My name is Eyshan Shadi. I studied peace and conflict research with a focus on Islamic jurisprudence, postcolonialism, critical security studies as well as politics in West and Central Asia.

 

For a decade, I have collaborated with young people, religious and migrant communities, law enforcement, museums, educational institutions, NGOs, and cultural and film projects. My work aims to illuminate socio-political issues, assist organizations in diversity and inclusion processes, promote democratic (self-) awareness, and amplify marginalized perspectives. 

 

With years of experience at both local and international levels and through exchanges with various professional groups, my work is characterized by practical relevance and multi-perspectivity. I see myself as a translator of academic and activist discourses into the respective professional practices and realities of life. 

 

Every encounter is a (un-) learning experience.

 

In a world where diversity is becoming more and more (in-) visible, I encourage people to create spaces for critical debate and new perspectives that go beyond established thought patterns. This applies to all areas of human interaction, from authorities to school contexts. Every person who speaks represents one box, bias, and misconception less.

My key themes are:

 

  • Anti-Kurdish Racism: 
    Shedding light on political repression, linguistic and cultural oppression, and invisibilization of Kurds in Kurdistan and the European and German diaspora. Understanding the effects of statelessness, historical discrimination narratives, and discrimination against Kurds in Germany and in the migration society as a structural phenomenon. Creating spaces for exchange and empowerment of Kurds as transnational communities.
  • Anti-Muslim Racism:
    A systematic examination of representations and portrayals of the Islamic religion and Muslim people in history, politics and the media and their impact on those affected in terms of discrimination and unequal treatment.
  • Islam and Muslim life in Germany: 
    Principles of the Islamic religion, Muslim life in Germany (and in specific states) and critical reflection on the representation and perception of Muslims in relation to legal, structural and political aspects in Germany
  • Muslim and feminist empowerment:
    Opening up spaces for knowledge and discussion on various topics such as Islamic jurisprudence, pluralism in Islam, discussions on issues of religious practice. Introduction to Islamic history and discussions on politics, violence, colonialism, slavery, etc. One of my main interests is empowering and providing access to diverse perspectives for Muslim FLINTA* regarding gender roles, rights, sexuality, and identities.
  • Antisemitism:
    History and continuity of antisemitic images and narratives with a focus on Germany (East and West Germany) and Europe, post-war discourses on the politics of remembrance as well as on ”Vergangenheits- and Gegenwartsbewältigung”. Examination of antisemitism as an ideological element in various forms of extremism.
  • Anti-discrimination: 
    Raising awareness of discrimination debates, creating safe spaces and empowerment for those who have experienced marginalization and discrimination, handling strategies for victims and witnesses of discrimination, and designing safe and inclusive workplaces.
  • Orientalism / postcolonialism:
    Reflecting on representations and imagineries of the Orient in history and their continuity. Identifying stereotypes, images of the “other” and self-images and their functions. Developing perspectives beyond the so-called ‘culture wars’ and essentializing people by their supposed ‘other cultural backgrounds’ are main topics of interest. Various other topics are exciting here: museum representations of (supposed) “others”, orientalization of Muslims, Jews and Kurds, Orientalism in music, art and culture, Orientalism in the “Orient”, Orientalism in feminism and white gayness.
  • Politics in West and Central Asia:
    An introduction and in-depth study of the history, present and geopolitics of political actors in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
  • Extremism & Ideologies:
    An introduction to religious-based extremism, including actors, ideologies, rhetoric, recruitment, and mobilization strategies in Germany. Illumination of transnational militant actors in West and Central Asia, considering critical security studies.
  • Let’s go critical! 
    I invite organizers to provide more access, space, and opportunities for discussions on marginalization and privilege, such as intersectionality, anti-feminism, white feminism, femo- and homonationalism, at events.

My approach to work involves a critical examination of discrimination as a structural phenomenon. I aim to promote diversity while reflecting on outdated and destructive concepts of diversity and its implementation, especially in schools and the workplace. Therefore, I draw upon Orientalism/post-colonialism theory to illuminate the historical origins of particular depictions and attitudes, as well as their social and political purpose. The goal is to examine these images, consider our own perspectives, and engage in a collaborative discussion.

 

My work aims to increase awareness among individuals and professionals by offering practical and real-life perspectives, especially when working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I rely on my extensive experience with relevant organizations, people affected by discrimination, and my personal experience of marginalization.

  • Consulting for companies, foundations and organizations
  • Training courses for professionals, workshops, lectures, and seminars 
  • Guide and support mosque tours
  • Event moderation 
  • Teaching methods and concepts
  • manuals and papers
  • critical editing of texts

 

I work in Germany as well as internationally.

Online as well as face-to-face.

I work in German and in English.

Knowledge is not static, but rather a 'conversation' (H. Arendt).

 

Below is a selection of my previous collaborations with various organizations, authorities, and institutions. I welcome any requests, including those that go beyond what is listed here.

 

  • Schools, daycare centers and educational and language institutes, such as the Goethe Institute, Georg Eckert Institute, State Office for Schools and Education (Saxony, Germany)
  • Music and cultural organizations (Pierre Boulez Saal) and film productions
  • museums, for example the Museum of Islamic Art Berlin
  • Police and police academies (Saxony, Germany)
  • Violence Prevention Network (PVE)
  • Child and Youth welfare services
  • migrant self-organizations
  • Refugee shelters
  • Mosques