Sabah Boudalia
Pronouns:
Research Mentor(s): Yehia Sherif Mohamed Fakhry Mekawi
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Political Science Department / LSA
Program: CG
Session: Session 7 (4:40pm – 5:30pm)
Authors: Yehia Mekawi, , Sabah Boudalia, Vihaan Easwar
Abstract
This research examines the political process of governmental recognition of the Islamic faith in Belgium. We investigate the implications of mosque recognition on Muslim community leaders and government officials and use recognition as a reflection of Muslim communities’ degree of trust in the government. This research is supplemented by an examination of the political policies/considerations taken into account at the federal and local governmental levels. Data is being collected largely through interviews that have been and are continuing to be conducted. Our work as research assistants consists of transcribing interviews, coding interviews, finding supporting data sets, and cleaning existing data sets. As of now, we’ve uncovered patterns of opinions from certain groups regarding the process of mosque recognition in Belgium. This research has the potential to uncover possible unfair biases in the system currently in place, it also sheds light on disparities in this political process, and draws conclusions on the broader context of state-Islam relations in Europe and the role of partisanship and transnational networks in bureaucratic incorporation.
