Interview with the Turkish writer Oya Baydar
The writer and journalist Oya Baydar speaks here to Ceyda Nurtsch about the role of the novel in Turkey in exploring the country's history, and why Turkish intellectuals were more optimistic about the democratisation of their country than they are now More »
The Turkish Oriental Dub Band "Baba Zula"
The Turkish band Baba Zula ushered in a new style in Turkish music: oriental dub. The band with its rebellious spirit goes way back in the contemporary Turkish music scene. Grit Friedrich reports More »
Profile of the Egyptian Writer Salwa Bakr
Salwa Bakr is an unassuming literary star. Not a natural self-promoter, the Egyptian writer is nevertheless one of her nation's best known authors at international level. She has written 18 books, many of which have gained international recognition and been translated into nine languages. By Claudia Mende More »
The Turkish National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turkish National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra brings together the very best young musicians Turkey has to offer. These young performers stepped into the spotlight this week at the Beethovenfest in Bonn, performing "Traffic" by the Turkish composer Mehmet Erhan Tanman for the very first time. By Aygül Cizmecioglu More »
The Syrian Actress Fadwa Suleiman
Syrian actress and activist Fadwa Suleiman was one of the first Syrian celebrities to take to the streets to protest against the Assad regime. She is now in exile in France. Magdalena Ebertz spoke to her in Paris More »
Interview with the Syrian Composer-pianist Malek Jandali
Malek Jandali is considered to be among the most versatile and creative musicians in the Arab world. He has recently attracted widespread international attention for his strong stand against the Assad regime. Martina Sabra met the artist in the country of his birth, Germany More »
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
On the 15th anniversary of the death of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the world can look back on an extraordinary musician. The "King of Qawwali" was a source of light in the often dark history of Pakistan. By Marian Brehmer More »
Mahi Binebine's Novel ''The Stars of Sidi Moumen''
The latest novel by Moroccan writer Mahi Binebine is inspired by the suicide bomb attacks on Casablanca. Its central message: As long as nothing is done to close the ever-increasing gap between rich and poor, there will always be those willing to emulate the Sidi Moumen "angels of death". By Claudia Kramatschek More »
Profile of the Egyptian Comic Illustrator Ahmed Omar
Comic illustrator Ahmed Omar is primarily known for his cartoons in "El-Doshma". His comics address the issues of corruption, injustice – and the search for a better life. Matthias Sailer introduces the artist More »
Nass El Ghiwane
For decades now, Nass El Ghiwane have fascinated audiences with their individual stylistic blend of Gnawa trance music and social protest songs. Their popularity is such that they've been dubbed the "Moroccan Beatles". Andreas Kirchgäßner profiles the group More »
