Muslim Man Sues UK Pub Over Allegedly Racist Sign Depicting Beheaded Arab Figure

By Abdullahi Yusuf

A Muslim resident in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, is suing a local pub, the Saracen’s Head Inn, over what he describes as a “racist” and “xenophobic” pub sign depicting a bearded Arab or Turkish man in a turban. The plaintiff, Khalid Baqa, claims the sign incites violence and fosters discrimination.

Baqa filed a compensation claim of £1,850 (approximately $2,300) against pub owner Robbie Hayes, arguing that the sign caused him “worry and fear” due to its offensive imagery. “While walking through the area, I was shocked and deeply offended by what I saw,” Baqa stated. He described the sign as “clearly xenophobic” and pledged to challenge more than 30 other establishments with similar names if his case succeeds.

In response, Hayes dismissed the claim as baseless, asserting that the pub has held the name “The Saracen’s Head” for over 500 years. “It’s a complete joke… Of course, it worries me — you never know with people like this,” Hayes reportedly told the media.

Baqa’s past has also drawn attention, with UK media outlets highlighting that he served a four-year prison sentence beginning in 2017 for allegedly disseminating “Jihadi propaganda.” However, Baqa strongly denies any current links to extremist activity.

The Saracen’s Head symbol has deep historical roots tied to the medieval Crusades and the Reconquista, a period marked by conflicts between Christian and Muslim forces in Europe. Historically, “Saracen” and “Moor” were terms used by Europeans to describe Muslims, often in a derogatory manner.

The symbol, commonly known as the “Moor’s Head” or “Maure,” typically depicts a dark-skinned, bearded man wearing Islamic-style garb. During the Crusades, disembodied heads of Muslim figures became emblems of Christian military victories, symbolizing conquest and dominance.

Despite its violent historical connotations, the symbol persists in European heraldry, appearing on flags, provincial crests, and even beer labels. In 2012, Austria’s Mohrenbrauerei brewery faced backlash for using the Moor’s Head logo on its beer bottles. Similar controversies have arisen in Spain, where far-right groups have occasionally displayed flags featuring the symbol.

Today, “The Saracen’s Head” remains one of the most common pub names in England, second only to “The Red Lion.” While many argue that the name’s historical context has faded, its symbolism continues to spark debate over cultural sensitivity and the legacy of medieval European conflicts.

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