Literary Dialogue
Literature plays an important role in intercultural dialogue. Our dossier shines the spotlight on some remarkable authors, books, translations and dialogue initiatives
Palestinian-British Author Samir El-Youssef
The Palestinian writer Samir El-Youssef has found his identity in exile in London. Yet the idea of a homeland has always been alien to him. A portrait by Alexandra Senfft
The Palestinian writer Samir El-Youssef has found his identity in exile in London. Yet the idea of a homeland has always been alien to him. A portrait by Alexandra Senfft
Sabahattin Ali: "Madonna in a Fur Coat"
The Turkish writer Sabahattin Ali lived in Germany from 1928 to 1930. His novel Kürk Mantolu Madonna (Madonna in a Fur Coat) is a story of unrequited love set in 1920s Berlin, which shows a young man the way out of his loneliness. Volker Kaminski read the new German translation
The Turkish writer Sabahattin Ali lived in Germany from 1928 to 1930. His novel Kürk Mantolu Madonna (Madonna in a Fur Coat) is a story of unrequited love set in 1920s Berlin, which shows a young man the way out of his loneliness. Volker Kaminski read the new German translation
Moroccan Writer Abdellah Taïa
Abdellah Taïa is the first Moroccan writer to openly acknowledge his homosexuality. The author risked "coming out", however, only after he settled in France. A portrait by Kersten Knipp
Abdellah Taïa is the first Moroccan writer to openly acknowledge his homosexuality. The author risked "coming out", however, only after he settled in France. A portrait by Kersten Knipp
Prix Goncourt for Atiq Rahimi
Writer and film director Atiq Rahimi is the surprise winner of this year's French Prix Goncourt, one of the world's most prestigious literary awards. His dark stories reflect the drama of his own life. A portrait by Martin Gerner
Writer and film director Atiq Rahimi is the surprise winner of this year's French Prix Goncourt, one of the world's most prestigious literary awards. His dark stories reflect the drama of his own life. A portrait by Martin Gerner
Interview with the Algerian Novelist Boualem Sansal
In 1945, following the Second World War, many prominent Nazis sought refuge in Arab countries. The Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has addressed this chapter of history in his latest novel. Martina Sabra met him in Frankfurt, Germany
In 1945, following the Second World War, many prominent Nazis sought refuge in Arab countries. The Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has addressed this chapter of history in his latest novel. Martina Sabra met him in Frankfurt, Germany
Interview with Nuruddin Farah
Nuruddin Farah has more than once been taken into consideration for the Nobel Prize of Literature. In this interview with Qantara.de, the Somali author talks about his new novel, the civil war and his practical optimism for Somalia
Nuruddin Farah has more than once been taken into consideration for the Nobel Prize of Literature. In this interview with Qantara.de, the Somali author talks about his new novel, the civil war and his practical optimism for Somalia
Interview with Salah Stétié
The Lebanese poet Salah Stétié writes in French, because he believes the Arabic language is out of date. That is why he is appealing to Arab intellectuals to take an active role in modernizing the Arabic language. Interview by Saleh Diyab
The Lebanese poet Salah Stétié writes in French, because he believes the Arabic language is out of date. That is why he is appealing to Arab intellectuals to take an active role in modernizing the Arabic language. Interview by Saleh Diyab
Interview with Vénus Khoury-Ghata
The Lebanese born, Paris based author Vénus Khoury-Ghata has been awarded numerous renowned prizes for literature in France. This year Khoury-Ghata will be seventy years old. Just now, another of her novels has appeared in French. Martina Sabra met with Khoury-Ghata
The Lebanese born, Paris based author Vénus Khoury-Ghata has been awarded numerous renowned prizes for literature in France. This year Khoury-Ghata will be seventy years old. Just now, another of her novels has appeared in French. Martina Sabra met with Khoury-Ghata
Interview with Hasan Ali Toptaş
In 2006 Turkish novelist Hasan Ali Toptaş was chosen to receive the most respected literary award in Turkey, the Orhan Kemal Prize. Fatma Sagir spoke to him about his twin careers as novelist and as court bailiff
In 2006 Turkish novelist Hasan Ali Toptaş was chosen to receive the most respected literary award in Turkey, the Orhan Kemal Prize. Fatma Sagir spoke to him about his twin careers as novelist and as court bailiff
Interview with Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak's latest novel, "The Bastard of Istanbul", has been tremendously well received in Turkey. However, Shafak is now facing a trial for "denigrating Turkishness" – because of comments made by one of her characters in the novel. Interview by Lewis Gropp
Elif Shafak's latest novel, "The Bastard of Istanbul", has been tremendously well received in Turkey. However, Shafak is now facing a trial for "denigrating Turkishness" – because of comments made by one of her characters in the novel. Interview by Lewis Gropp
Interview with Habib Selmi
Habib Selmi is one of the most important Tunisian authors writing in Arabic. In this elaborate interview with Samuel Shimon, Selmi talks about his relationship to his mother tongue, his dislike of French literature and the art of the novel
Habib Selmi is one of the most important Tunisian authors writing in Arabic. In this elaborate interview with Samuel Shimon, Selmi talks about his relationship to his mother tongue, his dislike of French literature and the art of the novel
Writers in Syria
