Spotlight on bridge-builders

The universal language of music

Music dossier: Tuning in to the unfamiliar

An independent, modern music scene has long since developed in the Islamic world and Europe. Breaking with convention, it is a far cry from belly dance and folklore cliches. In this dossier, we present some of its leading protagonists, genres and events
Interview with Islam expert Felix Koerner

The Pope and the Muslims

Will Pope Francis still be travelling to Riyadh? What will be the outcome of his planned visit to Indonesia? How important is his friendship with Grand Sheikh al-Tayyeb? Interview with Islamic scholar Felix Koerner, five years after the Abu Dhabi document "on human fraternity"
Promoting Jewish-Palestinian dialogue

"Agitators can't be allowed to dominate the debate"

Jouanna Hassoun and Shai Hoffmann talk to young people about the war in Gaza. The first step is to listen, says the Jewish-Palestinian duo
Israelis and Palestinians: "Standing Together"

"Help us move towards peace"

Since the war in Gaza, the grassroots movement "Standing Together" has become increasingly popular among Israelis and Palestinians. Founding member Itamar Avneri says they are calling for peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, absolute equality for all citizens – and true social, economic and environmental justice
Germany's Beethovenfest

Afghan and Iranian musicians join forces

Musicians from Afghanistan, Iran and Germany have come together to work on Bonn's Beethovenfest Campus Project 2023. The result can be heard on 14 September. By Anastassia Boutsko
Edward W. Said Days in Berlin

Music – facilitator of intercultural dialogue

How can Edward Said's ideas help people better understand Yoko Ono's performance art, pre-colonial rhythms from Africa or the music of Christian missionaries in Japan? The Edward W. Said Days in Berlin marking 20 years since the literary scholar's death explored a whole range of questions. Ceyda Nurtsch reports
Dialogue of religions

'Islamic-Jewish dialogue needs to be institutionalised'

Jewish educationalist and publicist Micha Brumlik looks at Germany's culture of remembrance and considers what is needed for the healthy coexistence of Jews, Christians and Muslims
Refugee work in Germany

Jews and Muslims united in their support for refugees

Social engagement is often motivated by religious factors. A new book explores the background to these community efforts and appraises how effective they are in helping to integrate new arrivals to Germany
Navid Kermani‘s "Questions about God"

How do we believe?

In his latest book, Navid Kermani poses questions about God. It feels like no one could have done it better. His writing elicits smiles, doubt and wonder. By Melanie Christina Mohr
Morgenland Festival Osnabruck

Songs for days to come

This year’s Morgenland Festival opened with the premiere of Kinan Azmeh’s musical theatre piece, “Songs for Days to Come”, based on fifteen poems by contemporary Syrian poets. Marian Brehmer reports for Qantara.de
The Jerusalem Youth Chorus

Building bridges with song

Every week, Jewish, Christian and Muslim youths meet to sing together. And they do so in the middle of a city where Israelis and Palestinians are often at loggerheads. Anja Koch reports from Jerusalem
Saints of Islam

Capturing the light of sages

For over fifty years, British photographer Peter Sanders travelled across the Middle East and further afield, seeking out the saints of Islam. His work uncovers a little-known world. By Marian Brehmer