070077 UE Guided Reading Economic and Social History - Formation of Islamic Communities in the Balkans (2024W)

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the emergence and spread of Islam in Southeastern Europe, adopting a thematic and problem-based approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's Islamic history and its diverse Muslim communities. The course begins by tracing the historical origins and early expansion of Islam in Southeastern Europe, focusing on the social, political, and economic factors that facilitated its spread. It examines the establishment and evolution of Islamic religious institutions, such as mosques, madrasas, and Sufi orders, and their role in shaping religious life and community identity.

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to studying the processes of religious conversion, analyzing both the voluntary and coerced aspects of conversion to Islam, and the impact of these processes on local populations and their cultural landscapes. The intersections between Islam and politics are critically examined, with particular attention to the ways in which Islamic authorities and leaders have navigated, influenced, or been influenced by political power dynamics in the region.

The course also explores the relationship between Islam and economics, investigating how Islamic economic principles have been applied in the region, and how these have intersected with broader economic systems and practices. Beyond these themes, the course delves into other essential aspects of the history of religions and religious communities in Southeastern Europe, including the complex interactions between different ethnic and national groups.

A special emphasis is placed on the social and cultural processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the region, offering students insights into the diverse ways in which Islamic and other religious identities have been constructed, maintained, and transformed over time. This course not only provides a historical perspective but also engages with contemporary issues, exploring the legacies of the past and their relevance to current social, political, and cultural contexts in Southeastern Europe.

By the end of the course, students will have gained a nuanced understanding of the role of Islam in Southeastern Europe, equipping them with the analytical tools to critically engage with broader debates on religion, identity, and society in the region.