Global Muslim Cities

Diversity, Diasporia, and the Meeting of Civilizations

 
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Xi'an, China

One of the largest population centers of Muslims in China. 

 
 

The 21st century marks the first time in the history of humanity that more people have lived in cities globally then live in rural areas. Today global cities are at the center of our world and little research has been done on the role Muslims play today in creating cities where they make up majority populations as well as large minority populations. This set of research will look at global Muslim cities and the role that Muslim communities play in the design of cities, around issues of diversity and inclusion. We will look at the diverse populations within cities and the networks that make a city a place of home and belonging. We will look at the role of Muslim mayors and the ways Muslims interface with minority populations in Muslim majority cities as well as the ways Muslim minority populations are impacting life in cities like New York, Dar es Salaam, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong where they make up significant minority populations. 

We will look at issues ranging from city development, and inequality, health issues and climate change as well as Muslim mayors and the impact they are having at a policy level ranging from Mayor Sadiq Khan the mayor of London to Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal, the mayor of Banda Aceh, Indonesia. 

This research will also look at the unique ways that Muslims create networks across cities and national boundaries. While the understanding and embrace of humanity’s diversity is at the core of Islamic teachings, how this lives for Muslim majority and Muslim minority populations varies widely. We will look at core issues of diversity in Muslim life, how Muslim communities are dealing with issues of diversity around the world, and the interaction of the core civilizations that make up Muslim life (Arab, Persian, Ottoman, Indian, Malay, North African, West African, East African, Chinese, Central European, Europe and the Americas).