The Bosnian Muslims: Denial Of A Nation [Paperback]

Francine Friedman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813320968 | ISBN-13: 978-0813320960 | Publication Date: March 29, 1996

Although their plight now dominates television news worldwide, the Bosnian Muslims were until recently virtually unknown outside of Yugoslavia. Who are these people? Why are they the focus of their former neighbors’ rage? What role did they play in Yugoslavia before they became the victims of ethnic cleansing? Why has Bosnia-Hercegovina, once a model of ethnic tolerance and multicultural harmony, suddenly exploded into ethnic violence?Focusing on these questions, Friedman provides a comprehensive study of this national group whose plight has riveted governments, the press, and the public alike. With a name reflecting both their religious and their national identity, the Bosnian Muslims are unique in Europe as indigenous Slavic Muslims. Descendants of schismatic Christians from the Middle Ages, they converted to Islam after the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia.The book follows them as they went from victims of crusades during the Middle Ages to members of the ruling elite within the Ottoman Empire; from rulers back to subjects under Austria-Hungary; and later subjects again, this time under the Serbs in the interwar Yugoslav Kingdom and the Communists after World War II. The Bosnian Muslims have survived through it all, even thriving during certain periods, most notably when they were recognized by Tito as a nation.Meticulously tracing their turbulent history and assessing the issues surrounding Bosnian Muslim nationhood in Yugoslavia, Friedman shows us how the mixed secular and religious identity of the Bosnian Muslims has shaped the conflict in which they are now so tragically embroiled.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Who are the Bosnian Muslims? Friedman (political science, Ball State Univ.) answers this question by tracing the history of this religious and ethnic group from its origins in the Middle Ages to its most current involvement in the Yugoslav crisis. While the result is similar to The Muslims of Bosnia-Herzegovina: Their Historic Development from the Middle Ages to the Dissolution of Yugoslavia, edited by Mark Pinson (Harvard Univ., 1994), her research further incorporates a scholarly discussion of ethnicity and its impact on international affairs. This combination of social science theory with a detailed account of behavior and events helps the reader to understand better the plight of the Bosnian Muslims and the direction in which they may find themselves moving in the future. Nevertheless, the language in this comprehensive work limits interest to academic libraries and audiences concerned with religious and ethnic politics.?Tiffany Petros, Miami Univ., Oxford, Ohio
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Francine Friedman is assistant professor of political science and director of the Office of European Studies at Ball State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (March 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813320968
• ISBN-13: 978-0813320960
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,264,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good book, terribly written, September 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bosnian Muslims: Denial Of A Nation (Paperback)

Friedman presents a well thought out, but disorganized history and analysis of the terrible conflicts faced by Yugoslavia, especially by the Muslims. With better writing skill, the material could make a great book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to understanding the Balkans, April 14, 2005

By 

kirk598 "kirk598" (Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bosnian Muslims: Denial Of A Nation (Paperback)

I've had the opportunity to study under Dr. Friedman throughout my undergraduate and graduate career. While her classes were difficult and research driven, her book allowed for a starting point for further research. I also must admit it was and still is a book I could easily pick up to read again. Dr. Friedman's book successfully shows the reader the trajedy of the ethnic conflicts that have taken place in the Balkans. Her book's strength is showing the historical context for the social and relgious problems between the serbs, muslims, and croats. No single book could hope to fully explain the complexity of the socio-political problems that have taken place in Bosnia, but it should help anyone wanting to have a basic understanding of Balkan politics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A complex description of a complex tragedy, November 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bosnian Muslims: Denial Of A Nation (Paperback)

Upon reading Dr. Francine Friedman's "The Bosnian Muslims," I now have a much greater understanding of the Bosnian War and Balkan Crisis. Though wordy at times, "The Bosnian Muslims" provides a thorough description of the history, exploitation, and violent confrontations of this volatile and troubled region.