In Syria, the secret police is as omnipresent as traffic wardens are in the West. Every movement and every word are registered. Yet some writers see this as a creative challenge rather than a nuisance. They use their wit, humour and imagination to offer the world an insight into a society that at first glance seems closed off. Susanne Schanda reports
In Syria, the secret police is as omnipresent as traffic wardens are in the West. Every movement and every word are registered. Yet some writers see this as a creative challenge rather than a nuisance. They use their wit, humour and imagination to offer the world an insight into a society that at first glance seems closed off. Susanne Schanda reports
Cairo's Literature Scene
Arabic literary publishers usually only conduct small print-runs, and readers usually belong to a restricted clique of intellectuals. But recent times have seen a shift in the literary scene on the Nile. Susanne Schanda went to see for herself
Arabic literary publishers usually only conduct small print-runs, and readers usually belong to a restricted clique of intellectuals. But recent times have seen a shift in the literary scene on the Nile. Susanne Schanda went to see for herself
William S. Borroughs' "Naked Lunch"
Naked Lunch is William S. Burroughs' most famous novel. First published in Paris 50 years ago, the book was written in the Moroccan port of Tangier – in the company of drug dealers and pimps. Alfred Hackensberger picks up the trail
Naked Lunch is William S. Burroughs' most famous novel. First published in Paris 50 years ago, the book was written in the Moroccan port of Tangier – in the company of drug dealers and pimps. Alfred Hackensberger picks up the trail
Migrants in Contemporary German-language Literature
Migrants have generally played a fairly minor role in German literature. The Germanist Katy Derbyshire asks how this reflects the country's social reality – and takes a comparative look at British literature
Migrants have generally played a fairly minor role in German literature. The Germanist Katy Derbyshire asks how this reflects the country's social reality – and takes a comparative look at British literature
Literature in Pakistan
In Pakistan, it is impossible to make a living out of writing – those who wish to publish a book must pay for it themselves. Yet the country's literature reflects that Pakistan is a society in transition. Claudia Kramatschek gives an overview
In Pakistan, it is impossible to make a living out of writing – those who wish to publish a book must pay for it themselves. Yet the country's literature reflects that Pakistan is a society in transition. Claudia Kramatschek gives an overview
Muslim Authors at the First South African Book Fair
The "Celebrate Africa" book fair in Cape Town was the biggest of its kind ever to be held on African soil. Renowned Muslim writers like Imraan Coovadia und Rayda Jacobs were also invited to attend. Almuth Schellpeper reports
The "Celebrate Africa" book fair in Cape Town was the biggest of its kind ever to be held on African soil. Renowned Muslim writers like Imraan Coovadia und Rayda Jacobs were also invited to attend. Almuth Schellpeper reports
Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine
In Morocco, Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine's final novel about Agoun'chich, the legendary Berber figure, was not published until seven years after the author's death. Nowadays, however, the poète maudit has risen to become an icon of the Berber renaissance, writes Regina Keil-Sagawe
In Morocco, Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine's final novel about Agoun'chich, the legendary Berber figure, was not published until seven years after the author's death. Nowadays, however, the poète maudit has risen to become an icon of the Berber renaissance, writes Regina Keil-Sagawe
Youssouf Amine Elalamy
The attempted crossing to Europe is the last journey many Africans ever make. Newspaper reports on this illegal migration have little to say about the motives and hopes of those who die. Moroccan writer Youssouf Amin Elalamy's book, Les Clandestins, gives their dreams a literary echo. Moritz Behrendt spoke to the author about his book
The attempted crossing to Europe is the last journey many Africans ever make. Newspaper reports on this illegal migration have little to say about the motives and hopes of those who die. Moroccan writer Youssouf Amin Elalamy's book, Les Clandestins, gives their dreams a literary echo. Moritz Behrendt spoke to the author about his book
Salman Rushdie and "The Enchantress of Florence"
The critics have reacted positively but not enthusiastically to his most recent novel. Nevertheless, with or without "The Enchantress of Florence", Bombay-born writer Salman Rushdie is the perfect embodiment of the erudite, witty intellectual, writes Lewis Gropp
The critics have reacted positively but not enthusiastically to his most recent novel. Nevertheless, with or without "The Enchantress of Florence", Bombay-born writer Salman Rushdie is the perfect embodiment of the erudite, witty intellectual, writes Lewis Gropp
Samuel Shimon's "An Iraqi in Paris"
Samuel Shimon, a London-based Iraqi author, has written a book that draws upon the rich traditions of Arab story-telling, but is also rich with allusions to classic European literature. Review by Fadhil al-Azzawi
Samuel Shimon, a London-based Iraqi author, has written a book that draws upon the rich traditions of Arab story-telling, but is also rich with allusions to classic European literature. Review by Fadhil al-Azzawi
Aziz Chouaki's novel "The Star of Algiers"
In his novel The Star of Algiers, the Algerian writer Aziz Chouaki tells the story of a talented musician whose career takes off just before the Algerian civil war, of all times. Kersten Knipp read the book
