Islam in Hong Kong

Posted on 16/03/2013

Morning Conversation:

EVENT DETAILS

Pearl Institute (Formerly known as Anatolia Cultural and Dialogue Centre) is organizing a new Morning Conversation. Dr Paul O`Conor, from department of Anthrapology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, will give a lecture about Muslims in Hong Kong and introduce his new book on this Saturday

More than a quarter of a million Muslims live and work in Hong Kong. Among them are descendants of families who have been in the city for generations, recent immigrants from around the world, and growing numbers of migrant workers. Islam in Hong Kong explores the lives of Muslims as ethnic and religious minorities in this unique post-colonial Chinese city.

Drawing on interviews with Muslims of different origins, O’Connor builds a detailed picture of daily life through topical chapters on language, space, religious education, daily prayers, maintaining a halal diet in a Chinese environment, racism, and other subjects. Although the picture that emerges is complex and ambiguous, one striking conclusion is that Muslims in Hong Kong generally find acceptance as a community and do not consider themselves to be victimised because of their religion.

Paul O’Connor lectures in anthropology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

“An unexpected gem. An innovative book which explores the everyday lived reality of Muslim minorities in Hong Kong. The contemporary focus is framed by a fascinating history of South Asian Muslims which reaches back into the early 19th century. This beautifully wrought study sheds a great deal of light on a range of issues impacting Muslim minorities: from the extent of hybridity—adapting basketball spaces to cricket—to the challenge of eating halal in a culinary culture where pork is ubiquitous! Young Muslims in Hong Kong face racism and their inability to access Chinese language schools has huge implications for employment and social mobility. However, Islam is respected and they are not seen through a security lens. In all, a hopeful study.” — Philip Lewis, author of Islamic Britain and Young, British and Muslim

Venue: Pearl Institute, 909 CCWU Building, 302-308 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai

Time : 17 Nov 2012

Fee : Free of charge

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