My interest in Orientalism and theories in literature helped me understand that a lot of our conceptions about different cultures, specifically the East-West divide, are related to colonialism and the distribution of knowledge regarding areas outside of Europe. As a Muslim, I am especially interested in the representation of Islam, which I got to learn more about before starting this research. In terms of what I wanted to focus on in my research, I was interested in the long presence of Islam in various countries in Europe, such as in Albania and North Macedonia. My family history also drew me to this project. My great-grandfather had immigrated from North Macedonia in an ox-cart with his family to escape the Balkan War. My paternal great-grandparents are also from North Macedonia and Bulgaria. My story is a direct testimony of Islam as an inherent component in Europe.
I am also interested in the idea of Europe, and what constitutes European identity. Especially in America, perspectives on culture and ethnicity are at times simplified. Specifically for Islam, the birthplace of the religion has become synonymous almost solely with that region. This does injustice to Christian populations in the Middle East and West Asia, including Arabs, Armenians, and Maronites. In the case of Southeastern Europe, my research is going to discuss various ideas about Orientalism, Balkanism, and the East-West divide within Europe. I will draw on sources that focus on historical aspects of Islam in Southeastern Europe, as well as sources about the theoretical discourse. I will also try to use non-English sources.
Author: Ayse Pirge