Although contemporary debates often portray Islam as a religion ?alien? to Europe, Muslim communities have been an integral part of European societies for centuries. This course examines the historical development of Islam and Muslim societies in Europe, with a particular focus on Southeast Europe, where Islamic institutions, practices, and identities have shaped political and social life for over 500 years. Adopting a historical perspective, the course explores key themes such as empire and state formation, religious authority, nationalism, and the governance of religious diversity in the Ottoman Empire and its aftermath. It also examines changing discourses about Islam and Muslims, asking how such representations have emerged, evolved, and been contested over time. By situating the Balkans within a broader global context, the course highlights the interconnected histories of Islam across regions and challenges simplified narratives of separation between ?Europe? and the ?Muslim world.?
|