Dire economic conditions are spurring an increasing number of women in Tajikistan to enter polygamous marriages. But it comes at a price. With few rights to underpin their existence, they bear a burden of social stigma that taints not only their lives but those of their children too. Madina Shogunbekova reportsMore
University lecturers critical of the regime are being dismissed, while those loyal to the regime are being rehired: Tehran's Islamic regime is apparently reshaping the country's universities even more strictly according to its own ideas. By Iman AslaniMore
Hella Mewis refuses to give in. The head of a cultural centre in Baghdad has already been kidnapped once, but Baghdad is her home, and she’s staying. Lena Bopp finds out whyMore
Dots, crosses, lines: tattoos like these were inked on surviving Armenian women after the genocide in the Ottoman Empire. Historian Elyse Semerdjian uses the tattoos to tell their story. Interview by Anna-Theresa BachmannMore
Desperation is driving some Lebanese to take matters into their own hands. These days, robbing a bank to access your own money is likely to make you a folk hero. Karim El-Gawhary met two such 'criminals' in BeirutMore
Chittagong in Bangladesh is one of the ten fastest-sinking coastal cities in the world. Many people moved there fleeing climate disasters elsewhere in the country. With large parts of Chittagong under water for several hours a day, they are likely to be displaced again. Rafiqul Islam Montu reportsMore
One year after Mahsa Amini died in police custody, sparking nationwide protests, the Iranian regime has quashed all displays of public discontent. But the 2022 protest movement was not a lost cause and its impact on Iranian history cannot be undermined, writes Leela JacintoMore
Storm Daniel wreaked havoc in southeastern Europe before becoming a Mediterranean storm. The "medicane" then slammed into Libya, where coastal towns were encircled by the sea on one side and flash floods on the other. By Alexander FreundMore
It was delicate work for the searchers to remove the woman's body from the rubble of a village that effectively ceased to exist in Morocco's deadliest earthquake in over six decadesMore
Nassir Djafari's second novel "Mahtab" tells the story of a migrant mother from Iran in 1960s Frankfurt. Not only does it describe how the protagonist adapts to an unfamiliar culture, but also reveals just how much Frankfurt itself was transformed during this period. By Hans DembowskiMore
Iran's ban on alcohol has led to a rise in methanol poisonings, revealing the deadly side of prohibition. The situation mirrors past failures in the U.S. and contrasts with more lenient policies in countries like Turkey. By Niloofar GholamiMore
The European Union's gradual approval of the addition of insects to food is not without controversy. Many Jews and Muslims also have a problem with the idea, owing to their various dietary restrictionsMore
In "Heimatlos mit drei Heimaten" – literally, 'homeless with three homes' – the historian and political scientist Aref Hajjaj illustrates his personal experiences from a life led between Palestine, Switzerland and Germany. Volker Kaminski read the bookMore
How has the war in Syria affected the attitudes and perspectives of Syrian teenagers growing up during this tough time? Now 25, Jenan Aljundi was 13 when things turned violent. In this personal essay she provides insight into the alienation felt by a young woman remaining in Syria, while friends and family emigratedMore
How can local authorities best understand the various Islamic groups in their communities? Or integrate young Muslims? Christoph Strack reports how Germany's first Islamic affairs consultant is resolving conflicts between mosque communities and municipalitiesMore
An outlawed Islamist political party with the main objective of protecting Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws and punishing blasphemers has been linked to violence against Christians and the burning of several churchesMore
The massacre of protesters in Cairo under Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's watch was one of the worst in modern history – and one of the best documented. But 10 years on, no-one has been held accountable. By Cathrin SchaerMore
In Germany, numerous mosques are facing threats, yet the security authorities are anything but clued up. Fear, mixed with an increasing sense of frustration, is growing among the country's Muslim community. By Christoph StrackMore
A popular Beirut-based media platform is tackling some of Arab society's most sensitive subjects – such as sex, love, desire and gender roles – with distinctive humour. Diana Hodali reportsMore
Two years since the Taliban stormed back to power in Afghanistan after 20 years of war against the United States and its allies, life has changed dramatically for many Afghans, particularly womenMore
More than 5,000 people have died, and over 7,000 people are still missing in the Libyan port city of Derna. Relief efforts are underway but face daunting challenges.
