This thesis discusses the relevance of Islam in creating communities for Central Asian migrants in Moscow. Drawing upon academic sources and Russian newspapers, the analysis of the role of Islam...Show moreThis thesis discusses the relevance of Islam in creating communities for Central Asian migrants in Moscow. Drawing upon academic sources and Russian newspapers, the analysis of the role of Islam for migrants has focused on places frequently attended by Central Asian people in Moscow. It emerges that migrants attending mosques consider Islam as the main source to negotiate their identity while abroad, as well as the common denominator that helps them in developing personal connections. Moreover, the role of Islam in ethnic cafés and bazaars is described, showing that activities, behaviors and relationships developed in these places are often influenced by Islamic rules and values. In addition, a possible evolution of the role of Islam for migrants has been proposed through a comparison of the Muscovite situation with Vienna and West Berlin in 1950s and 1960s. Based on these analyses, it can be concluded that Islam plays a crucial role for migrants in various dimensions. Indeed, Islam may be helpful to tolerate their precarious living conditions, to provide norms and values, and to form communities based on the common religious background.Show less
