Halime Pehlivan

What if Shakespeare had had a sister?

Today’s Judith, an imaginary sister of William Shakespeare, would probably face better conditions but would still struggle to have options and fair opportunities.

Can the Taliban 'really' give the Afghan woman her Islamic rights?

Islam provides women with education rights, financial independence, unilateral divorce, and guarantees their dignity, and the Taliban should follow these principles if they are sincere.

Analysis: Coalitions will offer little for Bulgarian politics

Presidential elections are due to be held in the autumn. Here's why coalition partners will not decide its outcome.

Genocidal rape and the invisible children of Bosnia

The children of rape have become 'the symbol of the trauma the nation as a whole went through, and society prefers not to acknowledge their needs.'

Turkish TV series and the Balkans: Bridging the gap

For the viewership in southeastern Europe, Turkish television series satisfy intellectual curiosity, forge cultural understanding and question centuries-old prejudices.

The blurring line between comedy and political reality

The political rise of comedians and celebrities is linked to mass media and the entertainment industry’s ever-expanding power.

The silent brain drain of the Balkans

It has become one of the most pressing issues in the region and there's no silver bullet to fix it.

A downward spiral: Domestic violence and Covid-19

The pandemic confined millions of people to their abodes and for many, the confinement exposed them to a different kind of risk.

Covid-19 and vaccine distribution: high hopes and stark realities

The coronavirus vaccines appear to be the light at the end of the tunnel after two million deaths and considerable economic, social, and health damage. How hopeful can we be?