Why a new Mediterranean study centre (and corresponding publishing house)?

Between the 1950s and 1960s, Florence was the home of the “Colloqui Mediterranei” or “Mediterranean Conversations”, organized at the behest of the mayor of the time, Giorgio La Pira. The supportive hypothesis was that not only was the dichotomy between East and West superficial and dangerous, but that the Mediterranean was the birthplace of the civilization that had subsequently imposed itself throughout the world, that it was the original centre of the three great monotheist religions, while Florence itself was the city that had seen the development of that humanist culture that had produced the still indispensable synthesis of classical education, the pacific unity of the human race and of a balance between tradition and progress. 

We would like to reprise these themes, making them the object of the Centre’s studies and activities (and those of the publishing house All'Insegna del Mare). Taking into account the millions of fellow citizens from the Mediterranean countries – the great many second and third generation young people living, studying and working in Italy – for whom the time has come to prepare cultural products that reflect their interests with publishing initiatives of the highest quality but which are also presented in a format accessible to and usable by a broader and more varied public of students and otherwise. Instruments that help dissipate misunderstandings, eradicate taboos and identify the very broad areas that allow us to recognise the proximity and complementarity of our roots.

Areas of action

Mediterranean cultural themes in the historic process from antiquity to the present day, their roots and their contribution to the formation of extra-Mediterranean cultures around the world.

Prospects for international collaboration founded on the Mediterranean tradition.

The coordination of cultural activities, productive activities, scientific research and issues associated with the preservation of the Mediterranean world’s historical, artistic and environment heritage and its sustainable development.

ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES

• Participation in research projects

• Seminars and conferences

• Training courses (including those organized together with private entities and non-Italian centres, preferably expressions of other Mediterranean countries)

• Publishing ventures