24.10.2025 Conference in Marburg Explores “Identity and Coexistence” in German-Moroccan Context

On October 22–23, 2025, the Center for Near and Middle Eastern Studies (CNMS) at Philipps University of Marburg hosted an international conference on “Identity and Coexistence”, in cooperation with the Doctoral Laboratory for Social, Cultural, and Philosophical Studies at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Fez), the Moroccan-German Institute for Studies and Research, and the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad.

The event brought together scholars from Germany and Morocco to reflect on questions of cultural identity, dialogue, and coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world.

Among the contributors were Prof. Albrecht Fuess, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at CNMS; Dr. Abdelkader Mohammedi, sociologist and anthropologist at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University; Dr. Aliaa Maa El Ainin, professor of Arabic Studies at Mohammed V University in Rabat; Nadia Yaqine, journalist and researcher in identity and integration studies at CNMS; and Hicham Abidi, social worker and researcher on youth and community engagement. The session was moderated by Dr. Assem Hefny, Assistant Professor of Islamic and Arabic Studies at CNMS.

In his presentation, Prof. Fuess reflected on German–Moroccan coexistence, sharing both personal experiences and family stories that challenge stereotypical images of Moroccan youth in Germany. He highlighted how direct encounters reveal hospitality, generosity, and cultural openness that transcend media-driven perceptions.

Dr. Maa El Ainin explored identity in the age of artificial intelligence, proposing a new reading of the concept of “liquid identity” in the digital era, where technology continuously reshapes human interaction and belonging.

Dr. Mohammedi discussed migration and integration from an anthropological perspective, emphasizing the necessity of cultural understanding as a foundation for positive coexistence.

Researcher Hicham Abidi examined the conceptual dimensions of identity and coexistence and how they can build bridges between cultures, while Nadia Yaqine presented an original study on food as a vehicle of identity and dialogue—demonstrating how culinary practices foster connection and coexistence between Moroccan migrants and their German neighbors.

The conference concluded that mutual knowledge and cultural understanding are key steps toward peaceful coexistence. The event also included discussions to update and strengthen the existing partnership agreement between CNMS–Marburg and the Doctoral Laboratory at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, aiming at joint PhD supervision, academic exchange, and collaborative research.

The visit concluded with a cultural tour of Marburg, highlighting the city’s historical and academic legacy as one of Germany’s oldest university towns—founded in 1527 by Landgrave Philip of Hesse—and its shared spirit of learning and cultural dialogue with the city of Fez.