Multiple Modernities in Muslim Societies

Is there any such thing as modernity in Islamic societies and, if so, what are the identifiable elements of this modernity? Here, a leading group of thinkers and practitioners from diverse theoretical backgrounds pose the question of what it means to be modern - exploring notions of myriad 'multiple modernities' that operate beyond the Western singular definition of modern civilisation. Questions about which aspects of civilisation might be identified as the tangible elements of modernity are discussed, both within the built environment - the cities, architecture, the material cultural heritage - and within the lived environment - in culture, politics and economics. This represents a major new contribution to the debate about modernity, and offers new perspectives and ways of considering experiences of modernity in non-Western societies.

Dr Modjtaba Sadria is Professor at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, Aga Khan University.