Muslims in Spain. The Case of Maghrebis in Alicante

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the social networks of the Maghrebis in Alicante, some of the problems they face in their daily life, and the role played by the “mosque” as a place not only of prayer but also of mutual help and support. At the same time, the analysis shows that Islamophobia has increased in the city, as it has done in other places in Spain and Europe following the Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks, with the resulting rejection of the Maghrebis clearly seen in their relationship with local inhabitants and in some of the local authorities’ political decisions.