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"This chapter claims that there is a new social and political phenomenon in Europe, which comes into force along with the visibility of Islam in the public space. It argues that there are two simultaneously running processes regarding the changing nature of Euro-Islam, which seem to be antithetical: individualization of Islam versus institutionalization of Islam. The underlying assumption of the work is that while the processes of globalization seem to prompt younger generations with Muslim background, in particular 'Türkiyeli', to liberate themselves from the constraints of their patriarchal parental and community culture, western states as well as ethno-cultural and religious brokers tend to reify, or reinforce, the existing communal and religious boundaries. That is to say that the descendants of migrants seem to be torn between individualization and institutionalization of Islam. The chapter focuses on the ways in which Islam has recently been accommodated by the state in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland." (author's abstract)

The state of civil society in urban Turkey is discussed in reference to the potential coexistence of civil society & Islam. Although Western-style civil society, based on individualism & contractual relationship, is rarely found in Turkey, civic activities are often performed through voluntary associations & grassroots protests. This form of civil society, grounded in mutual trust, reciprocity, & interpersonal obligation, allows all citizens to freely choose alliances & shape their personal identities through mutual cooperation. Although critics have argued that civil society is not compatible with Islam, this distinctly Turkish form of civil society predated recent Islamic political succeses & has survived & even flourished during Islamic political rule. However, the continued vitality of civil society in Turkey demands a political structure that allows diversity & plurality, & it is concluded that politics, rather than Islam, should be the focus of future debates regarding civil society in the Middle East. 26 References. T. Sevier