Islamic Communities in Europe

27 May 2011

After centuries of conflict but also of cohabitation and mutual borrowing the relations between Europe and Islam are increasingly portrayed as inherently antagonistic. In particular since the turn of the century, Islamic communities in European countries have come to be been seen predominantly through the prism of security due to the dominating discourse of rising immigration from predominantly Muslim countries and Islamic extremism.

This panel brings together three scholars to discuss how the relationship between Islam and Europe may be analyzed and rethought beyond the now conventional oppositions. The panellists explore the representation of Islamic communities in South-East Europe, the former Soviet Union and by the European Union, and the policies that are being developed towards them. They will argue that the very terms Islam and Europe need to be seen as historical and intellectual constructs, and that relations between them are more complex than is often assumed.

Speakers:

• Dr Galina Yemelianova, Centre for Russian and East European Studies, University of Birmingham
• Dr Sara Silvestri, Department of International Politics, City University
• Dr Bojan Aleksov, UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies

Chair: Dr Peter Duncan, UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies.

Registration

The event is free but registration is required. Please book your place below.