Muslim women
All topics-
Iran's authoritarian dress code
Tehran seeks to enforce hijab rules again
The hijab is not just a piece of clothing. This traditional headscarf holds deep cultural and political significance in Iran. The Islamist regime demands that women wear it for the sake of morality and order. Nonetheless, a considerable number of women have stopped doing so entirely. By Shora Azarnoush
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Empowering women
Transforming horizons in rural Morocco
Research conducted in Morocco reveals the positive community impact of sustainable agricultural initiatives when preceded by women's empowerment workshops, leading to participatory action, enhanced community well-being and decentralisation. By Yossef Ben-Meir
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MbS and Vision 2030
Saudi Arabiaˈs great transformation
With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is attempting to move away from economic dependence on hydrocarbons. Given the vast resources that the kingdom is deploying, the enthusiasm shown by young Saudis and the speed at which reforms are moving forward, the strategy could ultimately benefit the entire Middle East. By Rabah Arezki and Tarik M. Yousef
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Islamic feminism
Evolving gender rights
In her latest book – "Journeys Toward Gender Equality in Islam" – legal anthropologist and activist Ziba Mir-Hosseini talks to six leading Muslim reformists about gender, women's rights and the latter's evolution over time. Interview by Tugrul von Mende
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The headscarf controversy
End of Germany's culture war?
Berlin is the last federal state in Germany to approve the wearing of headscarves by teachers. The fact that the courts have had to demand this time and again does not however reflect well on German politics. By Daniel Bax
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Morgenland Festival Osnabruck
Countering patriarchal cliches
Focusing on music from the Levant to Central Asia, Osnabruck's Morgenland Festival occupies a special place in the German festival landscape. Prior to the 18th festival, which begins on 21 June, Stefan Franzen spoke to festival manager Michael Dreyer about the musical concept, the political dimension, and whether the term 'Morgenland' [engl. 'the East', 'Orient'] is still in keeping with the times
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"Something Strange, Like Hunger" by Malika Moustadraf
Feminist and literary activist
The Moroccan author Malika Moustadraf (1969 - 2006) wrote about sexuality, patriarchy and women's rights in her texts. When she died from chronic kidney disease aged just 37, she left behind an exciting, little-known literary legacy. By Melanie Christina Mohr
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Vlogging and Arab family values
"Filming every moment"
Household labour has become popular viewing in Arab cultures where the distribution of such tasks is among the world’s most inequitable. Indeed, family vloggers' urge to "film every moment" may well prove the most politically significant content of all. By Kaitlyn Hashem
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Sudan: War on women
Abducted and raped
Sudanese women are paying a particularly high price for the war that has now lasted more than six weeks. Sexual violence – committed by all parties – has skyrocketed. By Karim El-Gawhary
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750th anniversary of Rumi’s death – Part 2
A message of love, tolerance and peace
How is Rumi’s legacy preserved in the Mevlevi order today? An interview with Sufi Master Hayat Nur Artiran from Istanbul. By Marian Brehmer
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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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Turkish elections
Can Turkey's Gen Z tip the scales?
In Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections on 14 May, one in five eligible voters will be under the age of 30. What does Generation Z want, and will it end up deciding the elections? By Ceyda Nurtsch