and modernityWill ancient poet Hafez win the "soft war" in Iran?
Iran is far more modern than many people realise: our view is clouded by media distortion and the overriding political narrative. The nation’s historic and cultural riches are often overlooked. A declaration of love for Iran by Marian Brehmer
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Afghanistan’s academics under fireMust young Afghans be willing to die for an education?
The latest attack on Kabul University left staff and students feeling desperate and vulnerable. An international letter of solidarity aims to express support for the academic community, who continue to instruct and study under conditions of war, violence and insecurity. By Marian Brehmer
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Album review: Aynur Dogan’s "Hedur"Finding solace in the sounds of home
For years, singer Aynur Dogan has preserved and expanded the possibilities of traditional Kurdish music, lending a voice to her people. She has just released her seventh studio album. By Marian Brehmer
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Album review: Kudsi Erguner's “La Melancolie Royale”Ney music with a mission
“La Melancolie Royale” is an hour-long Sufi meditation on the reed flute by the great Turkish virtuoso Kudsi Erguner. Marian Brehmer on a Sufi musician with a mission
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Non-fiction: Taran Khan's "Shadow City"Taking a fresh look at Kabul and the Afghan people
Penned by Indian journalist Taran Khan and thus devoid of the customary Western perspective, "Shadow City" presents a refreshing portrait of this long-suffering, multi-layered city. By Marian Brehmer
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Album review: Misagh Joolaee's "Ferne"Expanding the horizons of the kamancheh
German-Iranian Misagh Joolaee was recently recognised for widening the scope of playing the Persian spiked fiddle with the German Record Critics’ Award. Mariam Brehmer listened to his new album