Dobrujan Islam and the Construction of European Identity: Between Shared Heritage and Political Alterity

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the role of the historic Muslim communities in the Dobruja region in the process of constructing contemporary European identity. The analysis begins by examining the tension between the European discourse on pluralism and public representations that often associate Islam with an otherness external to Europe. The research aims to demonstrate that the Muslim presence in the Danube region is not exclusively the result of recent migrations, but rather constitutes a historical and cultural component of the European space, consolidated over the centuries. The methodology of this study employs an interdisciplinary approach, combining a historical perspective with a sociopolitical analysis of the concepts of European identity, multiculturalism, cultural boundaries, and collective memory. It examines the Muslim community in Dobrogea, with a focus on the Dobrogean model of interethnic and interreligious coexistence between Romanians and Turks. It also examines contemporary efforts to highlight Muslim heritage and the role of institutional actors in preserving and promoting it through cultural and heritage projects supported by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). In addition, a series of campaigns and projects undertaken by TIKA in Romania will be presented to facilitate a symbolic analysis. TIKA has supported the National Library of Romania by equipping the institution with professional digitization and archiving systems, has developed partnerships with universities and research institutions in Romania, and regularly conducts social assistance campaigns, particularly in vulnerable communities. Through such an analysis, the symbolism of these actions becomes apparent; they often constitute a form of social adaptation and engagement and, not least, serve to strengthen bilateral relations. The central argument of this paper is that the historical experience of Muslim communities in Dobruja offers a relevant example for understanding European identity as an inclusive and pluralistic process, shaped by the interaction of diverse cultural traditions. In this context, the case of Dobruja highlights the fact that the current difficulties in European integration do not stem from the presence of Islam in Europe, but rather from the persistence of certain representations that exclude Europe’s own historical Muslim components from its collective memory. It is imperative to highlight that Islam has existed in the Danube region for centuries and constitutes an element of European heritage, forming part of the historical reality of the Danube region and serving as an integral component of the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. Thus, this paper seeks to align with contemporary reality. Ultimately, it can be concluded that the paper argues that recognizing this heritage contributes to the consolidation of a European identity capable of embracing its historical complexity and diversity.