In the Shadow of Islamophobia by Onay, Özge;

Short description:

This book explores the multifaceted experiences of British Turks, particularly focusing on how they navigate and negotiate Islamophobia in contemporary British society.

Long description:

This book explores the multifaceted experiences of British Turks, particularly focusing on how they navigate and negotiate Islamophobia in contemporary British society. It delves into the complexities of identity, ethnicity, and religion, shedding light on the unique ways in which British Turks respond to and reshape the discourses surrounding Islamophobia. By examining the intersection of Turkish secularism, national identity, and global socio-political dynamics, this book offers a nuanced understanding of how Islamophobia is both experienced and deflected within this community.

Through a combination of in-depth interviews, ethnographic insights, and analysis of social discourses, the book highlights how British Turks engage in practices of passing and identity negotiation. It uncovers how these strategies are informed by broader themes such as Brexit, cosmopolitanism, and the legacy of Turkey’s relationship with Europe. This study challenges monolithic interpretations of Islamophobia, presenting a more diverse and intricate portrayal of its impact on different Muslim communities.

This book is an essential resource for scholars and students of Sociology, Criminology, Cultural Studies, and Religious Studies, as well as policymakers and practitioners working in multicultural and multi-ethnic contexts. It will be of particular interest to those studying the intersections of race, religion, and identity in the Middle East and Contemporary Europe.

"This is an insightful account of the lives and everyday experiences of British Turks. Drawing on her detailed research across a range of contexts, Özge Onay situates these experiences in the context of expressions of Islamophobia, social change and changing forms of identity."
Prof. John Solomos, Department of Sociology, University of Warwick, UK

“After meticulously examining this incisive study of British Turks' navigation of Islamophobia, identity, and belonging in contemporary Britain, Onay's nuanced exploration of the intersections between Turkish secularism, British multiculturalism, and the lived experiences of an oft-overlooked Muslim community not only challenges monolithic understandings of Islamophobia but also illuminates the complex, conjunctural nature of identity formation in an era of increasing xenophobia and cultural anxiety.”
Prof. Tahir Abbas, Leiden University, the Netherlands, and author of Radicalisation: A Critical and Integrated Perspective (2025)

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Islamophobia(s) in the UK and Turkey

3. Identities, Representations and British Turks

4. Everyday Lives of British Turks and Islamophobia

5. Stigma, Fundamental British Values and Brexit

6. Neighbourliness and Bridging the Gaps

7. Conclusions