When Turkeyʹs president Recep Tayyip Erdogan was first elected Mayor of Istanbul in 1994 he pledged not to resort to blaming Turkeyʹs problems on "outside powers, outside forces, or foreigners". Years later, with the weight of high office and a struggling currency upon him, that pledge is long gone. By Tom StevensonRead more
In "Looking for Oum Kulthum", successful Iranian artist Shirin Neshat has created a highly personal work about the Egyptian singer. In conversation with Schayan Riaz, she talks about the political dimension of icons and the patriarchal nature of the film industry Read more
Morocco made it to the final round of the World Cup for the first time in 20 years. A key figure in this success was centre back Mehdi Benatia, who ensured the squad qualified without conceding a single goal. No one could have reckoned with the crunch that was to follow. By Bachir AmrouneRead more
A Moroccan court has recently banned a book named "Sahih Al-Bukhari...The end of a legend" by Rachid Aylal, which openly criticises the famous hadith collection. Some Moroccans are outraged by the censorship, others by the content. By Safaa ShibliRead more
When Turkeyʹs president Recep Tayyip Erdogan was first elected Mayor of Istanbul in 1994 he pledged not to resort to blaming Turkeyʹs problems on "outside powers, outside forces, or foreigners". Years later, with the weight of high office and a struggling currency upon him, that pledge is long gone. By Tom StevensonMore
While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not achieved the degree of "state capture" that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has, he is also 11 years behind. The path the two leaders are on, however, is similar enough to invite comparison – and provoke concern. By Shashi TharoorMore
For months people in Gaza have been taking to the streets in protest at their intractable predicament. But the Palestinians have lost all their advocates, says Bettina Marx from the Heinrich Boll Foundation in RamallahMore
Last week thousands of people filled the streets of Jordan to protest about the countryʹs ongoing economic woes and the governmentʹs lack of accountability. Among them was Jordanian journalist Lina Shannak, who now hopes the new administration will bring about tangible changeMore
Morocco made it to the final round of the World Cup for the first time in 20 years. A key figure in this success was centre back Mehdi Benatia, who ensured the squad qualified without conceding a single goal. No one could have reckoned with the crunch that was to follow. By Bachir AmrouneMore
The criticism of Ilkay Gundogan and Mesut Ozil for meeting with Erdogan is justified, but the debate is about more than just human rights in Turkey. The real question is: how diverse does Germany want to be? Essay by Rene WildangelMore
A Moroccan court has recently banned a book named "Sahih Al-Bukhari...The end of a legend" by Rachid Aylal, which openly criticises the famous hadith collection. Some Moroccans are outraged by the censorship, others by the content. By Safaa ShibliMore
What is causing the generational conflict in Amman? Two poles are currently in the process of emerging, pitting a new independent cultural identity against a politicised rural and Bedouin one. By Yazan AshqarMore
In "Looking for Oum Kulthum", successful Iranian artist Shirin Neshat has created a highly personal work about the Egyptian singer. In conversation with Schayan Riaz, she talks about the political dimension of icons and the patriarchal nature of the film industry More
The First Gulf War, the chemical attack on the Iraqi village of Halabja in 1988 and the role played by foreign companies in the build-up of chemical weapons in the region were the main topics at the most recent "Visions of Iran" film festival in Cologne. By Bernd G. SchmitzMore
As they drive across Syria with their fatherʹs coffin on the back seat, three siblings encounter a shattered country where despotism and underhand dealings have become the norm, testing the bonds of family to destruction. By Volker KaminskiMore
On a makeshift stage in Casablanca eight men perform wearing women's outfits, a band resurrecting the nearly forgotten historical Bedouin genre of ʹaitaʹ music. By Mariam QamarMore
No more exile, no more mourning for a lost homeland. In her latest film "In Search of Oum Kulthum" the well-known director Shirin Neshat recalls a legendary Egyptian singer.
Qantara dossier: FIFA World Cup 2018
As this year's World Cup kicks off in Russia, delve into our dossier of football-related stories of integration and intrigue, featuring profiles on current and former Muslim soccer stars.More
Ramadan TV across the Arab world rife with racism
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are meant to abstain from food, drinks, smoking, sexual activity and offensive language. Yet year after year, TV series produced especially for Ramadan are released riddled with racist mockery and derogatory language against Afro/black Arabs and black African migrants.More
Football and the integration of refugees across Europe
Initiatives launched by a number of football clubs, organisations and associations are forging links and breaking down language barriers, helping those who have escaped war in their home countries to settle in Europe and integrate into society.More
Middle East teams at the 2018 World Cup
The 2018 World Cup in Russia is set to welcome five Middle East and North African national teams to the tournament – the most Middle Eastern World Cup ever.More
Iran’s priorities in a turbulent Middle East
Divergent views of Iran’s ambitions are driving proxy wars from Syria to Yemen. To stop disastrous direct confrontation, it is crucial to close the perception gap and that Iran and its adversaries take mutual steps toward de-escalating tensions.More
"The Band's Visit" scoops 10 Tonys on Broadway
A heart-warming musical about an Egyptian band visiting an Israeli desert town triumphed on New York's Broadway late on Sunday, sweeping the board with 10 Tony Awards, the highest honours in American theatre.More
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Examining civil society legitimacy
Civil society is under stress globally as dozens of governments across multiple regions reduce space for independent civil society organisations, restrict or prohibit international support for civic groups and propagate government-controlled NGOs. Leading scholars and activists report on efforts around the world to improve and defend civil society’s legitimacy.More
A modest place in the sun: Turkey's Muslim-friendly holidays
Turkey’s $26 billion tourism industry has been battered by security fears and political disputes in recent years but one corner of the market is quietly growing - beach holidays for conservative Muslims. More
The German Islam Scholar Lamya Kaddor
Why I as a Muslim Woman Don't Wear a Headscarf
Jordan and the influx of refugees
The true Samaritans
Muslims in Liberal Democracies
Why the West Fears Islam
The Decline of Islamic Scientific Thought
Don't Blame It on al-Ghazali
The Media and ''The Innocence of Muslims''
Against the Islamisation of Muslims
Junaid Jamshed
"I Was a Sinner for Years"