Religie na Bałkanach ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem islamu – szkic historyczny
Religions in the Balkans with a Particular Emphasis on Islam – a Historical Outline

Summary/Abstract: Since the time of the domination of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkan territories (2nd half of the 16th century), this area has been a source of numerous and complex territorial conflicts, national, ethnic, social, economic, or political in nature. Analysing the multifaceted history of this area, one cannot resist the impression that religious intolerance is largely the source of the conflicts mentioned above. The Balkan mosaic of nations, ethnic groups, or regional minorities consists mainly of the followers of Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, and Islam. This division practically reflects the national division: Croats, Serbs, and Muslims (the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina who profess Islam). In this case religion, instead of linking and alleviating customs – strengthens and fuels national or ethnic hatred. The present article attempts to describe a peaceful co-existence of these religions during the Ottoman Empire period, breaching the popularly promoted idea that the Ottoman Turkey was the only source of oppression and discrimination of the conquered Slavic peoples inhabiting the Balkans. The article consists of two main parts. The first contains reflections on religious diversity in the Balkans in a historical context, the second – an analysis of the issue of the presence of Islam and the Muslim religion in this part of Europe.

• Details
• Contents