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Abstract

Islamophobia has evolved from being perceived as a mere irrational fear or hatred of Islam and Muslims to a complex, ideologically structured discourse rooted in historical and intellectual traditions. This research critically examines the construction of Islamophobia by tracing its origins in European religious and political prejudices, particularly during the Crusades, the Reconquista, and the colonial era. It explores how Orientalist thought in the 18th and 19th centuries institutionalized negative stereotypes about Islam, portraying it as inherently backward, despotic, and incompatible with Western values. The paper further analyzes the post-9/11 global narrative, where Islamophobia has been reinforced by security concerns, political populism, and media sensationalism, reshaping public opinion and policymaking in the West. Through a critical review of modern academic literature, think tank reports, and popular media, the study highlights how contemporary discourse often masks ideological biases under the guise of academic neutrality. The paper also evaluates the epistemological flaws and methodological inconsistencies in mainstream Islamophobia studies, arguing that the phenomenon is not just sociological but deeply embedded in historical power dynamics and intellectual legacies. By addressing the continuity between medieval antagonism, colonial discourse, and current academic trends, this research offers a nuanced understanding of Islamophobia as both a legacy of historical prejudice and a tool of modern ideological influence. It concludes by advocating for a decolonial and interdisciplinary approach to counter the pervasive effects of Islamophobic narratives in global scholarship.