Globalisation and Islam in Bosnia: Foreign Influences and their Effects

Abstract The joint impact of the collapse of communism, war and globalisation resulted in new Islamic ideas reaching Bosnia and Herzegovina from central Muslim lands. These ideas spread during the chaotic war years and some have managed to challenge the official Islamic community and its monopoly over the interpretation of Islam. This article identifies the three main foreign factors currently active in Bosnia and looks at how they made their way to Bosnia, how they work, and how they have managed to provide alternative Islamic teachings. Finally, this article also looks at how Bosnian Muslim intellectuals and the Islamic community have reacted to such challenges.