The orientalist and journalist Friedrich Schrader was one of the first and most active cultural mediators between Germany and Turkey. Today, the founder of the "Osmanischer Lloyd" has been largely forgotten. By Ceyda NurtschRead more
Well in advance of the next elections, the Moroccan authorities are attempting to ensure that parties loyal to the monarchy emerge victorious. Yet unforeseen developments, such as the successful boycott campaign by consumers, are playing into the oppositionʹs hands. By Ali AnouzlaRead more
Elected Mayor of Istanbul in 1994, Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged not blame Turkeyʹs problems on "outside powers, outside forces, or foreigners". Years later, with the weight of the presidency and a struggling currency upon him, that pledge is long gone. By Tom StevensonRead more
The Indonesian government and Greenpeace have teamed up with Islamic organisations to promote plastic waste reduction. Can including religion make environmental campaigns more effective? By Rizki Nugraha and Ayu PurwaningsihRead more
Well in advance of the next elections, the Moroccan authorities are attempting to ensure that parties loyal to the monarchy emerge victorious. Yet unforeseen developments, such as the successful boycott campaign by consumers, are playing into the oppositionʹs hands. By Ali AnouzlaMore
With elections imminent, the Turkish government and the Kurdish opposition are emphasising their peaceful intentions, yet the Kurdish conflict remains entrenched. A visit to Diyarbakir and Cizre on the Syrian border reveals the deep-seated antagonism and just how far both sides are from a reconciliation. By Ulrich von SchwerinMore
Elected Mayor of Istanbul in 1994, Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged not blame Turkeyʹs problems on "outside powers, outside forces, or foreigners". Years later, with the weight of the presidency 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
Iran's participation in the 2018 Football World Cup in Russia – the fifth time the nation has taken part in the competition – should be a joyous occasion for soccer-mad Iranians. But foreign sanctions and domestic restrictions are subduing the celebratory mood. Farid Ashrafian reports More
The Indonesian government and Greenpeace have teamed up with Islamic organisations to promote plastic waste reduction. Can including religion make environmental campaigns more effective? By Rizki Nugraha and Ayu PurwaningsihMore
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
The orientalist and journalist Friedrich Schrader was one of the first and most active cultural mediators between Germany and Turkey. Today, the founder of the "Osmanischer Lloyd" has been largely forgotten. By Ceyda NurtschMore
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
The Morgenlandfestival in Osnabruck, with its varied and surprising programme, competes every year against one-sided cliches about the Orient. By Philipp Jedicke
The slow death of journalism in Egypt
Last week the Egyptian parliament approved three new draft laws regulating the functions of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SMRC), the National Media Authority, and the National Press Authority (NPA). This bill will regulate social media presence in ways that it never has before. Any account with over 5,000 followers could be treated as a media outlet.More
Women in Saudi Arabia: Confronting male prejudice
Mervat Bukhari became the first Saudi woman to work in a field which is mostly dominated by men. When Bukhari was promoted as supervisor of a gas station in eastern Khobar city last October, insults began pouring in on social media with the hashtag "Saudi women don't work at gas stations".More
Syrian refugees hot-topic issue in upcoming Turkish election
As the Turkish economy slows down and people are getting ready to elect new leadership, the presence of millions of Syrian refugees living in the country returns to the fore.More
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
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
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
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"