Competing over Islam: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran in the Balkans eubulletin.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eubulletin.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have been the main competitors in a struggle over who and in what manner should act as the patron of Muslims in the Balkans. These three countries are very different in terms of their historical footprint, economic and political presence, and local networks. What they share, however, is the use of Islam to exert soft power. This paper will discuss how they are seeking to wield influence, how regional actors respond to their overtures, and whether these three countries are meeting their objectives in the region.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have been the main competitors in a struggle over who and in what manner should act as the patron of Muslims in the Balkans. These three countries are very different in terms of their historical footprint, economic and political presence, and local networks. What they share, however, is the use of Islam to exert soft power. This paper will discuss how they are seeking to wield influence, how regional actors respond to their overtures, and whether these three countries are meeting their objectives in the region.