Society and religion in Southeastern Europe, 1989-1997

As a result of the withdrawal of the Ottoman empire, millions of Muslims were left as unwanted minorities in the new national states in Southeastern Europe. These Muslims are of south slav origin - like in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Sandzak, Macedonia or Bulgaria -, Albanians like in the Kosovo or Western Macedonia, Turks like in Bulgaria and the Sandzak or Gypsies/Roma who live scattered all above the Balkans. Islam, as a religious and a political phenomenon as well, is for these groups a decisive factor, regulating - besides the importance of regional identity - the internal life of the group and influencing the contact with the non-muslim majority. The political turmoil of 1989 led to the deep rooting transformation process of society and economy in Southeastern Europe. How will Muslims, as extremely conservative and traditional groups, will be able to deal with these new living conditions? Going back deep into history, Islam in general and Muslims minorities in the Balkans are regarded with mistrust, as a kind of `fifth column` who only lurks to introduce Islam fundamentalism in Europe. The question of Islam and Muslims in the Balkans has therefore an important impact on security policy in Europe.