Michael Borgolte, who is a professor of medieval history at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and chair of the Institute for Comparative History of Medieval Europe, claims that Islam has always been a part of Europe and played a significant role in the past. In his recent publication on Christians, Jews, and Muslims in Medieval Europe he describes the Middle Ages as a time when Europe was at least as religiously diverse as today. Muslims came as a conquering power, but settled quickly and facilitated the transfer of knowledge to Europe from the East. In this interview, Borgolte explains how peaceful immigration of Muslims to Europe today helps the continent to return to its normal state of religious pluralism.
