Paper short abstract:

Besides globalising dynamics, the emergence of online social media created opportunities for Muslim content creators in Hungary. Social media empowers Muslim individuals, particularly women, who otherwise may not have the ability to play such a visible role in Muslim communities in Hungary.

Paper long abstract:

The advent of the internet and social media changed the way Muslims in Europe experience their religion and Hungarian Muslims are no exception. With the emergence of various online spaces, other channels of communication, such as printed magazines and journals, gradually ceased to exist. This paper shows how social media changed the way Hungarian Muslims experience and practice their religion with the help of online presence. The paper uncovers various online spaces where practicing Muslims including converts can turn to for information about Islam. It will demonstrate the competition of Muslim content creators for Hungarian Muslim audiences. It will also shed light on the way established Muslim communities, including Muslim churches, attempt to carve out their own online presence besides Muslim influencers. The paper will argue that social media empowers Muslim individuals, particularly women, who otherwise may not have the ability to play such a visible role in Muslim communities in Hungary. For this the paper will use qualitative content and discourse analysis of relevant online sources. By taking a look at a number of Muslim influencers, the paper will address the question of how social media helps to create a Hungarian Muslim space in an interconnected and globalized world.