Transformations Along the Periphery – The Growing Role of Islam in Malta in the Decade Following the Arab Spring

Трансформации по периферията – нарастващата роля на исляма в Малта през десетилетието след Арабската пролет

Исторически преглед, 81 (2025) No. 2, pp. 172-196 (ISSN 0323-9748)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71069/IPR2.25.MC07

Martin Chorbadzhiyski / Мартин Чорбаджийски

Faculty of History, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

Abstract: This article examines the increasing role of Islam in Malta in the decade following the onset of the Arab Spring, a development largely driven by rising migration levels toward Europe. The study begins with a historical overview of Islam’s presence in Malta, followed by an analysis of available statistical data regarding the country’s Muslim population. Lastly, the article explores specific challenges faced by Maltese Muslims that are of significant importance to this religious group. The research is based on official state documents concerning demographic trends, reports from international organizations, materials published in local media, and insights from spiritual leaders and public figures. The study concludes that, given the sustained high levels of migration, the influence of Islam in Malta is likely to continue growing.

Keywords: Malta, Islam, Christianity, migration.

The fulltext of this article can be purchased on CEEOL: https://www.ceeol.com/search/journal-detail?id=242.