Migration is on the increase worldwide. The causes are manifold. Ever more people are forcibly displaced by persecution, violent conflicts and human-rights violations. Read up on international cooperation in the areas of forced displacement and migration, on developments in Europe’s migrant and refugee policies, and on the migrant and refugee policies of individual states.More
Women defying hijab laws forced into psychiatric treatment
Authorities in Iran are trying to enforce laws obligating women to cover their hair by sending them for psychological treatment.More
Drought in Europe: Opportunity for Middle East olive oil producers
'Olive oil has become gold'. In Tunisia, the price for a kilo of extra virgin is up more than 100 percent from a year ago and demand for bulk olive oil in Turkey is so high that the government just rolled out a tax of $.20 cents for every kilo exported abroad.More
Egypt’s female social media influencers face arrest
Charged with "inciting debauchery" and "violating family values": Last week, Egyptian TikTok celebrity Salma Elshimy became the latest in a growing list of women to fall foul of the Egyptian authorities over social media postsMore
IS bride Shamima Begum: "I'm not a monster"
Seeking to separate fact from fiction, the multi award-winning BBC series returns to investigate the divisive story of Shamima BegumMore
The big history of Albania's tiny Koran
For generations, this postage stamp-sized book has been passed down through one family -- surviving wars and one of the world's most fanatical "godless regimes".More
Iran's revolutionary feminist backlash
Controlling women's bodies has been a pillar of the Islamic Republic from its inception, writes Nader Hashemi.More
Muslims all over the world are currently observing Ramadan. The month of fasting is supposed to be all about reflection, meditation and abstention - but Ramadan is becoming increasingly commercialised.
Islamic Republic facing a religious watershed
Iranians do not want an Islam that interferes. They are fed up with a system that manipulates people with simple promises of salvation and anti-Western propaganda. Islamic theologian Hamideh Mohagheghi sees Iran at a religious crossroadsMore
Glitzy Dubai hungry for culinary fame
French chef Renaud Dutel never thought his career would take him to the United Arab Emirates' glam hub of Dubai, but has found there a culinary capital in the makingMore
The rise and rise of Muslim influencers
In recent decades, Muslim piety has gone through a number of qualitative transformations, the most prominent of which is the emerging phenomenon of "Islamic influencers", which represents a new type of Islamic religiousness that combines globalisation and the values of Western modernity and is easy and effortless. By Ahmad Saif al-NasrMore
UN urged to reject anti-Semitism definition over ‘misuse’ to shield Israel
More than 100 Israeli and international civil society organisations have asked the United Nations to reject the controversial IHRA anti-Semitism definition, warning it is being "misused" to protect Israel from legitimate criticism.More
India's predicted urban boom
India is projected to see an explosion in its urban population in the coming decades, but its cities already cannot cope and climate change will make living conditions harsher stillMore
Pakistan feels economic shockwaves
While many countries are dependent on Ukrainian or Russian wheat or foreign energy imports, Pakistan requires both. For this reason, the country has been hit particularly badly by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Serious reform is needed, but is it too late for Pakistan's new PM, Shehbaz Sharif (pictured above), to deliver? According to Michael Rubin, Pakistan faces collapse, and the world should be worried.More
Promoting human rights in the Middle East and North Africa
With authoritarianism once more gaining ground in the Middle East and North Africa, the European Council on Foreign Relations explores how European diplomats can be more effective in promoting human rights and democratic values in the regionMore
World Refugee Day: UNHCR's "The Colour of Flight"
For "The Colour of Flight", UNHCR collaborated with Brazilian artist Marina Amaral, 30, who specialises in colouring archival images. Building a bridge between past and present, she breathes life into images of the displaced.More
Weathering sandstorms, Iraqis grit their teeth
Another sandstorm has darkened Iraqi skies and it's hard to breathe, but Baghdad motorcycle delivery rider Milad Mitti doesn't have the luxury of missing a day's work. Like most people in the now blistering hot desert country, the 30-year-old battles on in frustration, wearing goggles and a grey neck warmer over his mouth and nose "so I can breatheMore
Saudi women move from behind wheel to under the hood
An auto repair garage in Saudi Arabia is turning to an untapped source for new car mechanics: Saudi women, who just four years ago weren't even allowed to driveMore
Ancient 'zar' ritual puts exorcism on stage
A stage, lights, a mesmerised audience: it looks like an Egyptian folkloric concert, but Umm Sameh is singing to heal the sick by driving out the demons that possess themMore
Ukraine: Seven of the country's most important mosques
While Muslims make up a small proportion of the country's population, Islam has a history in Ukraine stretching back to at least the 14th centuryMore
Is Islam fundamentally incompatible with Britishness?
