JAKARTA -- In the Middle Ages, the Ottoman Empire or Ottoman Turkey was one of the greatest civilizations in the world. By successfully capturing Constantinople, the Ottomans increasingly controlled areas in the Balkan Peninsula, namely southeastern Europe.

Bosnia, Albania, and Kosovo were part of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans where most of the population embraced Islam. Whereas in other countries, after the Ottomans were no longer in power, many Muslims were expelled, forced to convert, massacred, also fled to other countries.

As a result, this Muslim population, which for more than five hundred years enjoyed minority status under Ottoman hegemony, became the target of dispossession, massacres, and even ethnic cleansing.

In short, going through such a long process from the start of the Crusades, the conquest of the Abbasid Caliphate in Cordova (Spain), even to the subjugation of Constantinople, Muslims began to receive persecution from the European majority.

Now taking a step further, Muslims in Europe have once again found a place in the hearts of the people of the Blue Continent. In fact, in the last 30 years, the number of Muslims in Europe has increased.

Even though being a minority is not easy, some Muslim footballers who play in the elite competition of the Blue Continent managed to maintain their faith and at the same time their achievements. One of them is Samir Handanovic.

After winning the prestigious Italian Serie A title, Handanovic admitted that he was very happy with his achievements. The Slovenian goalkeeper explained that the results of this success were obtained from his hard efforts to always endeavor, pray, and trust.

Handanovic is one of the Inter Milan players who have appeared stable in the last few seasons. His figure in goal for the Nerazzurri was very important in Inter's quest for glory again. Handanovic has played a total of 47 games conceding just 35 goals this season.

The 36-year-old Portiere has just had a blast. After years defending Inter, he finally tasted the 19th Scudetto trophy for his club.

"I feel very emotional and happy. We have been waiting for this moment for a long time, especially a player like me who has been here for many years," Handanovic said as reported by Inter Milan's official website earlier this week.

Handanovic was born into a Muslim family. He has parents who are from Bosnia. Islam became his strength on and off the pitch, thus making him one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A.

The captain of La Beneamata is known as a friendly person. Even though his team is making final preparations for each match, worship is still being carried out.

According to several sources, the name Handanovic itself is indeed a special name for adherents of the Islamic religion in the former Yugoslavia. In an interview with Sky Sport a few weeks ago, Handanovic said the main task in life is to provide 'service' to the teachings and beliefs that each individual has.

No doubt, he never left worship. No matter how busy, this tall goalkeeper always tries to read the Koran. Even when facing a match, Handanovic always reads the holy verses of the Koran.