Muslim Geographies

Abstract

“Muslim Geographies,” a conference and public lecture organized by Richard Phillips (University of Liverpool) with support from the Economic &Social Research Council (ESRC Research Grant RES-000-22-1785), took place on 4-5 April 2008 at Liverpool University and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. The event had several goals: to draw together and advance geographical research involving Muslims, provide a forum for debate about the spaces that shapeMuslimlives, and establish informed dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims as well as between academics and activists. These goals were pursued through a public lecture and debate, to which members of Muslim, activist, and other local communities were invited. To make the conference as inclusive as possible, the eventwas free, some of the sessions were held off-campus, and researchers in architecture, sociology, religious studies, anthropology, public policy, geography, and other disciplines were invited to participate. The opening session, “Envisaging Geographies of, for, and byMuslims,” traced current trends and future directions in geographical research involving Muslims. Peter Hopkins (Newcastle) presented, and the ensuing discussion featured panelists Claire Dwyer (University College London), Ayona Datta (London School of Economics), and Kevin Dunn (New South Wales). The panelists complicated the term Muslim geographies by acknowledging the heterogeneity of Muslims’ experiences and identities and expressed concern about how academic research represents Muslims. Nevertheless, they identified the purchase of geographical research on key areas of Muslim life, including their integration, relationships, surveillance, and identities ...