‘Conversion’ to Islam in Early Medieval Europe: Historical and Archaeological Perspectives on Arab and Northern Eurasian Interactions

Abstract

In recent years, the influence of Muslims and Islam on developments in medieval Europe has captured the attention of scholars and the general public alike. Nevertheless, ‘conversion’ to Islam remains a challenging subject for historical research and demands more transdisciplinary collaborations. This article examines early medieval interactions between Muslim Arabs and Northern and Eastern Europeans as a case study for whether some individuals in Northern Eurasia ‘converted’ to Islam. More importantly, we address some key examples and lines of evidence that demonstrate why the process of ‘conversion’ to Islam is not more visible in the historical and archaeological records of Northern Eurasia. We find that, despite the well-established evidence for economic exchanges between the Islamic World and Northern Eurasia, the historical and material records are much more complex, but not entirely silent, on the issue of religious change. We also conclude that religious connectivity and exchanges, including with Islam, were common in early medieval Northern Eurasia, even if it is difficult in most cases to identify conclusive instances of ‘conversion’ to Islam.

Islamic Revival in Kazakhstan from the Historical Perspective (1991-2020)

“…With regard to external factors, diplomatic relations with the Islamic world, including with the Arab countries, here new world organizations began to be createdrepresentatives of which invaded countries with missionary activities. 27 By providing financial assistance to new converts, foreign missionaries create employment and higher education opportunities that are very attractive to young people who are in need of both education and material prosperity. In fact, the mechanism for attracting new believers from among the indigenous peoples is quite simple and well-established, with an emphasis on the training of ethnic personnel.…”

Intercultural Communication in the Perspective of Orientalism and Colonialism Against Islamophobia

“…The latter was ended by the Normans in the eleventh century, and the last Muslim foothold in Spain was finally ended by the Spanish conquest in 1492. That period's significant contributions to all aspects of European culture are what remain (Knutson, 2021).…”

Analisis Bibliometrik Tentang Arkeologi Islam

“…Dan beberapa contoh bukti yang menunjukkan mengapa proses 'konversi' ke Islam tidak lebih terlihat dalam catatan sejarah dan arkeologi Eurasia Utara. Dalam artikel tersebut penelieti menemukan bukti kuat terkait pertukaran ekonomi antara Dunia Islam dan Eurasia Utara dan berbagai catatan sejarah juga konektivitas dan pertukaran agama, termasuk dengan Islam, adalah hal biasa di awal abad pertengahan Eurasia Utara (Knutson, S.A., Ellis, C.,2021)…”