Islam has been present in Europe since the 7th century. Given the human ability of adaptation and integration, we should have had enough time to get used to its presence. Yet the discourse of continuous threat this „medieval“ religion poses for our „progressive“ European societies persists with fluctuating strength. Why is this so? Why cannot we come to terms with this particular Other?

This workshop will look into the complex realities of Interfaith dialogue between Islam and (predominantly) Christian Europe. We will examine the  perception of Islam in Europe, as well as compare the nature of both of these faiths.  We will further explore the historical context and look at the current affairs shaping the popular debate on this subject matter.