Minarets in the Mountains: A Journey Into Muslim Europe (Bradt Travel Guides (Travel Literature))

Product Information

Why for example is he eating pide on his first night in Sarajevo, and getting disappointed that it’s not as good as the one he had in Turkey? Komšiluk is a name that represents the simple concept of a neighbourhood and not at all what he describes. It reminded me of my first trip to Morocco, in which a kindly hotel owner took pity on my friends and me and allowed the three of us to stay in a twin room, which afterwards we realised was, more than likely, his way of granting hospitality to the musafir; and through Tharik’s book, I feel I have developed a greater understanding of this tradition.

It also showcases a few historical examples of the life and bravery during the times of Nazi’s, communists, and the Bosnian war from young and old who lived through those times. In fact, through Tharik’s travels, he unveils a much larger Muslim presence in countries other than just Bosnia, Kosovo and Albania, which are Muslim majority. The book explores the historic roots of Islamophobia in Europe, as the author grapples with his multi-faceted identity, and considers where he and his mixed race Muslim family (Tharik’s wife, Tamara, is English), fit into modern Europe. I think the eastern European hatred and Islamophobia were all wrapped into one and there’s no surprise that the two were interchangeable during the Brexit rhetoric,” he says. Tharik Hussain travels through the forgotten cities/towns of the Balkans to explore the historical Islamic monuments, too often disregarded when thinking of Europe.Despite periods of violence, the worst of which saw ethnic cleansing and the attempted erasure of an entire heritage, the Muslim culture and legacy of Europe, still lives on today. And paints a more subtle and differentiated picture of the different strands of Islam which I for one wasn’t aware of. Visiting Albania myself and be in the same places including NP restaurant I can say Country is more fascinating that one written in his book. But if you go back far enough, in corners of the continent, you will find that there are communities of Muslims who have been have been living peacefully alongside Christians, Jews and pagans for centuries. He quietly bemoans an example of conservative Islam only two pages after being delighted to meet a boy who had memorised the entire Qur’an by age 10.

Despite Muslims in Europe having the same ethnic roots as their Christian neighbours, they are still seen as the ‘other’. In accordance with The Post Office, the last recommended date for Christmas posting is 18th December (2nd Class) and 20th December (First class). There is a lot of history in here, a particular fascination of Hussain’s, but there is much more detail about the towns that they stay in and the people that they meet during their travels. He also meets Muslim communities living in Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro, places you would not normally link with Muslims. Encountering blonde-haired, blue-eyed Muslims, visiting mystical Islamic lodges clinging to the side of mountains, and praying in mosques older than the Sistine Chapel, he paints a picture of a hidden Muslim Europe, a vibrant place with a breathtaking history, spellbinding culture and unique identity.He is the creator of Britain’s first Muslim heritage trails and has produced award-winning radio for the BBC on America’s earliest mosques and Muslim communities. Tharik and his family learn lessons about themselves and their own identity as Britons, Europeans and Muslims.

Drawing on the wisdom of the Qur'an, the pages in this book share insightful words and guidance from a wide range of Muslim figures from Rabia through to Hafez, offering a place for spiritual growth as you deepen your connection to Allah and enhance your worship and devotion. Equally, the quiet conversation with Aldin towards the book’s close provided a valuable lesson about the importance of dialogue between communities; for me, it served to sum up the themes of the book concisely. I was excited by the theme, which is well worth exploring, but I believe the author went to the region with preconceived notions which he then tried to fit into the narrative. This is one of my favorite non-fiction reads from last month, as Hussain's account makes for a riveting read, especially if you're familiar with the countries he visited. A deep dive into the historical roots of European Islamophobia, and the places where Muslim Europe still exists make this one of the most compelling books for readers who wish to see the world through a wider lens.I’m sorry that people unfamiliar with the region will read this text and believe every word the author says.