Travel
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Sanaa in the 19th century
A city of gardens, Greeks and Turks
Often steeped in prejudice and fed by ignorance, travelogues penned by Europeans travelling to the Middle East between the fifteenth and twentieth centuries nevertheless remain fascinating for the cultural insights they provide. Renzo Manzoniʹs "Yemen: A trip to Sanaa" is a case in point. By Mohamed Shaaban
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German–Iranian relations
How the Germans came to Iran
During the First World War, the German Empire allegedly attempted to incite Muslims to engage in a holy war against Russia and Great Britain. This common cliche is also often used to explain the long-standing relationship between Germany and Iran. Ali Sadrzadeh takes a closer look at German–Iranian relations 100 years ago
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Book review: Peter Heineʹs "The Culinary Crescent"
Pepper... a universally-used condiment
Delving into Peter Heine's cookbook, now also available in English, you are left with the feeling that he bit off more than he could chew. "The Culinary Crescent" reads like a mishmash of a thousand and one culinary arts. By Marcia Lynx Qualey
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The Maghrebʹs Moorish-Spanish legacy
Andalusia begins in northern Morocco
Any journey to southern Spain, to Al-Andalus, is akin to the start of a dream that finds its beguiling continuation beyond the Pillars of Hercules, in the Andalusian cities of northern Morocco – Tangiers, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Fes, Meknes, Larache and Asilah. The relationship between Morocco and Spain is closer than we think. By Mourad Kusserow
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Alternative tourism in Tunisia
Off the beaten tourist track
Demand for the classic Tunisian beach package holiday has slumped as a result of unrest in the wake of the Arab Spring and direct attacks on foreign tourists in recent years. Nevertheless, a small but growing number of local entrepreneurs are pursuing alternatives to the all-inclusive cheap deal, offering experiences that bring visitors closer to the country and its people – and that are kinder to the environment. By Madeleine Löning
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Historical photographs of Iran
Into the heart of Shia
Shia Islam is largely unknown to many people in the West. But pictures by the German photographer Hans Georg Berger taken in the centres of Shia Islam afford an unusually deep insight. By Mariam Brehmer
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"Syrien – ein Land ohne Krieg"
Syria, as it once was
Many people now only associate Syria with war. In an attempt to counteract these associations, photographer Lutz Jakel and journalist Lamya Kaddor have put together a book of photography from pre-war Syria. By Marian Brehmer
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Iran′s ″Holy Defence″
Dulce et decorum est...
Iran has many museums dedicated to its rich history. Nevertheless, those places that focus on events during which Iranians and other prominent 'Defenders of Islam' lost their lives, enjoy special status. By Philipp Breu
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Interview with Egyptian film director Mohamed Rashad
A homage to life
In his first documentary film, "Little Eagles", director Mohamed Rashad moves from Alexandria to Cairo and back. On his journey, he links up the past and the present, raising many questions about the individual and society. Interview by Islam Anwar
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″Naqsh″ – the Arabic cultural cafe
Amman's bridge builders
Cultural cafes like Naqsh in the centre of Amman are prime examples of innovative grassroots projects that help promote cultural dialogue between east and west. Hakim Khatib visited the Jordanian cultural cafe and spoke to its initiators
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Book review: Mathias Enard′s ″Boussole″
In love with the Orient
Mathias Enard has written a magnificent novel about Europe’s fascination with the Orient. Awarded France’s prestigious Prix Goncourt, the multi-layered and astounding book is the story of a great unfulfilled love, but above all a plea for cultural dialogue. Ulrich von Schwerin read the book
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The Vatican
All things to all people?
A Muslim visits the Vatican and discovers the breadth of attitudes and beliefs represented by the many people who cross its threshold every year. Is the Holy See gradually transcending its Christian roots to become a place of spiritual pilgrimage for all? By Mulham Al Malaika