Culture
in memory of KENZABURŌ ŌE - 2024
Writer - JAPAN
For placing writing and culture at the centre of his work and, in particular, his passion for Dante Alighieri. Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1994, in his book "Notes on Hiroshima" (1965) Kenzaburō Ōe describes his moving recollection, tells of the many victims - young people, old people, women and children - caused by that explosion, but also of the valiant efforts made in those terrible moments, and in the years to come, by doctors and survivors: he thus denounces the enormitỳ of the devastation wrought, but at the same time a sweet and sensitive portrait of the people of that destroyed city comes to life.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 07 june 2024
in memory of CHARLES SIMIĆ - 2024
Poet - SERBIA
He was an American poet and translator of Serbian origin. He began his career in the first half of the 1970s with a minimalist literary style, which over time became increasingly recognisable. He wrote thoughtfully on a variety of topics, from jazz to art to philosophy. He has exerted a considerable influence not only as a poet, but also as a translator, essayist and philosopher, commenting on the current state of American poetry.
In 1990, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry for his work The World Doesn't End. His poems are "tightly constructed like Chinese boxes" and Simić said of himself: "The words make love on the page like flies in the summer heat and the poet is but the astonished spectator".
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 07 june 2024
PASQUALE BELFIORE - 2024
Architect and Lecturer at the Federico II University of Naples - ITALY
For over fifty years of exceptional cultural commitment with primary roles in the University, IN/Arch - National Institute of Architecture, and the Municipality of Naples (he oversaw the UNESCO Management Plan). A consultant to the Ministry of Culture for contemporary architecture, he currently chairs the Foundation "Annals of Architecture and the City". A historian of the highest calibre, author of countless texts (in volumes, international specialist journals, major national newspapers), he has always been sensitive to the future of the contemporary city.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 03 june 2024
MOHAMED ZINELABIDINE - 2018
Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia
TUNISIA
During a ceremony held at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Tunis, international juries have assigned to S.E. Mohamed Zinelabidine - Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia - the "Mediterranean Award for Culture 2018".
The award was presented by the president Michele Capasso.
Awarding Ceremony
Tunis, 30 october 2018
KHALID BIN AL KHALIFA - 2018
Direttore esecutivo dell’ISA Cultural Center - KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
A Khalid bin Khalifa al Khalifa per i suoi sforzi riguardanti la diversità culturale ed il dialogo interreligioso.
Nella sua qualità di Direttore esecutivo dell’ISA Cultural Center si è prodigato per l’affermazione del rispetto tra le diverse culture e fedi religiose quale patrimonio dell’umanità. La sua azione, apprezzata in tutto il mondo, è oggi più che mai necessaria per la difesa dei diritti dell’uomo e per un duraturo dialogo capace di diffondere e consolidare una grande coalizione di valori e di interessi condivisi.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 03 may 2018
S.E. Dr. MANA SAEED AL-OTAIBA - 2015
Ex Ministro del petrolio e delle risorse minerarie degli Emirati Arabi Uniti
EMIRATI ARABI UNITI
Il Premio Mediterraneo per la Poesia e l'Innovazione viene assegnato al dottor Mana Saeed Al-Otaiba per il suo impegno per l'alleanza tra le civiltà, il rispetto per la diversità e la convivenza pacifica tra popoli diversi. Mana Saeed Al Otaiba è un esempio della grande e vera tradizione arabo-mediterranea, che unisce la passione della letteratura, della poesia, dell''arte... Durante la sua carriera, il dottor Mana Saeed Al-Otaiba ha introdotto innovazione, nello spirito delle sue poesie.
Awarding Ceremony
Marrakech, 12 june 2015
ABDULAZIZ AL-SAUD BABTAIN - 2015
Presidente della Fondazione “Abdulaziz Al Saud-Babtain
EMIRATI ARABI UNITI
Il “Premio Mediterraneo per la Cultura 2015” è stato attribuito al prof. Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain per il ruolo e gli sforzi nella diffusione della cultura della pace, riunendo gruppi di intellettuali, statisti e leader di tutto il mondo.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 21 october 2015
KHALID H. AL-MALIK - 2015
Professore - EMIRATI ARABI UNITI
The "Mediterranean Award for Culture 2015" was awarded to Prof. Khalid H. Al-Malik for his efforts in favour of the Alliance between civilisations and peaceful coexistence between the different peoples of the world. Khalid H. Al-Malik is an example of a great Arab tradition that combines the passion of journalism with a taste for the truth of facts.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 21 october 2015
DAVID ABULAFIA - 2014
UNITED KINGDOM
To the merits acquired with his studies on the history of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Among his books: Frederick II, a medieval emperor (1990), The kingdoms of the western Mediterranean 1200-1500 (1999) The discovery of humanity, Atlantic encounters in the age of Columbus (2010). In his book ‘The Great Sea’ (English edition, “The Great Sea”, 2010), David Abulafia describes the Mediterranean as the most dynamic place for interaction between different societies on the face of the planet: a space in the history of human civilization has played a much more significant role than any other stretch of water.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 january 2014
ANTONINE NASRI MESSARRA - 2013
Professor, Journalist -LIBANO
An intellectual and a professor at several European universities, President of the Lebanese Political Science Association, through his many publications Antoine Nasri Messarra has promoted the dissemination of culture as a tool of dialogue and peace in the Mediterranean and throughout the world.
