The Euro-Mediterranean Institute for Inter-Civilization Dialog (EMID) proposes to promote cultural and religious dialogue between Mediterranean civilisations ; to establish a network of specialists in inter-Mediterranean dialogue ; to encourage Euro-Mediterranean creativity ; to encourage exchange between Mediterranean societies ; to work to achieve Mediterranean conviviality ; to advise charitable organisations working around the Mediterranean and provide the support necessary to achieve their original projects.
Euro-Med. Identity & Mentality: Three Women Writers
When I am for myself, I am a typical Levantine, in the sense that I equally appreciate what I have from my eastern descent and what is now my share of the Western cultureJacqueline Kahanoff, Black on White
Description
Vision
The main goal of the project is to determine whether it is possible to define an identity and mentality shared by those who live in the Mediterranean region and establish their characteristics. With the aid of women's literature from different periods of time, it will be possible to weave together a certain point of view that will help in understanding the significance of place as a connecting factor between identity and mentality.
Activity
At first glance it may not appear that the various countries and cultures around the Mediterranean Basin share common traits. In fact, this is a region comprised of such a vast variety of nationalities, languages, cultures, ethnicities, traditions and norms, that it projects an impression of great dissimilarity. It may seem that there is no sense whatsoever of a common Mediterranean identity around the basin. Some believe that the only connector between the nations is the region itself – linked by geographic location and a shared climate. However, closer inspection will show that there are significantly more commonalities than are initially apparent.
This research will investigate the existence of a Euro-Mediterranean identity and consider its defining qualities. The establishment of a new Euro-Mediterranean identity would not negate a person’s national identity – the sense of belonging to a particular homeland – but would instead serve as an “umbrella” identity, a form of shared super-identity with which the residents of the region can identify, even when transplanted to other areas.
Biography
Dr. Maya Guez is an Israeli-French researcher and lecturer. She graduated with highest distinction (Summa Cum Laude) from the Sorbonne in Paris, specializes in Literature, History, identity and multi-cultural studies. Her publications examine the relation between identity – as a form of culture and religion – and geographical aspects. Multiple laureate, including the excellence prize from the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, Yad Vashem prize and nominated for Le Prix solennels de la Chancellerie in France.
Activity Reports
2018