A Century of Change: The Evolution of Islam in Europe 


2022
International Fraternity Day

The United Nations General Assembly adopts the International Day of Human Fraternity, aimed at promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue and understanding.

2021
Murder of French Teacher

The murder of a French teacher by a Muslim extremist prompts renewed debates about freedom of speech, secularism, and the rights of Muslims in Europe.

2020
COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic leads to significant disruptions to daily life and exacerbates existing economic and social inequalities, including those affecting Muslim communities in Europe.

2017
Wave of Terrorist Attacks

A wave of terrorist attacks in Europe, including in Manchester, Barcelona, and London, lead to increased security measures and calls for greater cooperation between European countries in addressing terrorism and extremism.

2016
Brexit Vote

The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union, leading to concerns about the impact of Brexit on the rights and freedoms of Muslims and other minority groups in the country.

2015
European Migrant Crisis

The European migrant crisis, fueled in part by the Syrian civil war, leads to a significant influx of refugees and migrants, including many Muslims, to Europe, sparking political and social tensions and debates about immigration and integration.

2014
Rise of ISIS

The Islamic State (IS) declares a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria, leading to increased concerns about terrorism and radicalization in Europe and the implementation of stricter security measures.

2011
Arab Spring

The Arab Spring leads to widespread protests and political upheaval in many Muslim-majority countries, resulting in significant changes to the political and social landscape of the region.

2008
Euro-Med Partnership

The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership is established, aiming to strengthen ties between Europe and Muslim-majority countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

2007
Treaty of Lisbon

The Treaty of Lisbon is signed, further emphasizing the European Union's commitment to promoting religious freedom, combating discrimination, and fostering intercultural dialogue.

2005
London Bombings

The London bombings, also carried out by Islamist extremists, result in the deaths of 52 people and further heighten concerns about terrorism and radicalization in Europe.

2004
Madrid Train Bombings

The Madrid train bombings, carried out by Islamist extremists, result in the deaths of 191 people and prompt increased security measures and anti-terrorism efforts in Europe.

2003
Iraq War

The Iraq War begins, leading to increased instability and sectarian violence in the region and exacerbating tensions between Western countries and Muslim-majority countries.

2002
Election of AKP

The election of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey marks the beginning of a new era of Islamist politics in Turkey.

2001
9/11 Attacks

The 9/11 attacks in the United States lead to increased scrutiny of Muslims in Western countries, including Europe, and the rise of Islamophobia.

2000
Charter of Fundamental Rights

The adoption of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union includes protections for religious freedom and non-discrimination.

1999
Kosovo War

The Kosovo War takes place, leading to the displacement of thousands of Muslim refugees and the intervention of NATO forces.

1992
Maastricht Treaty

The Maastricht Treaty is signed, leading to the establishment of the European Union and new debates about European identity and integration.

1990s
Yugoslav Wars

The breakup of Yugoslavia leads to violent conflict and ethnic cleansing, with Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the primary victims.

1989
Rushdie Affair

The fatwa against Salman Rushdie is issued, sparking global debates about freedom of expression and religious tolerance.

1980s
Soviet War in Afghanistan

The Soviet war in Afghanistan leads to the emergence of the Taliban and the spread of radical Islamism.

1979
Islamic Revolution in Iran

The Islamic Revolution takes place in Iran, establishing an Islamic Republic and inspiring Islamic movements around the world.

1973
Oil Crisis

The oil crisis leads to an influx of petrodollars to Muslim countries, promoting economic development and Islamic resurgence.

1967
Six-Day War

The Six-Day War takes place between Israel and several Arab states, leading to the displacement of thousands of Palestinian Muslims.

1961
First Purpose-Built Mosque

Establishment of the Islamic Centre of Geneva, the first purpose-built mosque in Europe.

1960
Muslim Immigration to Europe

Large-scale immigration of Muslims from North Africa and Turkey to Western Europe begins.

1953
Iranian Monarchy Restored

The Iranian monarchy is restored, leading to a period of political and social changes in Iran.

1950
Mosque in Paris

Establishment of the first mosque in France.

1950
Muslim immigration to Europe

Arrival of large numbers of Muslim immigrants, mainly from North Africa and Turkey, to Europe.

1947
Partition of India and Pakistan

Division of the Indian subcontinent into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan

1930
Persecution of Muslims in Nazi Germany

Increasing persecution of Muslims in Germany under the National Socialist Party

1924
Abolition of the Ottoman caliphate

The Ottoman caliphate is dissolved

1922
Albania becomes a secular state

Albania declares its separation from the Ottoman Empire and transition to a secular government

1914-1918
World War I

Global conflict resulting in Ottoman Empire's collapse

1912
First Balkan War

Dissolution of Ottoman Empire's holdings in the Balkans

1911
Italian invasion of Libya

Italian occupation of a Muslim-majority region

1908
Young Turk Revolution

Overthrow of the Ottoman Empire's monarchy

1901
First mosque in Germany (Berlin)

Establishment of first mosque in Germany