Minarets in the Mountains: A Journey Into Muslim Europe (Bradt Travel Guides (Travel Literature))

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Tharik revitalises the existence of these monuments with his mastery writing - ladened with sincerety, warmth and real connection. Therefore, there is an important sense of both linguistic and cultural reclamation throughout the book, very much in keeping with its central narrative: that much of Europe has strong historical links with Muslim history, and this should be not only understood but actively embraced.

This is a wonderful and truly heartwarming travelogue by the creator of The Woking Trail and The Muslim Cemetery Walk, which is a Muslim herotage trail in the UK. We’re made to feel like we don't belong here but to discover that we have this heritage that goes back 14 centuries, it feels almost criminal that this stuff is not being discussed,” Tharik told TRT World.Tharik’s literary companion for his journey, is the Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi, who wrote his own travel account while visiting the Balkans in the 17th century. Tharik’s previous work has often served to decolonise popular religious and cultural histories and narratives. It all started when his family encountered abandoned mosques during his family trip at a remote village in Bulgaria. Great subject - with 5 star expectations I ended 1 star review - I didn’t like Tharik’s political standing and his attitude.

In this context, visiting indigenous Muslim communities, who are a part of Europe’s very fabric, becomes more pertinent. The car journey and the places they visit are very vivid; very evocatively described; culminating in a scene of great tranquillity and self-discovery. I hoped for a different perspective - the author was travelling as a family (with a wife, and 2 girls) and yet, all interviews with locals were exclusively with men.Tharik's story is one of several in this delightful anthology of writing by Muslims from across the globe. It is accepted by you that Daunt Books has no control over additional charges in relation to customs clearance. Tharik travelled through southern Thailand exploring the mainland and the Thai Gulf islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao for Lonely Planet. Through travel’s most talented storytellers, you’ll face adversity along the Congo’s raging River Lulua, make new friends aboard Iraq’s night train, and embark on life-changing pilgrimages from India to Saudi Arabia.

Pide was an unknown food in Sarajevo until after the war and is very much there for tourists like him. Even then, it’s a talk with an imam in North Macedonia who bemoans that mosque attendance is falling; he doesn’t even bother with two of the five prayers any more.And paints a more subtle and differentiated picture of the different strands of Islam which I for one wasn’t aware of. Here, as with elsewhere on the journey, Tharik and his family encountered the legendary generosity of Balkan Muslims towards travellers like themselves, when a vendor refused to take money for his daughter’s candy floss. As a result, when the power dynamic shifted, the narrative was controlled by the Christian West and changed to suit political aims.

In accordance with The Post Office, the last recommended date for Christmas posting is 18th December (2nd Class) and 20th December (First class). He dives into the thinking behind why such a significant part of European history has vanished from memory, education and our books.While European Islam lives on, the negative attitude towards ‘Turks’ and ‘Muslims’ continues to thrive in the West, and we have seen it play out in the US, European nations and in Britain with the Brexit campaign. Encountering blonde-haired, blue-eyed Muslims, visiting mystical Islamic lodges clinging to the side of mountains, and praying in mosques older than the Sistine Chapel, he paints a picture of a hidden Muslim Europe, a vibrant place with a breath-taking history, spellbinding culture and unique identity. Although some of the heritage was damaged and demolished, it has been rebuilt by local communities and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), who are keen to preserve Turkish history. We are experiencing delays with deliveries to many countries, but in most cases local services have now resumed.