Dan DaranciangAnthropology professor John Bowen was one of 16 academics receiving nationwide recognition as a 2005 Carnegie Scholar for his work on Islam in France.
The Carnegie Corporation of New York provides the scholars with up to $100,000 each over two years to pursue research, this year focusing on Islam and the modern world.
“We wanted to increase public awareness of Islam,” said Patricia Rosenfield, Chair of the Carnegie Scholars Program, of this year’s research theme.
“The Corporation aims to conduct deep scholarship on issues related to Islam that need deeper public understanding,” said Rosenfield. She said Carnegie Scholars are recognized for working to bring deep scholarly issues to the broader public through their research.
Rosenfield said Bowen has done just that by using his own research to heighten public awareness of issues around Islam in France. “Professor Bowen is one of the leading scholars in his field, and his work is very timely,” she said.
She added, “He made a very original contribution in a complex field. We are privileged to be able to fund Professor Bowen.”
“John is one of our most distinguished and productive colleagues in anthropology,” said Richard Smith, chair of the anthropology department. Smith noted the interesting approach Bowen has taken in studying both sides of the French-Islam relations, how French society dealt with the Muslim population, and also how the Muslim community adapted to French society.
Bowen’s research project is titled “Shaping French Islam.” Bowen said he is researching the question of how Muslims and other groups in France can figure out a way to live together so that Muslims can still practice their religion as full citizens of France.
“I study various acts and debates in France carried out by Muslims in an effort to create an Islam for France,” Bowen said of his specific work for the Carnegie award. “I ask, ‘how much do Muslims change their Islam in European setting?'” he added.
Originally, Bowen studied these same questions in the Ache Provence of Indonesia, but brought his work to France after deciding to work in a different part of the world.
“I was very pleased to see the Carnegie Corporation focusing on issues of Islam for their awards,” said Bowen. He added that it shows the interest in addressing issues that are of public concern, as well as scholarly interest.