Places of Dialogue
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The universal language of musicMusic dossier: Tuning in to the unfamiliar
An independent, modern music scene has long since developed in the Islamic world and Europe. Breaking with convention, it is a far cry from belly dance and folklore cliches. In this dossier, we present some of its leading protagonists, genres and events
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The Middle East's cosmopolitan traditionBack to a Levantine future?
As regional and global problems rise, the once mixed cities of the Eastern Mediterranean may offer ideas for how we can escape our distress
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War in the Middle EastWomen for peace
Israeli and Palestinian women have joined forces and are calling for a negotiated solution to the Middle East conflict. They say it is the only alternative to the murderous war
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Contemporary Algerian musicA Franco-Arabic acoustic duet
Djazia Satour is one of the most eminent Algerian vocalists of our time. Her new stage project sees her performing her songs in a duo setting with pianist Pierre-Luc Jamain and bringing to life the sounds and tonal colour of her childhood home.
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Interview with Islam expert Felix KoernerThe Pope and the Muslims
Will Pope Francis still be travelling to Riyadh? What will be the outcome of his planned visit to Indonesia? How important is his friendship with Grand Sheikh al-Tayyeb? Interview with Islamic scholar Felix Koerner, five years after the Abu Dhabi document "on human fraternity"
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Cultural boycott of Germany?The German anti-Semitism debate is increasingly off-key
These days, anyone opposing both anti-Semitism and racism faces a difficult choice, as numerous recent cases show. Where must we start in order to change this?
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Israelis and Palestinians: "Standing Together""Help us move towards peace"
Since the war in Gaza, the grassroots movement "Standing Together" has become increasingly popular among Israelis and Palestinians. Founding member Itamar Avneri says they are calling for peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, absolute equality for all citizens – and true social, economic and environmental justice
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Dialogue in GermanyAn imam and a rabbi tour Berlin schools
Tensions are running high over the conflict in the Middle East. In German schools, as elsewhere, discussions are controversial and emotional. An imam and a rabbi are working together to promote dialogue and understanding in these turbulent times
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Abrahamic Family House in Abu DhabiReligious tolerance in UAE serves national interest
In March 2023, a synagogue was consecrated in Abu Dhabi – the first Jewish house of prayer to be built in the region for a hundred years. It is situated in an interfaith complex called Abrahamic Family House, which aims to present the Emirates as a tolerant, open country. Claudia Mende visited the centre
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Life in IraqNo politics, no religion, no sex
Hella Mewis refuses to give in. The head of a cultural centre in Baghdad has already been kidnapped once, but Baghdad is her home, and she’s staying. Lena Bopp finds out why
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Germany's BeethovenfestAfghan and Iranian musicians join forces
Musicians from Afghanistan, Iran and Germany have come together to work on Bonn's Beethovenfest Campus Project 2023. The result can be heard on 14 September. By Anastassia Boutsko
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Edward W. Said Days in Berlin: The legacy of a visionary bridge-builder
With this year's "Edward Said Days" marking the 20th anniversary of the death of the Palestinian-American literary scholar, the Berlin Barenboim-Said Academie and the Pierre Boulez Hall opened their 2023/24 season on 26 August 2023. By Ceyda Nurtsch