In an attempt to salvage the Iran nuclear deal, Germany, France and Britain recently set up a new vehicle of non-dollar trade with the Islamic Republic. The policy is diplomatically valid, but in economic terms it may well prove too little, too late. By Maysam BehraveshRead more
German politicians and media have been surprisingly quiet in the wake of the attack on two mosques in New Zealand. Donʹt we care about the victims, asks Jaafar Abdul KarimRead more
Rather than perpetuate the romanticised image of the Orient commonplace in 19th century literature, writer and nomad Isabelle Eberhardt traversed and explored the Maghreb with a critical eye. She not only condemned French colonialism, but also the established gender roles of her era. By Melanie Christina MohrRead more
Hagiography on the Nile: the cult of Gamal Abdel Nasser continues to spread, in part because it serves the purposes of Egypt's incumbent president. By Joseph CroitoruRead more
German politicians and media have been surprisingly quiet in the wake of the attack on two mosques in New Zealand. Donʹt we care about the victims, asks Jaafar Abdul KarimMore
In an attempt to salvage the Iran nuclear deal, Germany, France and Britain recently set up a new vehicle of non-dollar trade with the Islamic Republic. The policy is diplomatically valid, but in economic terms it may well prove too little, too late. By Maysam BehraveshMore
In the wake of the Christchurch attack, people took to the Internet to publish messages of both outrage and sympathy, as well as calls for retaliation. Where hatred prevails, reason no longer appears to have a voice. This barbaric act has unleashed destructive forces long buried beneath the surface, writes Jordanian journalist Mousa BarhoumaMore
Armed only with a credit card reader, Abdul Aziz Wahabzada confronted the attacker in Christchurch. His actions are believed to have prevented further deaths. By Nasim Saber and Naser AhmadiMore
Following last Friday's attacks, German Muslims are worried that their places of worship may be targeted too. Christoph Strack writes that there is a simple way for non-Muslims to show solidarityMore
Countless cultural assets were destroyed by the Syrian Civil War. The Syrian Heritage Archive Project in Berlin contributes to preserving their memory with an exhibition showing what has been lost – and what remains. By Christina KufnerMore
Ever since the Iranian Revolution Saudi Arabia has pushed a hardline Wahhabist model of religiosity, both in the Islamic world and among Muslim minorities in the West, in an attempt to prevent Shia expansionism. Yet Berlinʹs security concerns over Salafist extremism in Germany could easily re-ignite latent tensions with Riyadh. By Mahmoud JarabaMore
Azerbaijan is struggling to change the mind-sets of families aborting female foetuses. Imams who have weighed in on the issue have become indispensable in up-ending this practice. Experts say the country urgently needs to implement an action plan or it will face dire consequences. Ayse Karabat reports from BakuMore
Rather than perpetuate the romanticised image of the Orient commonplace in 19th century literature, writer and nomad Isabelle Eberhardt traversed and explored the Maghreb with a critical eye. She not only condemned French colonialism, but also the established gender roles of her era. By Melanie Christina MohrMore
"Exile Is a Hard Job" is a spot-on title for the retrospective of Turkish artist Nil Yalter's oeuvre at Museum Ludwig in Cologne. For over 40 years, she has been exploring the situation of migrant workers. By Sabine OelzeMore
"Iran, Ordibehescht 1396" is the title of a new book about Iran. According to the publisher, the "travelogue" by Christian Welzbacher is "a call for dialogue with the supposed enemy". For reviewer Fahimeh Farsaie, it feels more like a catalogue of tired cliches about the Middle EastMore
Berlin-based Israeli artist Adi Liraz works the history and stories of the women in her family into her fabric artworks, re-telling them for posterity. In the process, she challenges existing narratives about home, femininity and identity. By Ceyda NurtschMore
Located between the Red and the Dead Sea, Jordan is a small country that was long inhabited exclusively by nomads. At the crossroads between the Mediterranean world and the East, it is a place worth visiting – not only for its splendid archaeological heritage, but also for its famed Bedouin hospitality. By Pascal Mannaerts
Egyptian author and activist Alaa Al Aswany to face military prosecution
Prominent Egyptian novelist Alaa Al Aswany revealed this week that he has been referred to military prosecution on charges of insulting President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and incitement against the state.More
Sermon given by Imam Gamal Fouda of the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch
It is one week since the deadly attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Imam Gamal Fouda of the Al Noor mosque gave this sermon during Friday prayers held in Hagley Park.More
UK Labour party formally adopts definition of Islamophobia
The UK Labour party has formally adopted a definition of Islamophobia, arguing that it is vital to tackling the rise of far-right racism. The definition reads: "Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness."More
Why the Spring Equinox is special to Iranians
How much do you know about the Persian New Year called Nowruz? Did you know that there is an equivalent for Santa Claus in Persian culture called Uncle Nowruz? Or did you know that you might have guests at your home at 3 a.m., right after the arrival of Nowruz?More
Jews stand in solidarity with New Zealand following massacre
Jewish organisations in New Zealand and around the world issued messages of solidarity and condolence to the Muslim communities in New Zealand which were the target of a massacre on Friday in which 49 people were murdered.More
Qantara dossier: Islamophobia
Renowned journalists, Islamic scholars and authors shed light on the various facets of racist and Islamophobic violence in Western countries.More
Human Rights Watch: IS child suspects subject to arbitrary arrest and torture
In its latest report, Human Rights Watch reveals that Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Government authorities have charged hundreds of children with terrorism for alleged Islamic State affiliation. The prosecutions are often based on dubious accusations and forced confessions obtained through torture.More
Iran is committing suicide by dehydration
The Islamic Republic’s corruption is draining the country of its most precious resource: water.More
Nowruz is one of the oldest celebrations in the world. It has been a fixture on the cultural calendar in many regions for more than 2,500 years. It marks the beginning of spring and also the change of seasons in the Iranian solar calendar. Sharam Ahad offers his impressions of the celebrations.
"Youssef Chahine again and forever": 1 - 30 March, Berlin's Kino Arsenal
Celebrating the conclusion of a comprehensive restoration project to salvage Chahineʹs work, Arsenalʹs extensive retrospective features 20 works – 19 full-length films and one short – Al Kahera Menawara be Ahlaha (ʹCairo as seen by Chahineʹ, 1991). Twelve films, six of which recently became part of Arsenalʹs archive, will be screened in their original analogue format.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"