Commemorating Muslims in the First World War Centenary examines the surge of public commemorations in Britain and France following the First World War centenary, alongside the heightened visibility of British and French Muslims in political and popular discourse. By connecting these two phenomena, it analyzes national commemorations and eleven local field sites that highlight Muslim contributions, exploring how national memory evolves to include previously marginalized groups. The work identifies three distinct narratives—mourning, mobilization, and melancholia—that situate Muslims within the context of national identity. This analysis contributes to discussions on memory, nationhood, and belonging, framing the centenary as a significant moment of nation-building amid contested national identities. The author emphasizes sites of melancholia, revealing how they challenge national memory and resist cohesive narratives aimed at healing fractures. By investigating how commemoration compels nations to confront their histories and current realities, this study avoids offering simple resolutions. It will resonate with scholars in sociology and anthropology who focus on memory studies, nationalism, and postcolonial inquiries.
