When did islamophobia begin?

Islamophobia, or the fear and prejudice against Muslims and Islam, has roots traceable to early interactions between Muslims and non-Muslims, particularly during the expansion of Islamic empires in the 7th century. However, it significantly intensified in the modern era, particularly after the events of September 11, 2001, which led to increased scrutiny and negative stereotypes of Muslims in Western societies. The term "Islamophobia" itself gained prominence in the late 20th century as a way to describe systemic discrimination and societal attitudes against Muslims.