The Arab Cultural Weeks took place in Hamburg from 18 to 28 October 2011. Led by Dr Mohammed Khalifa, the organising team delivered an ambitious, informative and varied programme. Within a wider cultural programme, scholars of Islamic studies and the social sciences examined the unfolding political upheavals. Events presented and discussed current developments in politics, culture and religion in the Near and Middle East.
Highlights included an Egyptian photography exhibition, the international children's choir led by Ali Shibly, and numerous lectures and discussions. Topics included “Tomorrow's Tunisia”; “The Egyptian Film Industry”; “Squares of Liberation: Civil Society After the Egyptian Revolution”; “Between Church and Mosque: Perspectives on Christian–Muslim Dialogue in Hamburg”; “The Significance of the Arab Spring, Including for Arab–German Economic Relations”; “The Role of Egyptian Women in the Revolution”; and “What Comes After the Spring of Arab Youth? The Arab World at a Crossroads Between an Independent Strategy and Externally Directed Development”. Together, these formed a varied programme that was well received throughout.
