Tracing the intricate roots of Muslimness in the city: recognition and urban change in Boulogne-Billancourt

In France, the categories of “Muslim” and “Islam” have become dominant ways to understand difference, often overshadowing the diversity of religious beliefs, life experiences, and engagements. Debates about laïcité (French secularism), which often portray Islamic identity as conflicting with French identity, highlight the need for a more systematic and contextualized exploration of the history and social recognition of Islamic affiliations. This article examines these issues through an ethnographic study of Boulogne-Billancourt, exploring how Islam is inscribed in the social and urban fabric of the city by analyzing narratives about the development of local places of worship. The significant transformation of this former industrial town on the edge of Paris offers a unique perspective on the intricate spatial relationships of Islam within the city and the ongoing pluralization of Muslim populations.