• Part 1: Islam’s relationship with the West.
  • Introduction:
    • Mr. Mattis’ statements
    • Explanation into what my essay will help establish
  • Sources used: “The Clash of Civilizations” by Samuel Huntington.
    • Although there are early stages in history I want to primarily focus on post ww2 relations.
    • Transfer of power from the old imperialists, Britain and France to the new super power, the U.S.
• Part 2: Contemporary Europe and ISIS.
  • Why is ISIS targeting France?
    • The symbolic importance of France as the largest muslim population in Western Europe.
  • Sources used: “The way people look at us has changed’: Muslim Women on life in Europe.” by Lillie Dremeaux
    • Most of the older women stay content with the rules placed on muslims, some have even given up their studies and feel that nothing will change.
    • In regards to Mr. Mattis’ statements these notes are important because as younger muslims are disenfranchised they feel that they can’t fit in. ISIS targets these individuals and uses their situations to fuel their goals.
    • Therefore what Mr. Mattis is saying is correct, logically their is a reason to be afraid of Islam because there are some who use the fear and bad decision making to further their cause.
  • Sources used: Under the Black Flag: At the frontier of a New Jihad by Sami Moubayed
    • The origins and goals of ISIS

For the question of why the headscarf is a contested piece of clothing I want to talk about the New York Times article “The way people look at us has changed: Muslim Women on life in Europe.” by Lillie Dremeaux, It seems common words used are “go back home”, “integration”, and “recognized”. The French people feel that muslims, especially the women, need to be labeled and then integrated into society. In other words they must conform to our ideals if they want to be like us. But muslim women such as Mira Hassine make the argument that the more they try to integrate “we are constantly reminded that to be properly and completely integrated, we must give up our principles and our religion.” (Hassine) Then having to decline western pleasures like alcohol and certain other events “we isolate ourselves. And once you start isolating yourself, you’re no longer integrating.” (Hassine) Instead of being recognized as a French citizen the French use abstact object like clothing to reaffirm the idea of what it really means to be French in their eyes. The terrorist attacks further drive their actions not because they believe it makes them feel secure but because they do this out of fear.

In “Politics of the veil” by Joan Scott the debate over the headscarf is targeted from the very beginning. “For some European nations it is a way of taking a stand against Islam.” (pg.3) It is very interesting that these rules have come to France so recently due to France’s connection to Muslim society. North Africa and the Middle East have had a large presence of French influence since the early 19th century. The muslim population today in France is probably the 3rd,4th, or 5th generation of muslim families. But differences have always remained.

“We cannot understand contemporary debates about the veil without this history: in French eyes, the irreducible difference and thus the inassimilability of Islam.” (pg.45)

In my opinion we cannot undermine how important these recent attacks on Europe have been and the borders shared between nations in Europe. A lot of young muslims are being marginalized and the ultimate weapon is fear. Islam is a religion of peace but the most recognizable trait we can think of is a piece of clothing which we have spat on and disrespected.

If I were too choose the best concept described in Shanty-town kid by Azouz Begag it would have to be assimilation. Based on the simple fact that Azouz at a young age was really determined to not be contempt with being at the bottom. “I did not like being poor and the weak pupils in class. I wanted to be among the top of the class alongside French children.” (46) Being alongside French children is a sign of understanding, as he increases his ability to learn and perfect a skill he improves himself and accepts who he is. Integration gives the impression of different people being brought together but one could say that France is not accepting of who the “others” are. Also the fact that one person like Begag’s teacher can influence someone so much, shows that no matter who you are some of the simplest forms of encouragement can shatter those invisible walls.

