History of religions and religious rights and freedoms in Austria

Austria stands out as a country worth working on in terms of the use of religious rights and freedoms among European countries. Throughout its history, the country has coexisted with different ethnic groups and beliefs, as it is a multinational empire. Therefore, the history of Austria has been the scene of wars between religion and sect and struggles between authority and religion. Therefore, in the country where the Catholic sect is dominant and strong, different sects and faith communities have emerged as a result of these struggles. Today, four basic religious beliefs, namely Christianity, Islâm, Judaism and Buddhism, and different belief communities and sects are dominant in the country. Churches, communities and institutions belonging to the above-mentioned faiths operate in many fields, not just religion. Although at different times, Austria supported its religious, sect and belief communities with its laws in order to grant religious rights and freedoms. While the dominant religion in the country is Christianity, Islam takes the second place. Austria is the first country to officially recognize Islâm in Europe. However, as of 2015, Islâm, while trying to harmonize with the country with the new law enacted, has also begun to be taken under control. Thus, the enacted Islâmic law has become the legal basis for the institutionalization of Islâmophobia in the country.