Partner: NEF (Network of European Foundations) and Freudenberg Stiftung

Abstract:

Debates and conflicts on mosques in Europe seem to have become more widespread and highly visible: the issue is discussed in practical and empirical as well as in cultural and symbolical terms. The construction of a mosque or the refurbishment of a prayer hall is hardly ever only an architectural and urban-planning problem; it produces in-depth social and cultural discussions and reactions, and often political conflicts.

Obiettivi: a) To write an overview in which the issue of mosque creation and different national and local patterns of accommodation are discussed in a comparative perspective, in countries sufficiently studied (United Kingdom, France, Germany, The Netherlands); b) To make fresh empirical researches on specific local cases in new migration countries or countries less studied (Italy, Spain, Greece, Bosnia, Austria, Belgium, Sweden).

Piano delle attività: The research will focus on the dynamics of conflicts and interrelations among social and cultural actors, with a peculiar attention to the issues raised in the debates in the public space. National outlines and local cases studied in the empirical research will be ready by May 09, the overview and the synthesis of the national reports will be ready by June 09. A final conference with local social actors and a publication of all the national reports are already planned, at least in English.