ABSTRACT
The growth in Muslim pilgrimage in Europe is closely linked to sociopolitical developments in Europe. There has been a revival of visits to old Muslim pilgrimage sites in Europe, while new sites and practices have also emerged. Moreover, Muslims visit non-Muslim pilgrimage sites and non-Muslims visit Muslim sites. Instead, the revival of historic Muslim pilgrimage practices in Europe, the transfer to Europe of heritage practices from outside, and the establishment of new practices are shaped in a socio-political climate interconnecting local, regional, national, and global dynamics. Participation in the pilgrimage offers a formalized opportunity to take civic responsibility through promoting peaceful coexistence among groups in society. 'Inclusion' and 'exclusion' are typically used as analytical concepts to examine the involvement by migrants in Europe in the education system, labour market, civil society, crime and politics, immigration policies, public discourses, cultural practices and attitudes. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
