Islam as Europe's ‘Other’ in the Long Term: Some Discontinuities
Michael Wintle
Abstract One of the most important aspects identity – both individual and collective is process known as Othering. ways identifying Europe, then, through fact that much Europe shares its ‘Others’, at least to a degree. There partly shared, imagined European heritage enemies, dangers, different people, alien forces, threats: prime candidates for this ‘Other’ have been remaining continents, colonies, United States, Communism, especially Islam. Islam has prominent if not dominant very long time, since rise in seventh century. It argued it changed radically an or type ‘Other’, just external but internal ‘Other’. However, longevity (if continuity) current pre‐eminence justify examination Europe's throughout history. A survey Islamic over last thirteen centuries so followed by two illustrative excursions: Ottomans iconic symbol Asia, which was often principal amongst continents. The article ends with account discontinuities process, particularly difference between religious idea Middle Ages, civilizational Renaissance.
History