Abstract

In the contemporary sociopolitical context, the relationship between Islam and the West is characterized by tensions shaped by historical and political factors. Within Western societies, these dynamics have contributed to the development of negative stereotypes that portray Muslims as backward, religiously oppressed, and culturally monolithic. Such representations extend beyond individual prejudice, influencing institutional attitudes, public policies, and dominant public discourse. This study examines the attitudes of Larissa's cultural and educational institutions toward local Muslim communities, focusing on how they conceptualize and engage with Muslim identity. It further explores how institutional practices shape public perceptions by promoting either the inclusion or exclusion of these populations. Drawing on qualitative data, the findings align with existing scholarship, indicating that although inclusion initiatives have been introduced, institutional practices largely reflect assimilationist tendencies, with Muslim cultural and religious representation remaining limited and often symbolic. Consequently, while cultural and educational institutions have considerable potential to foster intercultural understanding, this potential remains largely underutilized.