Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu

This project addresses the role of religion in shaping international politics with special emphasis on the relationship between the Islamic notion of “umma” (community) and secular politics in Europe. The project comparatively analyzes how the nature of discourses used regarding the increasing visibility of Islam in the European Union affects attitudes of Muslim groups towards integration into a secular Europe. As a case study to examine this relationship, the project investigates the effect of culturalist discourses utilized against Turkey’s membership in the EU. The project aims to contribute to the literature on multiculturalism and European identity, as well as to the greater debate on the role of religion in international relations.