This vigorously argued book reveals the central role that Islam has
played in European history. Following the movement of people,
culture and religion from East to West, Goody breaks down the
perceived opposition between Islam and Europe, showing Islam to be
a part of Europe’s past and present. In an historical analysis of
religious warfare and forced migration, Goody examines our
understanding of legitimate violence, ethnic cleansing and
terrorism. His comparative perspective offers important and
illuminating insights into current political problems and
conflicts.
Goody traces three routes of Islam into Europe, following the
Arab through North Africa, Spain and Mediterranean Europe; the Turk
through Greece and the Balkans; and the Mongol through Southern
Russia to Poland and Lithuania. Each thrust made its mark on Europe
in terms of population and culture. Yet this was not merely a
military impact: especially in Spain, but elsewhere too, Europe was
substantially modified by this contact. Today it takes the form of
some eleven million immigrants, not to speak of the possible
incorporation of further millions through Bosnia, Albania and
Turkey.

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