Abstract

The notion of culture and that of cultural rights have evolved over time, and so has the related legislation. In light of the recognition of the right to cultural identity, this essay analyses the most significant jurisprudence of the ECtHR with regard to sharì‘a and the application of Islamic norms in European countries. In doing so, it addresses the institutionalisation of Islam in Europe and the plurality of identities, and examines problems with the Islamic presence in Europe, in an attempt to determine the future of the protection of Islamic identity in the European legal space.