Les conversions d'Européens à l'islam dans l'histoire: esquisse générale.

The author discusses the conversion to Islam of Europeans living in or moving to Islamic countries between the 16th and the first half of the 20th century. Taking a historical viewpoint, she highlights continuities and differences which could be of use in the analysis of the present-day situation. She distinguishes between the conversion of whole communities and that of individuals, and finds that identity and culture are more common motives for conversion than strictly religious reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]