The Muslim veil in Central and Eastern European perceptions: between Islamophobia and the politics of controlling female demeanour
Abstract
Women’s veils play a significant role in many religions present in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Abrahamic religions: Orthodox Judaism, Islam, and Catholicism. The module refers to European perceptions of the female Muslim veil in Central and Eastern European countries. The Arabic term used to describe this Muslim headdress is the word ‘hijab’, which means: headscarf, shawl, veil. The veil takes many forms and carries many meanings while serving different purposes and conveying different political and social ideas. The hijab as a part of the Muslim women’s veil became a symbol on which the attention of the European populist and conservative parties focuses. However, it is a symbol abused by the West. The public controversy is great and may be indicative of polarisation between Muslims and Western European societies. For some parties, Muslim veil represents conflict of values and the clash of civilizations. After the attacks on the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001, a very damaging stereotype arose that every Muslim is a terrorist. Stereotypes and prejudices play an important role in shaping social and political awareness. There is no other piece of women’s outfit that arouses as much emotion in public discussions as the Muslim veil. The subject of the Muslim veil is very sensitive both in the everyday life and in the social and political discourse, especially among secondary school students, whose socio-political views are consolidating and crystallising.
Objectives:
- to understand the history and diversity of women’s headscarf around the world
- to recognize the complexity and diversity of the different styles of ‘veil’ and ‘veiling’ practices in Islam
- to introduce students to basic knowledge about perception of Muslim veil in Europe especially in CEE context
- to make students aware of issues of freedom and respect for other religions
- to guide students in the political use of the symbol of the hijab
Target group: secondary school students
Keywords: teaching about Islam, Muslim veil, hijab, Central and Eastern Europe, women, sensitive topic in politics