Islam in the Czech Republic
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Islam in the Czech Republic
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[edit] History
First documented visit of a person with knowledge of Islam was made (964-965) by Íbrahím ibn Jaqúb, a Jewish merchant from then muslim Spain. His memoirs were later published to became one of the first accounts about Central Europe in Islamic world. Occasionally, muslim mercenaries were part of armies ravaging the country during its history (for example Cumans during Hussite Wars). During both sieges of Vienna reconnaissance groups of Ottoman armies reached Moravia. Strong trade links between Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire emerged during 19th century.
[edit] Influence on culture
Traditionally, influence of Islam on culture of Czech lands was and is small. Alois Musil and Bedřich Hrozný represented Czech arabists, Miroslav Verner is most widely known of Czech egyptologists.
[edit] Modern era
A law from 1912 recognized Islam as "state religion" and officially allowed its presence in the region. The first community (Moslimské náboženské obce pro Československo) was established in 1934. In 1949 previous registration was abolished. An attempt to set up new community in 1968 failed. In 1991 Center of Muslim communities (Ústředí muslimských náboženských obcí) was established. In 1998 a mosque was opened in Brno [1] and a year later in Prague [2]. Attempt to open mosques in a couple of other cities was stopped by local citizens. In 2004 Islam was officially registered: the community is thus eligible to obtain funds from the state.
Estimated number of Muslims in today Czech Republic is over 10,000, of which about 2,000 are active. The number rose sharply during 1990s and has remained stable since.
Most of the Muslims are refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina (early 1990s) and former countries of Soviet Union (mostly from Caucasus region, from the late 1990s until the present). Significant and influential part are middle-class people of Egyptian, Syrian and other Middle Eastern ancestries (typically those who studied in Czechoslovakia and decided to stay). A few hundred Muslims are the Czech converts (typically wives of Muslims).
The community concentrates on religious life and education. Differences between Sunni and Shi'a didn't appear. No political party or group based on Islam was set up.
Most Czech people have never met a single Muslim. The Czech media typically presents Islam as something exotic, dangerous but fortunately far away. This in consequence has also become the typical view of Czech citizens.
Previously unknown, islamophobia grew up after the big terror attacks in the US, UK, and Spain, as well as the Prophet drawings-related riots, riots which were directed at the West. No violent incidents or terror attacks have ever occurred, though Islamic terrorists have reportedly conspired in 2006 to hold Jews hostage in a Prague synagogue and then blow up the building. The plot was foiled by Czech security services (Spiegel Online)
Islam is not a current topic of political debate.
Professor Arabist Luboš Kropáček who is at the Institute of Middle Eastern and African Studies at Charles University says the influence of Islam can bring some form of extra morality to usual life.[3]
Also now there are quite a few converts in Czech Republic who have chosen Islam as their faith. [4]
[edit] References
- Miloš Mendel, Jiří Bečka, Islám a české země, Olomouc, Votobia, 1998. ISBN 80-7220-034-8
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
(all texts are in Czech language)
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1 Has significant territory in Asia. 2 Entirely in West Asia, but considered European for cultural, political and historical reasons. 3 Only recognised by Turkey. 4 Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the definition of the border between Europe and Asia.
