Islam in Italy: Literature, Identity, and the Legacy of Orientalism

In an interview with Dr. Francesca Bocca-Aldaqre, discussing the influence of Islam on Italian literature, particularly Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy," and the broader relationship between Islam and Italian identity. Key points include:

• Dante and Islam: Dante's work, though rooted in Christian spirituality, has drawn comparisons to Islamic texts, sparking debate about potential Islamic influences. Dante's placement of Islamic figures in his work reflects medieval misunderstandings of Islam.
• Islam in Italian Thought: Italian thinkers, including Umberto Eco, have explored Islam's role in Western culture, although this focus sometimes overlooks Islam's distinct identity. Historical Italian converts to Islam faced challenges in integrating with the broader Muslim community.
• Islam and Fascism: The relationship between Islam and Fascism in Italy was complex, with some Italian elites expressing interest in Islam while also supporting Fascist policies.
• Orientalism and Academic Stagnation: Italy's study of Islam has been influenced by colonialist attitudes, with limited impact from critical works like Edward Said's "Orientalism." The country lacks high-quality Quran translations and a robust academic engagement with Islamic history.
• Recognition of Islam in Italy: Despite being practiced by 5% of the population, Islam is not recognized as an official religion in Italy. The recognition process has been slow and complicated by discriminatory practices, making it difficult for Muslims to integrate fully into Italian society.
• Italian Muslim Identity: There is a lack of recognition of an Italian Muslim identity, which is often viewed as a threat to Italian culture. Dr. Bocca-Aldaqre suggests that Muslims could contribute to Italian identity through cultural engagement.
• Architecture and Perception: The aesthetic presentation of mosques in industrial areas contributes to negative perceptions of Islam in Italy. Dr. Bocca-Aldaqre argues that emphasizing the beauty of Islamic architecture could help bridge cultural divides.
• Online Muslim Identity: Muslims in Italy are active online, but this presence is often insular, limiting its impact on broader perceptions of Islam. Dr. Bocca-Aldaqre encourages the use of artistic expression to foster connections across cultures.
• Future Prospects: Dr. Bocca-Aldaqre expresses optimism about fostering a more inclusive Italian Muslim identity and emphasizes the importance of multilingualism in broadening perspectives and building connections.