Paper short abstract:

In this paper we will analyse Andalusia's relations with Islam, its history, its memory, its social, cultural and symbolic aspects. We will analyze with an anthropological lens, the case of Granada and Almeria and the practices that the Islamic communities carry out in this territory

Paper long abstract:

It is estimated that some 25 million Muslims live in the Member States of the European Community, about 5% of the European population. Three quarters are already European citizens, either by naturalisation or by birth. These figures are not threatening. However, there is a widespread feeling that Europe is being overrun by a Muslim population and Islam that is perceived as incompatible with Western culture and values (Eidemiller et al., 2019; Gidley & Everett, 2022; Gusciute et al., 2021). Sociological studies divide Muslims in Europe into the following categories (El Quaroui, 2020): native Muslims who have lived in Europe for many centuries. Students and executives from Muslim countries. Muslims who came to Western Europe for a limited period as migrant workers in the 1950s and 1960s. Native European Muslims, born in Europe to immigrant parents. Asylum seekers and refugees (El Quaroui, 2020). The case of Andalusia is different from what many call European Islam: the claim of the territory of Granada as the cradle of Spanish culture inherited from the identity of the Caliphate of Al-Andalus is beginning to be present in the common imaginary and in the historical memory of Andalusia. We will analyze, with an anthropological lens, different Muslim communities present in Granada and Almeria to show what kind of practices they carry out and whether they can be considered inclusive.