Diasporification of Islam : transborder relations of Muslims in Europe Established Muslim communities and new arrivals
University of Strasbourg / ITI-Maker’s / DRES research center / Departement of Turkish studies / BRILL / Institut Français d’Islamologie de l’Université de Strasbourg
In the recent years, Europe has witnessed significant demographic shifts and societal transformations, particularly in relation to its Muslim communities. This multidisciplinary conference aims to explore the phenomenon of diasporification of Muslims in Europe, focusing on the inter-European transborder relations among Muslim communities.
Apart from diverse historical, cultural, and social backgrounds, today, schematically speaking, Europe’s Muslim population consists of three major categories:
- “Old” Muslim Minorities in Eastern Europe and the Balkans: The Balkan region has a long history of Muslim presence, with some communities even forming majorities in countries such as Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina or Kosovo. In addition, several Eastern European societies, such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Baltic countries, Finland or Poland, include historical Muslim minorities such as old Tatar communities. This track will explore the transnational relation of Eastern European and Balkan Muslims, with western European Muslims but also with other regions where Muslims form majorities with a special focus on Turkey, using Islam as a soft power tool in its search of influence in the Eastern European countries and Russia where Muslim communities form important levers of power.
- Descendants of immigrants of the 1960s in Western European Countries: The descendants of Muslim immigrants who arrived in Western European countries during the 1960s have now formed new minority communities. This track will investigate, relationship with the “homelands” and transnational connections within the European countries, including politization in favour or against the homeland.
- New Immigrants in the Minoritization and Diasporification Process: The recent influx of immigrants, particularly due to refugee movements over the past decade, has reshaped the Muslim demographic landscape in Europe. This track will examine the experiences of newly arrived Muslim communities in Europe, their religious practices and especially the structures that are being built. In addition, Eastern European and Balkan “old” Muslim minorities play an essential role in shaping new immigrants in various cultural, ideological and identity aspects, as mediators between the States and newcomers.
This 2 day’s conference invites scholars and researchers from various disciplines to submit their original research papers, case studies, and theoretical contributions on the diasporification of Islam and inter-European transborder relations of Muslim communities in Europe. We particularly encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Comparative studies on the integration experiences and challenges faced by ancient Muslim minorities and new immigrant communities.
- Identity formation, hybridity, and cultural dynamics within Muslim communities in Europe.
- Transborder religious practices, institutions, and networks among European Muslim communities.
- The role of education, language, and social services in the diasporification process of Muslim communities.
- The impact of transnational politics, conflicts, and geopolitical factors on European Muslim communities.
- Gender dynamics, feminism, and LGBTQ+ experiences within European Muslim communities.
Submission Guidelines:
Interested authors are invited to submit abstracts (500 words) in English and an academic CV. All submissions will undergo a peer-review process to ensure the quality and relevance of the selected papers.
Important Dates:
- Abstract/Full Paper Submission Deadline: [December 31st]
- Notification of Acceptance: [January 31st]
- Conference Dates: [April 18th-19th]selected papers will be published in the Journal of Muslims in Europe. Submissions should be sent to Professor Samim AKGÖNÜL : akgonul@unistra.fr