Europe

Islam has been part of European history since the eighth century through three main pathways: the civilization of Al-Andalus in Iberia, the Arab and Norman period in Sicily, and the Ottoman presence in the Balkans. Each left lasting marks on European culture and religious geography.

The Islamic civilization of Al-Andalus profoundly shaped European development through the transmission of knowledge, architecture, technology, and culture. From translating classical texts to introducing new agriculture, Islamic Spain bridged the Islamic world and medieval Europe.