Belonging Flexibly: Non-Muslim Migrants from Muslim Asia

Over the past century, historic cities in Muslim Asia—such as Kabul and Herat (Afghanistan), Bukhara (Uzbekistan), and Aleppo (Syria)—have undergone profound transformations. Forces like nationalism, shifting religious identities, civil conflict, and international intervention have triggered widespread emigration, affecting both Muslim and non-Muslim populations alike. The emigration of non-Muslim communities has significantly altered the religious diversity of Muslim Asia’s cities. Neighbourhoods once home to diverse religious groups are now predominantly Muslim. Many non-Muslim places of worship have fallen into disrepair or been repurposed as 'heritage sites,' often becoming attractions for foreign tourists.

Despite these changes, the cosmopolitan spirit of these cities still lingers in the background. Our project traces the migration stories of both Muslim and non-Muslim residents from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Syria to global cities like London, New York, and Vienna. We explore how these communities maintain their cultural identities and institutions, and how their connections to their cities of origin continue to shape their lives.