Summer on PBS: "The Great Muslim American Road Trip"
Their 'Ask a Muslim' project went viral. Now rapper-activist Mona Haydar and husband Sebastian Robins have a travel show about Islam in the United States.More
"Voices that matter": Intersectional analysis of Canadian Muslim women
The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) has released a report that found Muslim women experience poorer social and economic conditions compared to their non-Muslim counterparts, while others such as queer, disabled and Black Muslim women – along with newcomers and single mothers – experienced poorer outcomes still.More
Muslims and interfaith marriage
One out of five Muslims is in an interfaith relationship, surveys suggest. But few imams are willing to adapt the traditional Muslim wedding ceremony to their needs, couples say.More
"The invisible Muslim": On White privilege and Islam
"The Invisible Muslim" offers a topical read to better understand the anti-racism conversation raging across the world right now, as well as a case study of what it means to be a Muslim in the West in the 21st century.More
Bulgarian Pomaks keep traditional wedding rite alive
A wedding extravaganza of bright colours, flowers, feasting and dancing, yet the bride, Nefie Eminkova, who comes from Bulgaria's Pomak – Muslim – minority, can see none of it. Her eyes must remain tightly closed until the imam gives his blessing.More
Berlin Mideast Podcast
Monthly German-language podcast series Berlin Mideast Podcast looks at the current situation and trends in the Middle East.More
Scotland's National Galleries to showcase portraits of its Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Polish communities
The National Galleries of Scotland has unveiled plans for a major show exploring the diverse communities and individuals who make up modern-day Scotland. Featuring the work of Arpita Shah, portraits of people from Scotland’s Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Polish communities are to go on display alongside images of Scottish celebritiesMore
Qantara dossier: Islamophobia
Renowned journalists, Islamic scholars and authors shed light on the various facets of racist and Islamophobic violence in Western countries.More
Sands of time: a century of Egyptian photography – in pictures
These images of everyone from presidents to paupers show the tourist’s view of Egypt that we know – and the backstreets we don’tMore
Europe rights body pulls pro-hijab campaign after French outcry
The pan European rights body the Council of Europe has pulled a campaign promoting diversity among women and their freedom to wear the Muslim headscarf after it sparked an outcry in fiercely secular France.More
Azerbaijan activists sound alarm over femicide wave
Activists in Azerbaijan have been urging the country's government to ratify the 2011 Istanbul Convention – a landmark international agreement aimed at preventing domestic violence – for years. Baku has yet to act, however. Meanwhile the number of women dying at the hands of their partners continues to riseMore
Online education is the only hope for Afghan schoolgirl
Denied access to school due to the Taliban's failure to reopen secondary schools for girls, one Afghan teenager has taken to the Internet to try to exercise her basic right to an education. But her self-driven online learning mission has not been easy.More
Washington Post: Mustafa Akyol argues for Islamic reform from within
A re-examination of authoritative sources based on reason is at the heart of Mustafa Akyol’s new book: “Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance”. Akyol’s work offers the reader a journey into largely forgotten but important theological debates that took place among Muslim scholars in the Middle Ages.More
FINO: Forum Islam and Middle East
The Forum Islam and Middle East (FINO) was established at the University of Berne in 2018 and sees itself as a transdisciplinary competence centre for documentation, knowledge transfer and academic services in the field of Islam and the Middle East (IME).More
Global Village Space: Pakistan, and why nations radicalise
Discussing Dr. Shoaib Pervez’s latest book "Radicalization in Pakistan: A Critical Perspective", Farah Adeed probes the origins of collective societal radicalisation in Pakistan.More
