The research project led by Islamic studies scholar Philip Bockholt at the Cluster of Excellence ‘Religion and Politics’ focuses on Arabic-Ottoman translations of works of Quranic exegesis (Arabic: tafsīr). In this interview, he discusses why translations from Arabic into Turkish were so significant, what adaptations can be observed in the texts during the process of translation, and what role these translations played in disseminating religious knowledge. Read more

How did forms of belonging develop in ancient Greece, and which role did Amyklaion play as a central hub in Laconia? Historian Hans Beck's Research project, “Belonging in/to Laconia. An archaeohistorical study on the Sanctuary of Apollo at Amyklai and its surroundings”, at the Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics” explores this question. The subject of the study is the hill of Agia Kyriaki, 5 km south of Sparta, which has long been associated with the ancient cult center of Apollo Amyklaios. The research complements excavations that have been taking place on site for more than 20 years. Watch the interview now in the video. Read more

Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world – geographically, socially and religiously. With over 17,000 islands and more than 270 million inhabitants, the archipelago faces particular challenges, while at the same time playing an increasingly important role in regional and global contexts. In an interview about her research on Indonesia, religious studies scholar and Protestant theologian Simone Sinn from the Cluster of Excellence talks about past and present conflicts, the country’s colonial history, and the role of religion in the Indonesian constitution. Continue