The attack on New York's Twin Towers on 11 September 2001 had negative repercussions all over the globe, including in Argentina. Since then, leaders of the Muslim community in Argentina have been... Show moreThe attack on New York's Twin Towers on 11 September 2001 had negative repercussions all over the globe, including in Argentina. Since then, leaders of the Muslim community in Argentina have been invited by the mass media to explain the causes of the attacks, as if Muslims all over the world were in some way linked to the terrorists and their ideas. Although they were approached with respect on many radio and television programmes, there were clear expressions of discrimination and ridicule of Muslims and their beliefs. Show less
Most studies on immigration to Argentina tend to associate Muslims with Arabs, without distinction. This error has its origins in the way immigrants from Arab countries arrived, especially from... Show moreMost studies on immigration to Argentina tend to associate Muslims with Arabs, without distinction. This error has its origins in the way immigrants from Arab countries arrived, especially from Syria and Lebanon. Before the Ottoman Empire territories were divided by national frontiers, all Arabs that arrived here were considered Turkish for the simple reason that they carried Turkish documents. Still today, Arabs in Argentina are popularly known as 'Turks', without necessarily any pejorative connotation. Argentina having been composed by waves of immigration, most new incoming groups were donned sobriquets: Jews were 'Russian', Italians 'Tanos', the Spaniards 'Gallegos', and the Arabs 'Turks'. Show less
