The invisible minorities of the Balkans: Challenges and prospects
This panel explores the situation of minorities in the Balkans through the discussion of the Alevis and Bektashis. Comprising a ‘double minority,’ Alevis and Bektashis, are commonly mis-categorised or made invisible through their articulation as part of the Muslim minority communities. In recent years, partly in response to changing political circumstances, increasing conflict and sectarianism, Alevis and Bektashis have started to mobilise to break-out of their marginalised status, and are having to navigate their complex national contexts, transnational linkages, and geopolitical pressures. The panellists will discuss their current status and struggle for visibility and recognition, raising questions for the minority regimes across the Balkans.

Chair: Ceren Lord ((DPIR, Oxford)
Date: 22 November 2023, 17:00 (Wednesday, 7th week, Michaelmas 2023)
Venue: St Antony's College - North Site
Venue Details: Seminar Room, European Studies Centre, 70 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HR
Speakers: Evangelos Areteos (MOHA Research Center), Sara Kuehn (University of Vienna), Giorgos Mavrommatis (University of Thrace, Greece), Ayse Karahuseyinoglu (Greek Thrace Alevi Committee)
Organising department: European Studies Centre
Organiser contact email address: julie.adams@sant.ox.ac.uk
Host: Ceren Lord (University of Oxford)
Part of: South East European Studies at Oxford (SEESOX)
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Public
Editor: Julie Adams