Imagining Bosnian Muslims in Central Europe: Representations, Transfers and Exchanges

The Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina have long been a liminal group in the European imagination, due to reports from Central European diplomats, scholars, journalists, tourists, and other observers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This volume examines the political, social, and discursive dimensions of their encounters with the West since the nineteenth century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Living as a religious and ethnic "Other" in close proximity to the symbolic center of the continent, the Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina have long occupied a peculiar position in the European imagination. To a considerable extent, the broader representations and perceptions of this population can be attributed to the accounts of Central European diplomats, scholars, journalists, tourists, and other observers during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This comprehensive volume brings together insights from historians, anthropologists, political scientists, and literary scholars to explore the multifaceted political, social, and discursive aspects of Bosnian Muslims' interactions with the West since the nineteenth century.

The Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina have long been a subject of fascination and curiosity in the European imagination. Situated at the crossroads of Slavic and Islamic cultures, this population has been shaped by a complex history of migration, intermingling, and conflict. The wider representations and perceptions of Bosnian Muslims can be traced back to the reports of Central European diplomats, scholars, journalists, tourists, and other observers during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These observers, drawn by the allure of this region's rich cultural heritage and political intrigue, sought to understand the unique challenges and experiences of the Muslim communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

One of the key themes that emerge from the examination of Bosnian Muslims' encounters with the West is the complex interplay between identity and belonging. The Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina have a distinct identity that is rooted in their Islamic faith, but they also belong to a broader Slavic-speaking community that shares many cultural and historical traditions. This duality has often led to tensions and conflicts within the Muslim community, as they struggle to balance their religious and cultural heritage with the demands of a modern, secular society.

Another important aspect of Bosnian Muslims' interactions with the West is the impact of colonialism and imperialism. The region was colonized by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late nineteenth century, and this colonial rule left a lasting imprint on the local culture and society. The Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina were subjected to discriminatory policies and practices, including forced conversion to Christianity and restrictions on their religious and cultural practices. These experiences contributed to the development of a sense of marginalization and resentment among the Muslim population, which continues to shape their interactions with the West today.

Despite these challenges, Bosnian Muslims have also had positive encounters with the West. The country has undergone significant political and economic development in recent decades, and this has led to increased interaction and exchange between Bosnian Muslims and the broader European community. This has facilitated the development of a more nuanced and complex understanding of Bosnian Muslims as individuals and as a community.

In conclusion, the Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina have long occupied a liminal space in the European imagination. Their unique position at the crossroads of Slavic and Islamic cultures, combined with a complex history of migration, intermingling, and conflict, has shaped their broader representations and perceptions. This volume seeks to explore the political, social, and discursive dimensions of Bosnian Muslims' encounters with the West since the nineteenth century, shedding light on the complex interplay between identity, belonging, colonialism, and imperialism. By examining these interactions, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that arise for Muslim communities in the modern world.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789207743