Author: Lena Bopp

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Iraqi author Sinan Antoon (photo: Ibtisam Azem/sinanantoon.com)

Interview with Iraqi author Sinan Antoon

The West and its cliched view of Iraq

Looking outwards with the knowledge from within: a conversation with the Iraqi writer Sinan Antoon on the future of his homeland. Interview by Lena BoppMore

Facing the Mahdi militias: Iraqi civilians in the firing lineThe Iraq War fifteen years on: "America destroyed my country"Book review: Sinan Antoon′s ″The Baghdad Eucharist″: Fading under fire
Lebanese author Amin Maalouf (photo: Imago Images/IPA/N. Zonna)

Interview with Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf

Petrodollars proved stronger in the Middle East than cultural tradition

Decades of oil exports have completely destabilised culture and politics in the Middle East. Speaking with Lena Bopp, the renowned writer Amin Maalouf says that the distorted political discourse in the Arab world is now impacting on the WestMore

Amin Maalouf: "The dissolution of world orders": The psychology of large collectivesAmin Maalouf: A tree needs roots; a human being doesn'tOil and development in the Middle East: A two-edged sword
Shakir Hassan Al Said: "Return to the Village", oil on canvas, 1951 (source: Darat al Funun)

"Modern Art in the Arab World: Primary Documents"

Pioneering volume or seminal work?

A book of texts on modern art in the Arab world is causing a furore. It has been put together by the New York Museum of Modern Art. Now it has been launched – and discussed – in Beirut. By Lena BoppMore

Suspended Territories exhibition: Beyond the veilIslamic art: Iconoclasm: the counter-narrativeMuslim art: The ''true'' aesthetic of Islam

In brief

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Most Recent Photo Essay

Rainbow wares: leather goods are a popular holiday souvenir from Morocco. In many of the narrow souks in the old town centres, there are alleys full of leather shops. But you can also buy the brightly coloured shoes, belts, bags and co. directly from the leather factories. There, animal skins are still processed according to traditional methods. Working conditions in the tanneries are correspondingly tough

A filthy occupation: leather-tanning in Morocco

Those looking to visit a leather factory In Morocco should visit the tanners' quarter in the town of Fez. For tourists the ancient craft may be fascinating, for the workers, however, it is extremely exhausting. By Stefanie Hoppner