The West Vienna community college is planning a series of conferences on the theme “Islam in Vienna.” Between 19 March 2010 and 12 June 2010, twenty-eight events will be organized on themes ranging from Islamic theology, mysticism, and the image of Islam in Europe. The conferences are being organized in cooperation with the Vienna Islamic…
More than 500,000 Muslims live in Austria, but this figure tells us nothing about how many are actual believers. The expression “C and E Christians” (German version: “Baptismal-certificate Catholics”) applies to the Muslim community as well – people who still live according to certain traditions, but otherwise live a largely secular life. For these “Muslims”…
The ministry of justice confirmed on Wednesday that serious consideration was being given to the establishment of a new category of aggravating circumstances targeting “religiously motivated violence.” Aggravating circumstances can be crucial during sentencing procedures, where they can play a role in leading to the stricter punishments. Though the ministry denies a direct connection, this…
In this article, political scientist Stephan Grigat of the University of Vienna calls for a revisited and intellectual critique of religion. He claims it essential to look at the differences of religions and their respective function in society, and also to criticize them wherever a practice counters rational and free thought. Grigat regrets that the…
Asl? Bayram was the first Miss Germany of Turkish background in 2005. In 1994 her father had been murdered by a Neo-Nazi. She took up acting with a renowned play-acting professor in Vienna and performed a play on Anne Frank that took her on a world tour. The German-speaking media paid special attention to the…
