Islamophobia: A Global Perspective
Anas Berqli, a professor at the Turkish-German University, highlights the alarming rise of Islamophobia not only in Western societies but also within Muslim-majority countries. His insights come from years of research, particularly through the annual European Islamophobia Report, which aims to shed light on the pervasive discrimination against Muslims across Europe. The report, which has been published for nearly a decade, covers various aspects of Islamophobia, including its manifestations in media, politics, and legislation.
Berqli emphasizes that the normalization of Islamophobia is evident in significant events, such as the Nobel Prize being awarded to Austrian novelist Peter Handke, known for denying the Bosnian genocide. This incident reflects a broader insensitivity towards the historical context of Islamophobia, which is often overlooked by global institutions. According to Enes Bayrakli, an expert in Islamophobia, the phenomenon is deeply rooted in the construction of a stigmatized Muslim identity, which varies in its expression depending on the societal context.
The Impact of Colonialism and Modern Policies
Bayrakli argues that while Islamophobia is a pressing issue in the West, it is often more extreme in Muslim societies due to the influence of colonial legacies and the emergence of Westernized elites. These elites, who have been educated in Western values, often perceive conservative Muslims as a threat to their authority. This self-Orientalism leads to a distorted view of Islam and Muslims, further perpetuating discrimination.
In countries like Turkey and Iran, where colonial powers did not fully occupy, the process of self-Westernization has created a similar dynamic. For instance, Turkey's historical ban on the headscarf reflects the struggle between secularism and religious expression, a battle that has seen significant political ramifications. Bayrakli notes that the rise of Islamophobia in these contexts has resulted in violent incidents and military coups, often justified as necessary to maintain regime stability.
The situation in France serves as a contemporary example of institutionalized Islamophobia, with government policies increasingly targeting Muslim practices and symbols. The recent ban on the abaya in schools illustrates how far-right ideologies have permeated mainstream politics, leading to the normalization of discriminatory practices against Muslims. As these policies gain traction, they contribute to a broader climate of fear and exclusion, impacting the cultural and religious freedoms of Muslim communities worldwide.
