“A work of considerable originality, Mucahit Bilici offers a well crafted and insightful analysis of the complex process of integration that Muslim immigrants face in the United States since 9/11. Bilici’s look at Islam as a religion in the American system is rich and rewarding.”
— José Casanova, Georgetown University
"Interpretations of Muslim assimilation have gravitated between two arguments: that Muslims will remain as permanent outsiders or that Muslims will blend in with little difficulty at all. Mucahit Bilici demonstrates how wanting these arguments are. Finding Mecca in America takes us into the uncharted territory of what it is actually like to be Muslim immigrants in the United States. I am especially impressed by the study’s theoretical depth and empirical insights."
— Robert Wuthnow, author of America and the Challenges of Religious Diversity
“A very insightful and important book that helps us think better about a badly understudied subject of immense importance, the meaning of Muslims in America. Bilici’s insights help to break through simplistic stereotypes and deepen our understanding of Islam in the United States, while expanding our imagination concerning the presences of minority religions in a Christian/secular nation.”
— Christian Smith, Center for the Study of Religion and Society, University of Notre Dame
"Finding Mecca in America weaves social theory and concrete ethnography into a significant contribution on Muslims in the United States, illuminating broader questions about the integration of minority and immigrant groups along the way. This is an important work and a joy to read."
— Eboo Patel, President, Interfaith Youth Core and author of Sacred Ground
“Bilici provides important examples and analyses of ways in which Muslims in America are embedding themselves within society, becoming members of communities and responding to their collective challenges. The unique content, perspectives and experiences are presented in an accessible format making the text suitable for an upper undergraduate course.”
— Culture and Religion
“Bilici’s autobiographical reflections are situated within careful ethnographic work. . . . His command of social theory and knowledge of his various field sites give the book an impressive depth and actual argument besides ‘Muslims! They’re just like us!’”
— Contemporary Islam