The Balkan exception: Problems and possibilities in Islamic thought

There has been much discussion recently about what a Balkan Islamic theology consists of, and how it compares to wider moves in theological schools outside of the region. An examination of some of the contemporary trends in the region will provide some perspective on where that form of thought seems to be going. I will argue that the very diverse influences that have existed for so long, and continue to exist today, may prevent the development of a grand theoretical narrative here. On the other hand, such a diversity of approach may better represent the possibility of an Islamic theology that is genuinely European than many of the existing apparent alternatives.