Historical, Ethnographic, and Contemporary Political Analyses of the Muslims of Kampuchea and Vietnam

Abstract

This paper surveys the historical, early ethnographic, and contemporary political analyses of the Cham Muslims of Kampuchea and Vietnam. The historical overview describes the Indie and Islamic influence on the traditional kingdom of Champa, the consequences of French colonialism, and the results of the Vietnam war. The ethnographic description of the Cham is based on early French scholarly depictions that were influenced by Orientalist modes of representation. The contemporary political analysis is derived from scholarly attempts at assessing the recent situation of Cham Muslims as they faced genocide in Cambodia and experienced ethnic repression in Vietnam. This paper brings together some of the early historic and ethnographic research with that of the most recent descriptions and analyses of the political situation of the Muslim communities of Kampuchea and Vietnam. The major objective of this essay is to provide a basis for understanding the dramatic socio-economic and political changes that have occurred within these communities. These Muslim communities of Kampuchea and Vietnam have endured substantial change, especially after the impact of French colonialism, the Vietnam war, and the aftermath of recent political events in those countries. It is hoped that this essay will stimulate further research on these Muslim communities by scholars, including scholars from within these communities, to help shed light on the history, culture, and political developments of these relatively neglected peoples.