Presentation
This international conference aims to explore the emergence and dynamics of Caucasian Islam in France and Europe. Long overlooked in academic research, this form of Islam is characterized by its fragmentation, the influence of brotherhoods, and its anchoring in highly differentiated cultural traditions. The research examines the way in which these groups organize themselves as a diaspora, interact with other Muslim communities (particularly Turkish and North African) and integrate into European societies
Bringing together researchers from different disciplines (sociology, law, history), the conference will explore different approaches and offer a new reading of a phenomenon that is at once religious, social and geopolitical. The main objective will be to study the organization of Caucasian Islam in Europe and to understand its internal and external dynamics. This is all the more necessary given that the issue touches on major concerns such as radicalization, marginalization, interactions between communities and institutional recognition. Understanding these groups and their positioning in the European Muslim space, as well as their influence on local religious dynamics, is essential.
The conference also seeks to provide a platform for the dissemination of research on Caucasian Islam by fostering collaboration among experts in sociology, law of religion, political science, migration history, and religious studies
Suggested themes
The conference is structured around four thematic axes. Each axis will bring together researchers and experts, with presentations and discussions on the following topics:
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Axis 1: History and sociology of Caucasian Islam
Migration history, religious transmission, reconfiguration of practices.
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Axis 2: Legal and political approach
Analysis of integration policies and specific challenges related to radicalization, prevention mechanisms, and media representations.
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Axis 3: Inter-community relations
Interactions with other Muslim communities, convergences, and tensions.
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Axis 4: Contemporary dynamics of Caucasian Islam in Europe
Issues of representation, religious institutionalization, organization within the legal frameworks of religions in Europe, place in European societies.
Target audience
Established researchers, emerging scholars, PhDs and doctoral students, members of the administration, and a broad educated public.
Agenda
- Submission deadline : October 30, 2025
- Notification to authors : December 1, 2025
- Program release : February 1, 2026
- Conference dates : March 3–4, 2026
Submission Guidelines
- Presentation duration : 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of discussion
- Required format: abstract (≤ 600 words) and short biographical note (≤ 150 words)
- Submission languages: French, English
- Proposals should be sent to: quliyev[at]unistra.fr
Download the call for papers
Scientific Committee
- Mélanie SCHMITT, Professor, Director of UMR 7354 DRES, Co-director of ITI MAKErS
- Samim AKGÖNÜL, PProfessor, Head of the Department of Turkish Studies at the University of Strasbourg, Co-director of the Research Team “Religions and Pluralism” – UMR 7354 DRES
- Francis MESSNER, Emeritus Research Director at the CNRS, Affiliated Professor at the University of Strasbourg
- Tamerlan QULIYEV, Postdoctoral Researcher, ITI MAKErS, UMR 7354 DRES, Member of EUREL, University of Strasbourg
- Khalid RABEH, Coordinator of the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of Strasbourg