African Islam

Book reviewed in this article: Islam in Africa, Nura Alkali, Adamu Adamu, Amal Yadudu, Rashid Motem, and Haruna Salihi, editors Muslim Identity and Social Change in Sub-Saharan Africa, Louis Brenner, editor     

Spatial Reflections of Population Movements in Gokceada and Sustainable Tourism

Since the foundation of the Republic of Turkey Gokceada has experienced many population movements due to various internal and external factors. While some of the citizens of the Island who were the inhabitants of the traditional settlements left, they were replaced by new dwellers. This transformation in the population undoubtedly has paved the way for certain changes in the cultural and spatial structure. Besides all these changes, the demand for tourism in the Island has increased recently. Yet, there is a general expectation that the unique natural beauty and historical heritage of the Island should be preserved, and for this reason the quality of tourism has an immense significance in terms of preserving its natural areas, and its history as a social memory. In this study, population movements have occurred since the foundation of the Republic of Turkey is evaluated with respect to the preservation of the cultural heritage and sustainability of tourism. For this purpose, a literature search, an analysis of the population data and the assessment of field surveys have been carried out.     

Fisherfolk and football: An ethnographic tale of loss in a changing climate

Sea level rise is dramatically altering the daily lives of fisherfolk in the Ottummal coastal region of Malabar, India. This article draws on ethnographic fieldwork to explore the erosion of subaerial beaches, which have traditionally served as vital social and cultural touchstones for the community. It examines the profound impact of this erosion on the community's leisure activities, particularly their beloved pastime of football. It also analyses the local government's proposed strategy of managed retreat, which involves relocating vulnerable communities away from threatened areas. It considers its limitations in light of the fisherfolk's deep emotional and cultural connections with their lands and non-material culture. The article posits that while climatologists and satellites can give a bird's eye view, anthropologists and ethnographers can give a worm's eye view of climate change.