Wizerunek islamu w świadomości Polaków
The Image of the Muslim Community in the Consciousness of Poles

Summary/Abstract: Events over recent years have increased global interest in Islam. The article describes the way Muslims are perceived by nowadays Poles. The author examines how the image of the Muslim community and their culture is created and sustained in the mentality of the Polish society. This assertion is supported by usage of a combination of personal experience, evidence obtained from recent polls and other professionals’ opinions. The article separates the present profile of the Muslim community created by unbiased political media and the one where Muslims used to be a vital part of Polish history. The author compares the Polish experience with the experience of other European countries, where perception of the Muslim community was shaped by a completely different background such as colonialism and extensive economic migration. The author concludes that even though Muslim culture is easily accesible to many Poles, Islamic issues are is still a ‘terra incognita’.

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