Qantara.de - Dialog mit der islamischen Welt

The Algerian author, historian and filmmaker Assia Djebar was the "grande dame" of Francophone Maghreb literature, a figurehead for generations of women writers in the Arab world. Right up until the very end, she was considered a favourite for the Nobel Prize in literature. She died on 6 February at the age of 78. An obituary by Regina Keil-SagaweMore

In Western music, percussion generally supports a singer or other musical instruments, rarely playing a starring role in its own right. "Dawar", the latest recording from Trio Chemirani, turns this notion on its head. Richard Marcus listened to the album and was astounded by the diversity of sound and feelings that three musicians are able to create using just a few instrumentsMore

70 million books, 47 participating countries, 850 publishers ... and all for an admission price of just under ten cents. After 46 years, the Cairo International Book Fair is not only the oldest in the Arab world; with one million visitors, it is also the second largest book fair on the planet. By Amira El Ahl in CairoMore

The International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) was launched in 2007. Since then, only one woman has won the prize. Over the course of the past eight years, there has been much debate about the appearance (or not) of women on the long- and shortlists for the prize. Marcia Lynx Qualey looks back on the history of women and the IPAFMore

Following in the footsteps of the major Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdel Wahab, the Tabadoul Orchestra brings together musical styles from all over the world. The ensemble was founded by musicians from Cologne, Egypt and Turkey. By Martina SabraMore

The Islamic satirical magazine "Cafcaf" has distanced itself from the worldwide "Je suis Charlie" movement. The magazine's Turkish caricaturists regard their own art as being respectful towards Islam and criticise the portrayal of their religion in the West. By Senada Sokollu in IstanbulMore

Political message or provocation? It is important to consider these two factors prior to a cartoon's publication. Acording to Khalil, a cartoonist of Arab origin, responsibility plays a major role in this consideration. Esther Felden spoke to Khalil about the attack in Paris and its consequencesMore

Abderrahmane Sissako's film "Timbuktu" portrays the nightmarish horror of Islamist rampages and at the same time invokes gentleness as a source of resistance. The compelling story is captured in masterful imagery by the cameraman Sofiane El Fani. By Hans-Jörg RotherMore

In the West, where Egyptian authors have long been seen as forces for good, the reaction to the fact that some of the country's most renowned writers seem to have abandoned the struggle for immediate democracy and the rule of law in favour of supporting military rule has been greeted with shock and dismay. Marcia Lynx Qualey explores the possible reasons for this developmentMore