Synopses & Reviews
The events of 9/11 had a profound impact on American society, but they had an even more lasting effect on Muslims living in the United States. Once practically invisible, they suddenly found themselves overexposed. By describing how Islam in America began as a strange cultural object and is gradually sinking into familiarity, Finding Mecca in America illuminates the growing relationship between Islam and American culture as Muslims find a homeland in America. Rich in ethnographic detail, the book is an up-close account of how Islam takes its American shape.and#160;In this book, Mucahit Bilici traces American Muslimsandrsquo; progress from outsiders to natives and from immigrants to citizens. Drawing on the philosophies of Simmel and Heidegger, Bilici develops a novel sociological approach and offers insights into the civil rights activities of Muslim Americans, their increasing efforts at interfaith dialogue, and the recent phenomenon of Muslim ethnic comedy. Theoretically sophisticated, Finding Mecca in America is both a portrait of American Islam and a groundbreaking study of what it means to feel at home.
Review
andquot;Interpretations of Muslim assimilation have gravitated between two arguments: that Muslims will remain as permanent outsiders or that Muslims will blend in with little difficulty at all. Mucahit Bilici demonstrates how wanting these arguments are. Finding Mecca in America takes us into the uncharted territory of what it is actually like to be Muslim immigrants in the United States. I am especially impressed by the studyandrsquo;s theoretical depth and empirical insights.andquot;
Review
andldquo;A work of considerable originality, Mucahit Bilici offers a well crafted and insightful analysis of the complex process of integration that Muslim immigrants face in the United States since 9/11. Biliciandrsquo;s look at Islam as a religion in the American system is rich and rewarding.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;A very insightful and important book that helps us think better about a badly understudied subject of immense importance, the meaning of Muslims in America. Biliciandrsquo;s insights help to break through simplistic stereotypes and deepen our understanding of Islam in the United States, while expanding our imagination concerning the presences of minority religions in a Christian/secular nation.andrdquo;
Review
andquot;
Finding Mecca in America weaves social theory and concrete ethnography into a significant contribution on Muslims in the United States, illuminating broader questions about the integration of minority and immigrant groups along the way. This is an important work and a joy to read.andquot;and#160;
Review
andldquo;Bilici provides important examples and analyses of ways in which Muslims in America are embedding themselves within society, becoming members of communities and responding to their collective challenges. The unique content, perspectives and experiences are presented in an accessible format making the text suitable for an upper undergraduate course.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;Biliciandrsquo;s autobiographical reflections are situated within careful ethnographic work. . . . His command of social theory and knowledge of his various field sites give the book an impressive depth and actual argument besides andlsquo;Muslims! Theyandrsquo;re just like us!andrsquo;andrdquo;
About the Author
Mucahit Bilici is assistant professor of sociology at John Jay College, City University of New York.