Search

The sections for Muslims in the Central Cemetery in Vienna are gradually expanding spatially from its edge to the central parts. Thanks to this expansion, the gravestones are more visible to ordinary visitors. Aware of the growing visibility of their gravestones, Muslims, buried in the cemetery since the 1970s, have begun to consider their final monuments as important sites of religious expression. These monuments can be understood as an important source of information about the followers of Islam living in one of the major metropolises of Central Europe. One style of tombstone predominates in the Muslim sections of the Central Cemetery. It is a highly standardized monument that one often finds in the catalogues of local stone carving companies. On average, about 25% of the tombstones emphasize the Muslim convictions of the deceased. Other aspects of the identity of the deceased, such as their national, cultural, or political affiliations, are not often emphasized. My research into gravestones suggests that, in death, Muslims in Vienna prefer to be remembered primarily as Muslims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to funeral culture and its connection to the acculturation of Muslims in German and Austrian society. The vast majority of the deceased are still transported back to their country of origin, which hampers the successful integration of their families. With regard to the establishment of specialised areas within municipal cemeteries, the significance of the process of institutionalisation of Muslim organisations has become clear, as has the emphasis on experts. An increase in the number of Muslim burials in Western Europe is expected in future. Importance is also attached to the funerals of new-borns, but the long-term integration effect of such funerals on the whole family is still debatable. Problems with operation of Islamic cemeteries in Germany are influenced by conferring public rights on Muslim organisations. However, some examples of successful operation of Islamic cemeteries can already be found in Austria. The current situation is influenced by the need to respond to an ever-increasing number of seniors from the first generation of Muslim migrants and asylum seekers from the second half of the last century. The creation of special areas at municipal cemeteries may not actually constitute an expression of separation. It rather corresponds to the process of integration within a stratified society. The forms of Islamic funerals will change as they adapt to the new environment. The cultural interpretations of Islam not only confront each other but also respond to the funeral customs of the surrounding non-Muslim society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]