Islam and the rural landscape

Discourses of absence in west Wales

Bibliographic Data

ID4897336
AuthorsRhys Dafydd Jones (0000-0002-1231-7529, Aberystwyth University, corresponding author)
Year2010
Volume11
Issue8
Pages751-768
Publication date2010-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial & Cultural Geography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1464-9365 • E-ISSN: 1470-1197
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14649365.2010.521853
OpenAlexW2088338072
LanguageEN
Citations received18
References cited31

This paper explores the relationship between the presence and absence of Islamic communities in western Wales. Commencing with a discussion of the literatures on the geographies of Islam and rural exclusion, I argue that both sets have neglected research on rural religious communities. Discussion is centred upon the visual absence of Islam in the area, as local mosques are predominantly housed in contingent or non-purpose-built buildings. Using interview data, I examine the implications of these absences for local Muslims' experiences of rural landscapes, and discuss the juxtaposition between the visual absence of cultural indicators of Islam and the contingent strategies these communities employ to meet their religious needs. Adopting Nancy Fraser's concept of a subaltern counterpublic, I argue that the contingent presence in the landscape brings organisational possibilities. However, the lack of visibility of these counterpublics also brings challenges, fragmenting the community and creating difficulties for individuals to access particular services. This subterranean ontology has implications not only for liberal ideas of publicity and privacy, but also for inclusive citizenship in an era when debates about multiculturalism centre on accommodating religious needs

Citizenship · Geography · Islam · Media studies · Multiculturalism · Political science · Publicity · Sociology · Subaltern · Gender Studies · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Halal products and consumer behavior · Law · Religious Tourism and Spaces

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