find it difficult to preserve the same types of regional, village, or ethnic ties upheld by the first migrants. Nevertheless, the later generations often retain at least an emotional attachment to their ancestral place of origin. This attachment, which at times assumes an almost mythological character, contributes to the maintenance of the boundary between ‘us’ and ‘them’. Two relational fields in particular are shaped by the ethnic dimensions of Islamic culture: family relations and public life. This is where Islam as a religion and Islam as an ethnicity interact, which can be confusing for political agencies attempting to protect rights and fight discrimination. For example, arranged or forced marriages, and even excisions are cultural practices often legitimized by certain Muslims in religious terms. In such areas, the distinction between religious rights and cultural practices may be hard to discern and confusion may arise regarding Muslims’ rights.
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