ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that there is much evidence of prejudice against Muslims and fear of Islam in the West. Conflict with Islam and fear of Muslims is obviously not confined to theWest. Importantly, the characteristics of this form of Islam, often described by the umbrella notion of 'Salafism', are common in cities around the world. The reality of Islam could only be understood from the perspective of world history. In considering Islam in the framework of globalization, our substantive concerns are with the global spread of prejudice against Muslims, often referred to as Islamophobia. While the Turko-Mongolian world was based on nomadism, the Silk Road connecting Europe to China gave rise to a system of oasis city states such as Samarkand and Tashkent. These trade routes brought precious goods and materials to the region, but they were also the conduit of other religions, especially Buddhism.
