Most recent articles by Canan Topçu
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Integration versus racismI don't see myself as a victim
Canan Topcu came from Turkey to Germany as a child. In her essay, she describes how bothered she was by the racism she encountered in her country of origin when she travelled there recently. She describes her very personal take on identity, racism and exclusion
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International Women's DayFatma Aliye, pioneering women's rights under the Ottomans
The fight for women's rights around the world continues. Fatma Aliye, Turkey's first female novelist and a pioneer of women's rights in the Ottoman Empire, is a figure who deserves greater recognition. By Canan Topcu
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Non-fiction: Ferda Atamanʹs "Iʹm from here. Stop asking!"Less strident, more empathetic, please!
"I'm from here. Stop asking!" is the title of a recently published book in German by journalist Ferda Ataman. It contains quite a lot of appeals, summarises the latest debates on migration – and ignores the problems faced by an open society. By Canan Topcu
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Germany′s Academy for Islam in Research and SocietyFilling a void in the discourse
Germany's Academy for Islam in Research and Society took up its work one year ago. Its mission is to promote Islamic theological research and to provide a sound factual basis for the public discourse on Islam. By Canan Topcu
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Interview with Dina El Omari on feminism and Islam"Muslim women need space for critical self-reflection"
Is there such a thing as a feminist Islam? If there is, it is hard to define. Instead, there are different interpretations and above all female Muslim theologians who do not use the term "feminism" to describe what they do, namely interpret the Koran in a gender-equal way. An interview with theologian Dina El Omari
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Germany′s election resultFacing down the AfD: We shall not be moved!
There can be no alternative to a pluralist society – whether the AfD accepts it or not! Now is the time to stand up for democracy and resist the right-wingers and racists. Commentary by Canan Topcu
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Germany's general electionCalling all Muslim voters: ″Won′t vote″ won′t wash
Which party should Muslims vote for in the German general election? Should they participate at all? Those who want to make themselves heard and be viewed as equal citizens need to exercise their civil rights. By Canan Topcu
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Controversial study about Muslim kindergartens in ViennaThe unwelcome glare of publicity
According to a report in the Austrian weekly ′Falter′, Professor Ednan Aslan is said to have allowed civil servants working for the Austrian Foreign and Integration Minister Sebastian Kurz to manipulate his findings for political ends. Allegations he vehemently denies. A commission has now been set up to investigate. By Canan Topcu
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Interview with Islamic studies scholar Armina Omerika"Muslims need new ways to approach their religious heritage"
The German Evangelical Church′s relationship with Luther shows Muslims that it′s possible to find and develop a way of engaging critically with your own religious tradition, says Islamic studies scholar Armina Omerika in interview with Canan Topcu
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Interview with German Turkish author Deniz UtluBeyond a binary identity
The German-speaking author Deniz Utlu writes about migration and identity in a way that is at once to the point and poetical. In interview with Canan Topcu, he explains why his Turkish roots seem more important to others than they do to him and how he himself defines his identity
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Constantin Schreiber′s controversial mosque reportOutside Islam
Constantin Schreiber, a German television journalist, conducted research on sermons given in Muslim houses of prayer and used it to produce a book and some TV reports. Now he has come under fire. Schreiber is accused of employing underhand methods and taking a biased approach to his subject. Is there anything in the criticism? Canan Topcu has the answers
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Constantin Schreiber′s controversial mosque reportOutside Islam
Constantin Schreiber, a German television journalist, conducted research on sermons given in Muslim houses of prayer and used it to produce a book and some TV reports. Now he has come under fire. Schreiber is accused of employing underhand methods and taking a biased approach to his subject. Is there anything in the criticism? Canan Topcu has the answers