Discrimination against Muslims in France stems from colonialism, expert says

ISTANBUL (AA) – Discrimination against Muslims in France stems from colonialism, according to a French political scientist.

Francois Burgat, the research head at the French National Center for Scientific Research, described how the orientalist discourse in recent years in France impacted the way Arabs are perceived, leading to the discrimination against Muslims.

He said the Orientalist perspective is widely used by the West as well as the leaders in other countries, including Israel.

The Orientalist comments fuel Islamophobia, Burgat argued, adding: “Orientalism and Islamophobia are tightly related. Rejecting the other stems from not knowing them.”

He continued: “I do not think that rejecting Arabs and Muslims in France comes from the contention between Islam, Christianity and other religious dogmas … I think it comes rather from France’s colonial history.”

Burgat also said the Muslim generation born in France does not accept the colonial prejudices with which they are treated: “The descendants of the colonized people can now raise their voice efficiently.”

Increasing the visibility of Muslims and opening Islamic centers in European capitals can contribute positively to contact with the public, Burgat opined.

“Anti-immigrant or Islamophobic discourse is much stronger in regions where immigrants and Muslims are less present,” the researcher said.

“A person does not hate or fear illogically someone they meet every day. That is why the presence of uniting Muslim actors is a positive element.”

European Islamophobia Report 2022 co-editor Enes Bayrakli named France as one of the most Islamophobic countries last year.