When it comes to France’s reception of muslim immigrants there are different scenes I wanted to concentrate on. One was when the students and Azouz walked into class. “This morning we will have a lesson in correct behavior… I was simply a disgrace where correct behavior was concerned.” (44) The non-French or others must be correctly informed on correct behavior. Can this be interpreted as encouragement as to how to behave or French societies continual judgment of others? “They all put their hands up to say something to talk about their experience, to show their moral compliance with today’s lesson. We Arab kids had nothing to say.” (45) Another scene was during the conversation between Azouz, Moussaoui, and Nasser. They tell him that he is not Arab and that he also won’t let them copy his work. French society has created a divide where an individual has to make a choice between being French and Arab. “You’re not an Arab… And at break, why are you always with the French kids?” (75-76) Sometimes your people can hold you back. “But you have to decide whether you’re with them or with us! You have to make your mind up.” (76)

Dear Louise,

I hear that you are the one to take over for me in Algiers. Well if that is the case then let me go over some of the policies and conditions here so that you can run things smoothly. First things first I want to go over the policies here in Algiers. Since this is one of our valuable colonies in our vast empire it will not be the exact same as mainland France. First and foremost the role of women in muslim society is a very divisive subject. You must be sure to enforce gender segregation as many muslim men will be very upset if religious and societal balances are interrupted and not met. You must remember that we are here representing our modern society which as you know is much more civilized and advanced, therefore you must make conscious choices to accept norm and customs. I will say this though, the architecture of the city in both the Casbah and Marine quarter is quite astounding. Men reside on the streets as women tend to more domestic spaces including the roofs of many buildings which serve as a second life in Algiers. Just to quickly focus on the Casbah and Marine quarter, despite our obvious advances in society, technology, and culture it is quite a challenge for any European to travel there and not be amazed at the mysteries it holds. I am sure you have heard of its myths. Not knowing what lies ahead especially with the way the individuals treat nature. The Atlas mountains and the many palm trees. Now back to business. You must remember to keep troops in the lower part of the city, Marine quarter, this is where most of the diplomats, officials, and secretaries are housed due to the close proximity to the harbor. If necessary you are allowed to use force to efficiently accommodate our needs. I know you will be in Algiers while the urban projects will be taking place. I can’t imagine that it will be well received there but these are necessary projects and not just for private interests but for the growth of the city. It will also grant us better access for our troops so that they can easily move from one region to the next. I mean let’s face it their traditional society is what is holding them back. This city is too much of a beautiful and prosperous region for it to not be used at its full potential.

Quote 1: “a king who makes his own happiness consist in the liberty of his people and chooses rather to be looked upon as their father than their master” pg.57

This seems to be somewhat of an early judgement about the Turks. She mentions earlier how the rich have to hide their wealth and how looking poor keeps them safe. Then she relates this to her freedoms and liberties in England. The ability to not have to hide how rich you are makes you free.

Quote 2: “Yet there was not one of them that showed the least surprise or impertinent curiosity, but received me with all the obliging civility possible.” pg.58

From history we know that many muslim women were intrigued at the way westerners dressed but in particular were pretty materialistic. Later on during the late 18th and 19th centuries Ottoman society started to really mix in western culture. But I actually believe this is just an acknowledgement between two societies, the Ottomans believed they were on the same if not higher level.

Quote 3: Tis they that are the real authors, though the soldiers are the actors of revolutions.” pg.61

In this quote she is talking about the Ottoman scholars. How valuable and important they are to the empire. They control most aspects of it as well, the women are symbols of beauty by the way she speaks of their skin and nakedness and the men represent power.

Quote 4: “he must first have the gift of tongues before he can possibly be of any use.” pg.62

She mentions how if her friend Dr.Clarke who works with the church had the ability to preach in Ottoman lands things would change. But the reason why this quote is very interesting is because this has been something that has been at the forefront of any kind of change. How important words are to any kind of revolution of cultural change. We have always heard the saying that the pen is mightier than the sword, perhaps that’s the point she might be getting at.

Quote 5: “The government here is entirely in the hands of the army” pg.66

I couldn’t help but laugh a little because of the criticism she displays against not the Ottoman empire but muslim society. She mentions how the Grand Signors daughter was getting married but she called it a ‘contract’. She calls the Grand Signor a slave and the fear of the Janissaries. To be a Janissary was a huge honor, the English also glorify war the only difference is that the English call it nationalism.

