Focusing on two recent controversies—the cancellation of Mozart’s Idomeneo in Berlin and the death threats against a French teacher for criticizing Islam—this article revisits the flawed... Show moreFocusing on two recent controversies—the cancellation of Mozart’s Idomeneo in Berlin and the death threats against a French teacher for criticizing Islam—this article revisits the flawed construction of a clash between Islam and freedom of expression, and seeks to show how the debates are connected to a problematic vision of Europe which necessarily excludes Muslims. Show less
On 24–25 February 2006 in Frankfurt-Oder, Barbara Thériault and Frank Peter convened a workshop on Islam, European Societies, and the “Carriers” of National Identities. The workshop, co-organized... Show moreOn 24–25 February 2006 in Frankfurt-Oder, Barbara Thériault and Frank Peter convened a workshop on Islam, European Societies, and the “Carriers” of National Identities. The workshop, co-organized by the CCEAE (Centre canadien d’études allemandes et européennes) at Université de Montréal and ISIM, dealt with the incorporation of Islam in different national contexts. Show less
A workshop dedicated to the topic of Muslim Religious Authority in Western Europe took place from 30 September – 1 October at the ISIM in Leiden. The aim of the workshop, which was convened by... Show moreA workshop dedicated to the topic of Muslim Religious Authority in Western Europe took place from 30 September – 1 October at the ISIM in Leiden. The aim of the workshop, which was convened by Frank Peter (ISIM/Free University of Berlin) and Elena Arigita (ISIM/University of Granada), was to bring together scholars working in what is arguably one of the most dynamic research fields in the study of European Islam, in order to stimulate exchange and reflection on current and future research agendas. 18 papers were presented before an audience of 40 persons, comprising academics, policy-makers, and journalists. Show less
There has been a growing political urgency in several Western European countries to institutionalize and create facilities for imamtraining. With the formation of the Conseil Français du Culte... Show moreThere has been a growing political urgency in several Western European countries to institutionalize and create facilities for imamtraining. With the formation of the Conseil Français du Culte Musulman (CFCM) earlier this year the French government aims to create a uniform training system for imams. This state-sponsored institutionalization of Islam offers more 'traditional' organizations the opportunity to appropriate 'French Islam', possibly at the expense of alternative structures that have emerged in the French Muslim community over the last few decades. Show less