The Role of Turkish Islamic Networks in the Western Balkans

Bibliographic Data

ID3030143
AuthorsAnne Ross Solberg (University of Oslo, corresponding author)
Year2007
Volume55
Issue4
Pages429-461
Publication date2007-04-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueComparative Southeast European Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2701-8199 • E-ISSN: 2701-8202
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1515/soeu-2007-550406
OpenAlexW266621866
LanguageEN
Citations received7

Since the 1990s, the discussions on the evolution of Islam in the Western Balkans have been focused on neo-Salafi movements originating in the Arab world, while comparatively little attention has been given to the Islamic networks originating in Turkey. The purpose of this paper is to map the prevalence of these networks in the region, to describe their objectives and their activities, and to assess their influence within the local Islamic religious institutions and Muslim populations. The paper examines the role played by both the official Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and by non-governmental networks such as neo-Sufi communities and Islamic charity organizations. It argues that although their direct influence is limited, these various networks may still have an indirect influence on the long-term evolution of Islam in the Western Balkans by strengthening bonds between Turkey and the local Muslim communities and fostering a closer identification between Turkish Islam and Balkan Islam. The paper argues also that recent political and social changes in Turkey as well as its bid for EU-membership may further encourage such developments

Ancient history · Archaeology · Geography · Islam · Linguistics · Political science · Turkish · Balkans: History, Politics, Society · History · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Philosophy · Turkey's Politics and Society

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