“Öteki”nden Korkmak: Avrupa Entegrasyonuna Bir Meydan Okuma Olarak Din
Fearing the Others: Religion as a Challenge to European Integration

Summary/Abstract: As elsewhere in the world, religion has been a matter of integration or disintegration for European societies and nations. Developments in troubled regions such as the Middle East, especially since 2011, show Europeans that they have no choice but to rethink the place of religion at both the national and regional levels. Europe has long been preoccupied with "warriors of faith". Therefore, the coming years will show whether European countries will turn religion into an instrument of peaceful coexistence or completely abolish the system they have built since the Westphalian era. This article includes existing data/events rather than theoretical explanations. Through some old and often new sources, this study aims to understand the role of religion in European society in terms of regional cohesion. In addition, it is hoped that at the end of this study, the issue of whether the European Union wants to be a union based on common values and norms that promote equality and harmony, or a "Christian Club" that leaves no room for any faith other than Catholic Christianity, will be clarified a little more. To this end, this article first illuminates the historical background of the European Union and examines what religion means in Europe. Then, some examples from the 20th century, such as the Jews of Nazi Germany and the Muslims of the former Yugoslavia, are evaluated in terms of religious differences and their consequences. This article then analyzes the issue of European foreign fighters going "in the name of God" to countries such as Iraq, Syria, or Afghanistan, and then the possibility for the integration or disintegration of Europe based on religion. It is hoped that this article will help readers understand the position of religion in Europe and give an idea of whether it is possible for different faiths to live in peace and harmony in Europe. Of course, this article will neither be the first nor the last to seek answers to all these questions. Nevertheless, it is hoped that it will open the door to further research in this area.

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