THE ARAB-ISLAMIC COMMUNITY IN ROMANIA: THE STRUGGLE FOR REPRESENTATION

Abstract:

In Romania, the Muslim community comprises two groups, the Indigenous community (composed of the Turks and Tatars established by centuries in Dobrogea region) and the Arab-Islamic Community (which includes Arab migrants who arrived in Romania from the MENA region – mainly Palestine, Syria, Egypt - starting with 70’s). The current research theme is focused on the second group, the Arab-Islamic community, and its efforts to be represented religiously and culturally. The Romanian Muslim community members are mostly Sunni, the biggest part of them being included in the first group (ethnic Turks & Tatars). They are represented by the Mufti of the Muslim Cult (lead by Murat Iusuf). This is an institution officially recognized by the Romanian Government. Besides this, there are other informal leaders/organizations (not recognized officially by the Government) which represent the interests of the Arab-Islamic community. The most prominent are The Islamic and Cultural League in Romania, Foundation “Islam Today” etc. The two Muslim groups have experienced several disputes regarding the representation of the Arab-Islamic community. Nevertheless, sociological understanding of relationships between different Islamic branches and views indicate that the risk of radicalization is low. The Schools of Thought (Islamic jurisprudence / madhab) are not of significant influence in the Romanian Muslim community, and radical interpretations of the Quran are very low. Even in times of international / regional religious based conflicts, the leaders of the Romanian Muslim community did not instigate towards violence and have constantly promoted interfaith dialog. Most of the leaders (formal or informal) also have business endeavours in Romania and such “agitation” would result in business disruption. Furthermore, in terms of security, the Romanian authorities keeps an active and ethical degree of oversight over the Muslim community. The research on the Romanian Arab-Islamic community, might present a case study for other European countries with significance Muslim communities such as France, Great Britain, Germany etc. Also, the research represents an academic contribution in a field less studied / promoted in Romania.

Keywords:

Islam, community, leaders, integration, challenges