Hello my friend I am writing to you because I know you have a large task ahead of you. The Sultan has given you the title of ambassador, it is a great honor and god willing you deserve it. From my aides I hear that you are to stop in Venice and then be on your way through Western Europe to the city of Amsterdam. Now listen carefully as I guide you through this trip, this is very important brother. From Constantinople the boats will be waiting in the morning, I hope they have arranged for you to travel on a small merchant ship. The reason for this is because of the many Venetian and Turkish pirates, although I can’t say that our people are committing such crimes. Anyhow it has been demanded that when encountering a military vessel one must lower their sails or face capture. Once you reach Venice, I can only say that the countries beauty is only matched by their peoples hospitality. St. Marks square is the center of life, although second to only our great city and capital. They will treat you with excellence, invites to the grandest of events from the most extravagant of individuals. You must be sure to visit Basilica of St.Marco as it truly might be where one can have all the articles of gold and silver. But remember business comes first. The Mediterranean is important to our empire and although we would love to dominate and have it all to ourselves it is wiser to avoid conflict and find ays to benefit ourselves through trade. The North African lands have given us new opportunities to exploit advantages and open our trade routes. Also be aware of theses European infidels and I mean other foreigners. Last time I visited an incident occurred with a spaniard who stole some carpets and sheets from a personal representative of the pope. There was also a frenchman who was so ill-tempered and full of himself, it was ridiculous. As you leave Venice you will head north between Eastern and Western Europe. You must be careful for the Tartar raids that occur into Western Europe, they are chaotic and deadly. The pillaging of villages is very common so try and avoid these villages and heavily populated areas. The country of Tot has a large population of protestants who are cross worshippers. After that you have reached your destination, Holland. The country side has very fertile and productive lands and its cities can get very crowded. Just south of the Rhine is Amsterdam the capital. A huge walled city, even the outskirts of the city features some terrific gardens that allow all types of leaves and agriculture to grow. Even though you are on a business trip you should not take such wonders for granted. So few men in this world get to see the many tings you are about to see, concentrate all you have to on your important work and make our empire proud but I f I had to tell you one thing it would be to live so that you could never have any regrets.

During my walkthrough of the Arab lands section I noticed some very nice pieces. If I had to choose one in particular it would have to be the Ivory from Muslim Italy. These pieces come from the island of Sicily where commercial networks connected Sicily to North Africa and Europe. At the time the Normans controlled the island and had the advantage of being protected from both the Byzantine empire and Muslim forces. Trade plays a heavy part in this section. The Ottoman Empire established its maritime dominance in the Mediterranean, which allowed merchants to trade.

Arab Lands linkAlbum

The Jerusalem exhibit was probably my favorite of the two. Once again maritime travel and merchant seamen so well adapted to changing times and were so well prepared. There was one image I took of a huge book called ‘Map of the Holy Land’ which outlined how European Christians could navigate the port of Acre. Also showed where Noah’s ark was believed to have landed. Another good piece was the tools seamen used to travel. A map that showed the Levantine trade routes that showed Jerusalem halfway between Damascus and the port of Ascalon. The astrolobe could help travelers tell time, geography, and position of the stars easier as well.

Jerusalem link Album 2

Knowledge can always be a powerful tool in the growth of an individual not just physically but psychologically as well. Throughout history societies have been able to learn not just from mistakes but from adversaries. During the middle ages European society developed in many different ways but more importantly found an identity and would follow them for centuries to come.

