Islam in Europe
All topics-
Djinns, migration and racism
"You don't have to be Huseyin or Emine to understand"
Columnist and editor Fatma Aydemir is one of the most scintillating voices in new German literature. In her latest novel, "Djinns", she tells a migrant family story from six different perspectives. Interview by Schayan Riaz
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Islam in Europe
The big history of Albania's tiny Koran
For generations, this postage stamp-sized book has been passed down through one family -- surviving wars and one of the world's most fanatical "godless regimes".
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Scotland's first Muslim First Minister
How should we rate Humza Yousaf's appointment?
The first Muslim to lead a major political party in Scotland; Humza Yousaf is also the first Muslim to head a government in Western Europe. But the picture is not all rosy, and what happens at the level of the political elite does not necessarily reflect realities on the ground. Commentary by Shady Lewis Botros
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Election run-up in Turkey
Who are Erdogan's allies?
Parliamentary and presidential elections in Turkey are scheduled for 14 May, with the polls pointing to a close race. Elmas Topcu takes a look at the parties that support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's election alliance
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Muslims in Europe
"For integration, read assimilation"
Islam expert Schirin Amir-Moazami says Europe must take a more critical look at the social and political conditions under which Muslims immigrated to Europe – and in which they now live. Interview by Claudia Mende
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Islamophobia in Germany
Muslims face everyday hate
Last Friday – 15 March – was the UN's International Day to Combat Islamophobia. In Germany, many of the 5.5 million-strong Muslim community say they experience discrimination every day. By Christoph Strack
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The future of Islamic mysticism
Is Sufism under threat?
Sufis today are under attack from fundamentalists and modernists alike. At the same time, a new form of Sufism is emerging in the West. By Marian Brehmer
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Refugee work in Germany
Jews and Muslims united in their support for refugees
Social engagement is often motivated by religious factors. A new book explores the background to these community efforts and appraises how effective they are in helping to integrate new arrivals to Germany
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Ajvatovica, Europe's largest Muslim pilgrimage
Ajvatovica, the largest Muslim pilgrimage in Europe, dates back over 500 years. Legend has it that Ajvaz Dedo, an Anatolian dervish, prayed to God for water during a period of drought for 40 days and nights in front of a huge rock near the town of Prusac in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the last day, he fell asleep, only to find when he awoke that the rock had split in two, releasing a stream of water. By Konstantin Novakovic
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Our German fairytale
Reality, crueller than fiction
Award-winning poet Dincer Gucyeter’s debut novel is a tour de force through the German reality he experienced as an artist and son of Turkish immigrants, written with an unsparing eye and literary ambition. Gerrit Wustmann read the book
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Integration versus racism
I don't see myself as a victim
Canan Topcu came from Turkey to Germany as a child. In her essay, she describes how bothered she was by the racism she encountered in her country of origin when she travelled there recently. She describes her very personal take on identity, racism and exclusion
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Italy's victorious right
Hide the swastikas!
Much has changed in the European post-fascist firmament since former SS officers, veterans of the collaborationist Vichy government and other dubious figures established the forerunners of today’s far-right parties. Women and young men, usually smartly turned out in tailor-made suits, now set the tone. Commentary by Ian Buruma