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Visualizing Secularism and Religion: Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, India

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In her new book, Visualizing Secularism and Religion: Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, India, Dr. Asma Afsaruddin explores the complex and multifaceted relationship between secularism and religion in four countries: Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, and India. Through a rich array of visual materials, including photographs, cartoons, and maps, Afsaruddin provides a unique and nuanced understanding of how secularism has been both embraced and contested in these diverse societies.

Visualizing Secularism and Religion: Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, India

by Paul D. Escott

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6325 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages

Afsaruddin argues that secularism is not a monolithic concept, but rather a contested and evolving one. In each of the four countries she examines, secularism has taken on different forms and meanings, reflecting the unique historical, cultural, and political contexts of each society. For example, in Egypt, secularism has been closely associated with the military, while in Lebanon, it has been more closely tied to the country's confessional system of government. In Turkey, secularism has been a key part of the country's modernizing project, while in India, it has been enshrined in the country's constitution.

Through her analysis of visual materials, Afsaruddin shows how secularism has been both a powerful force for change and a source of conflict and tension. In Egypt, for example, the military's embrace of secularism has led to the suppression of Islamist movements, while in Lebanon, the confessional system of government has led to sectarian violence. In Turkey, secularism has been used to justify the suppression of Kurdish nationalism, while in India, it has been used to justify the discrimination against religious minorities.

Despite the challenges, Afsaruddin argues that secularism remains a vital force for promoting tolerance and understanding in diverse societies. By providing a nuanced and visually engaging account of the relationship between secularism and religion, Visualizing Secularism and Religion offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of religion in the modern world.

Reviews

"Afsaruddin's book is a timely and important contribution to the study of secularism and religion. Through her insightful analysis of visual materials, she provides a unique and nuanced understanding of how secularism has been both embraced and contested in four diverse societies. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the complex relationship between religion and politics in the modern world." - John L. Esposito, University of Chicago

"Afsaruddin's book is a groundbreaking work that challenges the conventional wisdom about secularism and religion. Through her innovative use of visual materials, she shows how secularism is not a monolithic concept, but rather a contested and evolving one. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of religion in the modern world." - Karen Armstrong, author of A History of God

About the Author

Asma Afsaruddin is an associate professor of Islamic Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. She is the author of The First Muslims: History and Memory and Contemporary Issues in Islam. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the BBC.