For over 1,400 years, Muslims have been an integral part of Europe’s story, yet their contributions to the continent’s development and history have been pushed to the margins or erased altogether.
Today's guest is bringing some of these forgotten stories back to the forefront. Tharik Hussain is an award-winning author, historian, and journalist based in the UK who specialises in global Muslim heritage and culture.
He’s written a book on Islam in the Western Balkans, Minarets in the Mountains, and his latest book, Muslim Europe: A Journey in Search of a 1,400-Year History, reveals the ancient, long-forgotten roots of Islam on the continent and how deeply interconnected the story of Muslims is with the story of Europe.
Our conversation was so monumental that we broke it down into two parts. Catch Part 2 of our conversation next week!
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- What gives YOU hope in this moment in time
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What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How a layover in Cyprus led Tharik on this path
- Muslim rule in the Mediterranean: Cordoba, Palermo, Toledo, & Cyprus
- Where in Europe is the aunt of Prophet Muhammad buried
- Red-haired sultans and Arabic-speaking Christian kings
- The story of Cordoban Mezquita
- Was Alhambra really a pleasure palace?
- The Islamic roots of the European Renaissance
- The myths of Matamoros and the 100-virgin tribute
- Why the history of Islam in Europe is barely known today
Featured on the show:
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Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more.
Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.