In David Nirenberg’s “Neighboring Faiths” he states an emerging idea in Europe. “The idea of christian war against Islam gave medieval Europe a much more unified and self-concious sense of historical mission.” (Nirenberg pg.1) The Crusades waged a holy war against Islam. In the History Channel documentary Crescent and the Cross, Pope Urban the II started the first crusade, as the goal would be to return the holy lands in the middle east back from muslims under the name of Islam and into Christian hands. What I believe is the most important aspect of the crusade was the ability of tens of thousands of people from all over Europe volunteering to fight together under one common goal. Although history tells us some of those individuals had other intentions, money and the opportunity to acquire new lands made certain individuals wealthy. Nonetheless Europeans emerged united under a common enemy. As Islam grew into Western Europe christians began to grow more knowledgable if Islam, they came to believe that Islam was a religion but a “carnal one, glorying in violence and sexuality.” (Nirenberg pg.2) As more christians became more aware of the Islamic teachings, the real kicker was that normally more knowledge created more tolerance of other lifestyles and cultures or religions but instead it “more often oriented toward providing more solid footings for the batteries of the polemic.” Essentially it only reaffirmed what christians already knew. We also see the early signs of orientalism, this would become the representation of Asia and those in the Middle East as colonialism and imperialism would help Europe shape the modern world today. The centralizing of many European states also began due to the Muslim conquests into western Europe and the Mediterranean. One key example of this was Pope Alexander’s II response to Islamic victories ” although the shedding of blood is forbidden to the christian, it was ‘just to fight’… who persecute christians and expel them from their towns and dwelling places.” (Nirenberg pg.5) During the first crusade we saw how Europeans united in their effort to vanquish the Islamic foe, the difference was that this no longer meant a long march to holy lands in the Middle East but in their backyard in such places like muslim western Europe. Spain, Portugal, and lands in the Mediterranean became the target of the supposed “just to fight” the pope was talking about. In America we are told about manifest destiny, America’s belief that it was their destiny to expand westward to the unexplored lands of the west. In Europe ” Ideas about Islam played an important role in the creation of a muscular version of European christianity, one that increasingly saw itself as united by a common destiny to conquer a wider world imagined as muslim.” (Nirenberg pg.5) Just think about it, did the idea of expansion and this greater sense of superiority and representation just enter the minds of Europeans? History can teach us that we learn from others and how finding out who you are can come full circle.

Artstor Image: 

Prezi

In my presentation I decided to choose these facts mostly because this is what stood out to me personally. I didn’t want to pick facts that had already been selected and retold many times. The key for me was under what title to use it and the order in which I put the facts. It was important to me for people to know the huge differences within the Arab community and religion. The true meanings of certain words and how they impact daily life for the average muslim, or how christians and muslims interacted with each other long ago. Another thing I really noticed was that in Ruthven’s short intro book the author explains Islam and its complexity before allowing the reader to give their new opinion before going into modern Islam and the issue of the jihadi movement. The reason I say that is because Islam has been so twisted in todays world that it’s true meaning is tarnished and not even acknowledged respectfully. The muslim greeting means peace and stands for it, and truly stands for good in this world. But I think today many organizations and groups of people are quick to categorize an entire religion and ethnic group because a tiny percentage of people have spit in the face of what Islam stands for, peace. In the subject of spreading a global religion, Islam has been around for a very long time. Just like Judaism and Christianity, Islam has been taught on this planet for a long time. The spread of culture starts with trade and will continue that way for as long as people have the need to learn an educate themselves. Today new ways of learning have been introduced albeit a bit more difficult. Stricter more radical forms of laws have made the learning and spread of culture more difficult but new waves in communications technology have allowed many to learn the true meaning of Islam. The images I chose were also very nice because they the paintings looked nice too and simply gave a small description of what I wanted to talk about. This is probably the first time I have done a project on this specific topic. It allows me to really understand Islam just a bit more and the real difference between a believer and being muslim. This was something I really never knew about, to submit to a god or surrender yourself to him/her or to truly believe in them. Fundamentalist have reshaped Islam as well by incorporating new ideas into traditional ways. In today’s world we throw around the word self-determination a lot and this is something every society seeks, especially in places that have not smelled a sniff of freedom in a long time. To want to choose your own path to what you believe is the right path not just for yourself but for your religion entirely  but when it entirely flips the meaning of your religion and destroys other people ways of life then maybe the right thing is not really being done.