Culture

Carsten Ast and Noha Khattab performing at a studio based in Berlin
Can Performance Art Help Heal Egypt’s Wounds?

Egypt’s turbulent last years have left its society even more divided. Koshari, a contemporary circus project, aims to bring Egyptian society closer together through artistic street performances.

The Roman amphitheatre in downtown Amman, Jordan.
Preventing and Reducing Violent Extremism

Cultural activities, artistic projects, the promotion of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue can help prevent and reduce violent extremism writes Dr Asiem El Difraoui.

Traffic in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. From next year, women will be allowed to drive.
Life in the Kingdom of Men

An interview with Manal Al-Sharif, who was arrested in Saudi Arabia for daring to defie the kingdom’s edicts against female drivers, forcing her to flee the country of her birth.

Libya's Banned Book Launch in Tripoli
Young Writers Speak of Their Libya

An anthology of work from 25 young Libyan writers has created a scandal in Libya due to claims of obscenity. Now many of the writers fear for their lives.

Hoda Kandil teaching at a workshop in Egypt.
Tackling Discrimination Against Women in Egypt

Discrimination against females in Egypt is a common occurrence, yet conversation and dynamic workshops can help women – and men – see the problems more clearly and to take a stand against intolerance.

Surfing near the UN compound in Tripoli.
Surfing in Libya After the Revolution
by Wil Crisp

Amid the optimism and chaos that followed Gaddafi's overthrow Wil Crisp explored the coastline around Tripoli and discovered an empty surfer’s playground.

Mona Shahien is the founder of Tahrir Lounge@Goethe.
The Tahrir Lounge@Goethe in Egypt

The Tahrir Lounge@Goethe is a vibrant space for dialogue and culture. With the political squeeze in Egypt, it has turned to capacity building and network development for NGOs, individuals and even ministries.

The Library Bus in Abo Mangog, a small settlement in the Nile Delta.
Reading in Egypt

With high illiteracy rates across Egypt, projects such as the Library Bus and the Café Libraries are designed to promote reading as a fun activity, a novel concept in a country where the education system focuses on rote learning.