Abstract

In the last few years the issue of the Islamic "veil" has become emblematic of the tensions linked to the construction of a "post-national citizenship" in many European societies. This article analyses some of the issues involved in the process of adjustment between secularity, religosity and the public sphere, and gender. This approach enables us to shed light on the local aspects and global dimensions of the identity politics of Muslims in Europe, unveiling the demands of citizenship which can, in many cases, support the use of the veil in European public space.