Estonians and Muslims: Integration and Perceptions

When it comes to the integration of Muslims in Estonia, the country's people often evaluate people based on their actions rather than cultural differences. This article explores the experiences of Muslims in Estonia and how they are received by the local populace.

Estonians have a reputation for valuing individual merit and actions over cultural backgrounds. The country's people often judge others based on how they present themselves and their contributions to society rather than stereotypes associated with their origin or religion. This point is further emphasized by the fact that Estonia was the first European Union (EU) country to accept refugees, which has led to a gradual change in general perceptions.

Case Study: A Syrian Refugee in Estonia

To better understand the integration process, let's look at the experience of a Syrian refugee who has lived in Estonia for over a year and a half. Although she is a Muslim, her experience highlights the potential for successful integration. This individual, who speaks fluent Estonian despite not initially understanding the language, emphasizes the importance of adaptation and language learning.

In the video, the Syrian refugee is seen wearing Western clothing and using Estonian with ease, albeit with some occasional mistakes typical of a native speaker after such a short time. Her ability to communicate her experiences and emotions in Estonian, despite the language barrier, demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of individuals like her.

Comparison with Other Immigrants

For a more comparative understanding, we need to look at the experiences of other groups. Immigrants with lower educational backgrounds, such as Soviet colonists, often struggle with the Estonian language and may not adapt as quickly to the local culture. In contrast, the Syrian refugee stands out for her fluency and integration, setting herself apart from both Soviet colonists and Western expats who may not prioritize learning the local language.

The Syrian refugee's ability to adapt and learn Danish in a relatively short period is a testament to her determination and the supportive environment she has found in Estonia. This sort of adaptability is highly valued by the local population, who tend to respect and encourage individuals who are willing to engage with their new community actively.

Challenges and Perceptions

Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the integration of Muslims in Estonia does face challenges. The perception of the broader Muslim population can vary widely based on personal experiences and media portrayals. However, the overwhelming majority of Estonians seem to treat Muslims like any other group, expecting them to integrate and contribute to society.

Statistical evidence from the Pew Research Center (PEW-GRF) suggests that the general opinion towards Muslims in Estonia is relatively fair, largely formed by mass media and other sources of information. As Estonia continues to be a destination for refugees and immigrants, it is expected that these perceptions will evolve positively over time.

One interesting finding from the Pew data indicates a higher positive opinion towards Russia compared to Muslims. This suggests that while there may be underlying biases, the overall trend among Estonians is to treat Muslims with relative fairness and respect, especially as they demonstrate their ability to integrate and adapt.

Conclusion

Estonia's approach to the integration of Muslims is rooted in a merit-based society where actions and contributions determine one's standing. While there may be differences in cultural practices, these are viewed as secondary to the actions of individuals. The case of the Syrian refugee serves as a positive example of integration within the country.

As Estonia continues to welcome more refugees and immigrants, it is predicted that the general positive attitudes towards Muslims will continue to grow. This is facilitated by both personal experiences and the supportive environment that encourages adaptation and language learning.

Keywords

Estonia, Muslims, Integration