The Centre for Islam in Europe (CIE) held its inaugural conference on 25 October 2000 in Ghent. The conference, held at Ghent University, was organized by the CIE in close collaboration with the... Show moreThe Centre for Islam in Europe (CIE) held its inaugural conference on 25 October 2000 in Ghent. The conference, held at Ghent University, was organized by the CIE in close collaboration with the Flemish Muslim association, VOEM (Association for the Education and Emancipation of Muslims). At the occasion, two new courses were jointly inaugurated: 'Islam in Europe's Secular States' and 'Racism and Representation'. They will be taught by two leading members of the CIE: Prof. Herman de Ley and Prof. Jan Blommaert, respectively. Show less
In the core countries of the European Union, Muslims, today, are counted in the millions and Islam is engaged in a process of institutionalization in the midst of secularized societies. Whereas... Show moreIn the core countries of the European Union, Muslims, today, are counted in the millions and Islam is engaged in a process of institutionalization in the midst of secularized societies. Whereas Christianity is receding to the countryside, Western Islam is manifesting itself as an urban phenomenon: Muslim populations are concentrated in towns and the symbolic attributes of Islamic faith and culture are becoming more and more conspicuous in this urban environment. In these closing years of the twentieth century, Europe is more than ever before becoming a space were Islamic, Christian, Jewish and secular traditions come together 'to fight, support, and fertilize each other'. Show less
