Original scientific paper
Muslims in Slovenia: Between Tolerance and Discrimination
Veronika Bajt
; Veronika Bajt Peace Institute, Institute for Contemporary Social and Political Studies, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Abstract
The article examines the position of Muslims in Slovenia, with a particular focus on the articulation of the needs of an Islamic way of life as conveyed by the Muslims themselves. Using new empirical material, I draw on interviews with representatives of the Muslim community. The Slovenian Muslims find themselves in a peculiar situation of, on the one hand, being tolerated, particularly on account of sharing historical South Slavic bonds with the majority Catholic population; yet, they are at the same time faced with discrimination and prejudice. The research shows that – as Islam remains for the most part secluded from public discourse and thus prone to stereotypical representations pregnant with misconceptions and prejudice – the Muslims in Slovenia experience prejudice, and are exposed to particular discrimination in terms of practicing their religion.
Keywords
MUSLIMS; ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS PRACTICE; DISCRIMINATION; SLOVENIA
Hrčak ID:
35084
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2008.
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