The reading group discusses Navid Kermani’s book on politics and love, exploring connection and empathy in a time of polarisation and conflict. The evening links personal experience with wider political change.
Organised with the Network of Muslim Academics at the University of Hamburg, it invites discussion of how literature and art can bring people together.
The original information and full programme are available in the programme booklet for the corresponding year.
Images and impressions
Looking back
Thu. 08.10. Reading group: “When Our Hearts Open in a Moment”
Reading group: “When Our Hearts Open” - Thu. 08.10.2026
Organiser: Netzwerk Muslimischer Akademiker (Network of Muslim Academics)
© Netzwerk Muslimischer Akademiker
As part of the Arab Cultural Weeks, a joint discussion of Navid Kermani’s book “Wenn sich unsere Herzen gleich öffnen” (“When Our Hearts Open in a Moment”) took place on 8 October in cooperation with the NmA reading group at the University of Hamburg. More than 25 participants exchanged views on the book’s central themes, particularly the relationship between love, art, culture and politics.
The discussion centred on how art and culture can bring together people with different social and political views and encourage dialogue. Participants also discussed the role of love and aesthetics in living together in society, and how cultural experiences can challenge established perspectives.
The evening showed how literature can open up new perspectives and enable a valuable exchange of ideas.
We warmly thank the NmA reading group team for the successful cooperation, and all participants for the engaging conversations and discussions!