New forms of dialog of authorities with Islamic culture in France

Abstract

The article deals with the process of building the relationship between the state authorities in France and representatives of the Muslim population of the country. The attempts to institutionalise Islam initiated by the state are noted, and the reasons for their failure are revealed. The author analyses a new stage in the search for forms of dialogue acceptable to the parties, expressed in the creation of a new structure – the Forum of Islam in France. The author sees a special role for the development of communication on Islam in the establishment of the French Institute of Islamology, whose activities should inspire the development of French Islam, not confronting the values of the French Republic. It shows how the cultural policy of the state has changed from an externally regulative form of influence on the Muslim population to a process of defining common values and initiating a critical reflection (through science and education) of norms and customs within Islamic traditions.