In September 2005, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published a series of cartoons that depicted the Prophet Muhammad. The publication was intended to provoke discussion about the limits of free speech and self-censorship in Western society, particularly in relation to Islam and its teachings against any visual representations of the Prophet. Among the drawings was a cartoon portraying Muhammad with a bomb in his turban, which many considered particularly inflammatory. This act was part of a broader context where concerns about the rising threat of radical Islam were discussed in European circles.

The publication quickly led to outrage in Muslim communities both in Denmark and around the world. Protests erupted globally, with demonstrators calling the drawings blasphemous. Some protests turned violent, leading to clashes with police in countries such as Syria and Lebanon. In many places, Danish embassies were attacked or set ablaze, prompting the Danish government to strengthen security measures for its diplomats.

Furthermore, the incident sparked heated debates about freedom of expression versus respect for religious beliefs. Supporters argued for the right to criticize religion openly, while critics claimed the drawings were intentionally provocative and offensive. The international response varied, with some countries supporting Denmark's stance on free speech, while others condemned the publication as Islamophobic. Ultimately, the event fueled discussions about multiculturalism in Europe, the scope of journalistic freedom, and the challenges posed by differing cultural values in a globally interconnected world.