Mar. 6 – “Without Islam, the Frankish Empire might have never existed; and without Mohammed, Charlemagne would have never been as great as he was.” This is the famous thesis put forth by Belgian historian Henri Pirenne, on the Arab influence on Europe at the time of its expansion during the 7th century. This hypothesis demonstrates – whether one agrees with it or not – the complexity and depth of historical relations between Islam and Europe, which cannot be reduced to simplistic and Manichean readings. The Mediterranean for thousands of years served as one of the most important places of trade, with consequent economic and cultural production, serving as basin for some of the world’s most important civilizations: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans. Italy, with its privileged geographic location, has always welcomed and reworked the multifarious influences of the people who crossed its territory. Arab culture played an important role not only in the formation of Italian civilization, as well as its literature. All these aspects will be detailed on Wednesday, March 25 (6.30pm) at the Italian Cultural Institute in Osaka, thanks to a conference with Professor Francesca Maria Corrao. The event will focus on relations between Italy and the Arab world, analyzing them from their medieval origins to the great authors of contemporary literature – such Flaiano, Calvino and Sciascia.
