Arabs and Europe: a tapestry of languages and cultures

The 2017 edition, which was further expanded compared with previous years, explored the Arab contribution to European culture and the European contribution to Arab culture, across a wide range of fields of human knowledge. At the heart of the Festival was the idea that the cultural pluralism of contemporary society is rooted in the recognition that identity itself is plural. There are no truly “pure” identities, but rather complex identities shaped by the encounter and exchange of different cultural influences.

Following the Festival’s established format, the academic programme was complemented by a rich and diverse series of cultural events, including theatre, exhibitions, music, cinema and the Arabic Book Fair, creating opportunities for cultural exchange beyond the conference itself.