In Memoriam Baber Johansen
by Kilian Bälz
Within the field of comparative law, Islamic jurisprudence long played a marginal role. Baber Johansen (1936–2026) strove to change this like few other scholars. An obituary.
Culture
Interview with Iranian-Kurdish Dancer Sarina Panahideh
Choreographer Sarina Panahideh on the viral video that made her part of Iran’s protest movement, being part of Erbil’s burgeoning arts scene, and the effect that only dancing can have on audiences.
Hatra in Iraq
Unravelling the real secret of Iraq’s Desert Queen.
Middle Eastern Culture and Food Lab in Berlin
Making visible the many aspects of Middle Eastern culture that are often relegated to the background: this is the mantra of Sahar and Forough Sodoudi, twin sisters from Iran. A visit to ‘Dr&Dr’ - a food lab, political and cultural project.
Lebanons Artists in Danger
by Bernard Hage
Caught between the dark waves of economic collapse and explosion, Lebanese artists struggle to stay afloat. Many have already chosen to leave.
Interview with Tunisian singer Neysatu
Neysatu, the queen of the Tunisian underground music scene, speaks to zenith before her latest concert in Berlin about rediscovering her Amazigh heritage, her musical Africanity, and the perils of performing under Ben Ali’s dictatorship.
Interview with director Waad al-Kateab on For Sama
Syrian journalist and filmmaker Waad al-Kateab talks to zenith about life in Aleppo under siege, taking the Syrian regime to courts, and knocking on doors the world over in pursuit of justice.
Interview with Yumna Al-Arashi on Islam, femininity and the body
by Leo Wigger
Acclaimed photographer Yumna Al-Arashi on her focus on the female body, the beauty of positive Islamic imagery, and her increasing sense of estrangement from photography.