In his novel The Star of Algiers, the Algerian writer Aziz Chouaki tells the story of a talented musician whose career takes off just before the Algerian civil war, of all times. Kersten Knipp read the book
Yael Lerer
After working for the Israeli parliament, Yael Lerer decided to go into publishing. Youssef Hijazi spoke with her about authors like Mahmoud Darwish and Mohamed Choukri, and about the difficulties she confronts as a publisher of Arabic literature in Israel
After working for the Israeli parliament, Yael Lerer decided to go into publishing. Youssef Hijazi spoke with her about authors like Mahmoud Darwish and Mohamed Choukri, and about the difficulties she confronts as a publisher of Arabic literature in Israel
The Adventures of Amir Hamza
The "Hamzana" is considered the most significant epic of the Indo-Islamic world. The story narrates the fantastic exploits of Amir Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad. Now a remarkable English translation by a Pakistani-Canadian author was published. Richard Marcus introduces the book
The "Hamzana" is considered the most significant epic of the Indo-Islamic world. The story narrates the fantastic exploits of Amir Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad. Now a remarkable English translation by a Pakistani-Canadian author was published. Richard Marcus introduces the book
Publication of Arab Literature in English
There have for a long time been complaints that there is far too little Arab literature translated into English, and that what is translated tends to be sensational novels or non-fiction that re-inforce stereotypes. However, there are encouraging signs that the picture is changing, as Susannah Tarbush reports
There have for a long time been complaints that there is far too little Arab literature translated into English, and that what is translated tends to be sensational novels or non-fiction that re-inforce stereotypes. However, there are encouraging signs that the picture is changing, as Susannah Tarbush reports
Publishers in the Arab World
Almost everywhere in the Arab world, publishers have to make do without any marketing or distribution. How, then, do books reach their readers? Arab publishers met at a workshop in Abu Dhabi to seek common solutions. Gabriele Rubner has the details
Almost everywhere in the Arab world, publishers have to make do without any marketing or distribution. How, then, do books reach their readers? Arab publishers met at a workshop in Abu Dhabi to seek common solutions. Gabriele Rubner has the details
Yasar Kemal and Günter Grass
They are both eloquent writers and contentious thinkers. The authors Yasar Kemal and Günter Grass met at the invitation of the German Academy of Arts in Berlin. The topic of discussion was the relationship between literature and politics. Ariana Mirza reports
They are both eloquent writers and contentious thinkers. The authors Yasar Kemal and Günter Grass met at the invitation of the German Academy of Arts in Berlin. The topic of discussion was the relationship between literature and politics. Ariana Mirza reports
Joachim Helfer / Rashid al-Daif
An essay entitled "The Homosexualization of the World" by the German author Joachim Helfer and the Lebanese author Rashid al-Daif has recently been published in Germany. Volker Kaminski describes the results of a dialogue of opposites
An essay entitled "The Homosexualization of the World" by the German author Joachim Helfer and the Lebanese author Rashid al-Daif has recently been published in Germany. Volker Kaminski describes the results of a dialogue of opposites
Etgar Keret and Samir El-Youssef
Authors Etgar Keret of Israel and Samir El-Youssef of Palestine take aim in their writing at the politicization of their societies, in an effort to rescue the private sphere from the long arm of ideology. Lewis Gropp spoke to them about their joint volume of short stories
Authors Etgar Keret of Israel and Samir El-Youssef of Palestine take aim in their writing at the politicization of their societies, in an effort to rescue the private sphere from the long arm of ideology. Lewis Gropp spoke to them about their joint volume of short stories
Abbas Beydoun - Michael Kleeberg
Lebanese poet and essayist Abbas Beydoun and German author Michael Kleeberg met each other last winter during the Berlin Project - West-Eastern Diwan. Qantara.de invited these two renowned authors to participate in a weekly exchange of correspondence related to the events of the war against Iraq.
Lebanese poet and essayist Abbas Beydoun and German author Michael Kleeberg met each other last winter during the Berlin Project - West-Eastern Diwan. Qantara.de invited these two renowned authors to participate in a weekly exchange of correspondence related to the events of the war against Iraq.
brownbook magazine is a middle eastern magazine dedicated to create awareness for the growing talent that is available in the region whether they are artists, galleries, photographers or even talented individuals who add value to the region and beyond. More...
In this authors@google lecture, Salman Rushdie talks about his latest novel, "The Enchantress of Florence", which brings together the Italian cradle of the Renaissance with the enlightened Mughal Empire of Akbar the Great. More...
Known as an expert on Islam and Islamic art, in his book Titus Burckhardt presents in-depth analyses of seminal examples of Islamic architecture, from Spain and Morocco to Persia and India. Click here to have a look at an extensive excerpt...
Fadhil Al-Azzawi's novel The Last of the Angels, set in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk during the 1950s, was recently published in English. Read the excerpt chapter "Hameed Nylon" on Words Without Borders...