The General Congresses of the Muslims in Interwar Romania: Islamic Institutions and Political Involvement

Abstract

During the interwar period, Muslims in Romania organized two general congresses, the first in 1919 and the second in 1920. The main discussions at these congresses concerned the involvement of the Muslims in Romania in the political life of the country and the organization of Muslim representative institutions (Muftiates, Qadiates, Muslim Communities). This article explains the context in which the congresses were held, analyzes to what extent the objectives of Muslim leaders were achieved, identifies the mechanisms that made their organization possible, and outlines the main debates that took place within the community. Additionally, the article helps us better understand the dialogue between the Muslim community and the Romanian state and proposes an interpretation of these dynamics that moves away from the existing historiography which has heretofore omitted conflicts in this relationship. The article draws on unpublished Romanian and Turkish archival materials, the contemporary press, and the memoirs of community leaders.