His publications on Religion and Politics in Arab PoliticalSsystems (1993); the Democratic Construction (1995) and Tomorrow’s Citizen (3 vol.,1995-1998) are central to understanding cultural evolution in Arab countries.
As a member of the Consultative Council of the Annan Lindh Foundation, he has laid down the guidelines of a new cultural challenge in the Arab Spring countries. His action is a point of reference for those who rely on culture for building democracy and a future for young people.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 05 april 2013
Giovani della "PRIMAVERA ARABA" - 2012
SYRIA - EGYPT - TUNISIA - LIBYA
This Award is bestowed upon youth representatives in Syriak Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, who thanks to their actions and conviction, especially through the use of new means of communication, brought about the capitulation of dictatorial regimes and enabled the difficult path towards Democracy and Freedom to be undertaken.
Awarding CeremonyNicosia, 10 november 2012
BICHARA KHADER - 2011
The Mediterranean “Culture” Award 2011 was attributed to Prof. Bichara Khader (Palestine) for his action in favour of dialogue and peace.
The awarding ceremony was held in Barcelona on October 7th 2011 at Pedralbes Palace – seat of the Union for the Mediterranean (UpM) – in the presence of UpM Secretary General Youssef Amrani.
Awarding Ceremony
Barcellona, 07 october 2011
ROBERTO VECCHIONI - 2011
Professor, Songwriter - ITALY
For his contribution to the spreading of the value of culture and music as a fundamental instrument for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity among populations.
Awarding Ceremony
Turin, 16 march 2011
in memory of MARIO MOLINARI - 2010
Sculptor - ITALY
Mario Molinari was born in Coazze in 1930. He became manager of the paper mill Sartorio, then he realized that he was born for the Art. His sculpture is meant to stimulate soul ironically, he makes a weapon out of the colour, a power able to overthrow reality. His polyhedric subjects and materials lead his sculptures to the greatest expression, almost touching the fourth dimension. By his sculpture “Totem for Peace” – recognized as such all over the world – Molinari intended to refer to our purest and most infantile soul so as to produce an extraordinary “noise of love”.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010
in memory of MAURIZIO VALENZI - 2010
Artist - ITALY
Maurizio Valenzi, born in Tunis in a family from Livorno, started his activity as a painter attending for some years the Fine Art Academy of Tunis. In June 1932, coming back to Tunisia in Chaffar area, he promoted the union struggle of Arab labourers against the great European landowners. In 1937, in Paris, he met various protagonists of the new French culture, such as Tristan Tzara, Paul Eluard, Aragon, André Wumser, J.R. Bloch and studied the works of the Impressionists and of the Ecole de Paris. His artistic activity brings together the two shores of the Mediterranean bridging the “European thought” and the “Mediterranean breath”.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010
alla memoria di S.E. Mons. LUIGI PADOVESE - 2010
Vicar Apostolic in Anatolia - ITALY
Born in Milan in 1947, he enters the Order of the Friars Minor Capuchin in 1965. He is professor at the Pontifical Antonianum University and has been the Director of the Institute of Spirituality for sixteen years. He has been visitor of the Eastern Council of the Congregation for Eastern Churches for ten years. On 11th October 2004 he is appointed Vicar Apostolic of Anatolia. On 3 rd June 2010, he was stabbed to death by his driver in his house of Iskenderun, a Turkish city on the Mediterranean. The members of the Jury of the “Mediterranean Award”, gathered in Goteborg (Sweden) on 6th November 2009 and in Naples on 4th December 2009, granted the “Mediterranean Award for Culture” to Monsignor Luigi Padovese for the following reason: “As he has always witnessed – with perseverance, commitment and generosity – the universal values of dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding, promoting peaceful coexistence of different religions all over the world, and mainly in the Middle East. He has opposed his huge culture to the widespread ignorance often at the origin of fundamentalism and integralism, looking for a future of solidarity and peace”. On 5 th June 2010, after the assassination of Msgr Luigi Padovese, the Jury of the “Mediterranean Award”, during an ad-hoc session in Rome, decided to reconfirm the award to “his memory”, highlighting the importance of the cultural activity in favour of dialogue carried out by Mgr Luigi Padovese, as an example for future generations.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010
PEGASO TELEMATIC UNIVERSITY - 2010
Thelematic University - ITALY
Fondazione Mediterraneo assigned this award to Pegaso University for being a focal point and an innovating example in international research and for being an instrument to promote dialogue among civilizations and culture.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2010
CARMEN ROMERO - 2009
President of Circulo Mediterraneo - SPAIN
She is the founder of the Circúlo Mediterraneo and this award wants to pay tribute to her actions in promoting integration among politics, culture and civil society in the Mediterranean area. Her action strengthens the initiatives in favour of the respect of human rights and gender equality.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 16 february 2009
STUDENTS OF GAZA - 2009
PALESTINE
In the city of Gaza, caught in the grip of an inexorable paralysis, living in poverty with little livelihood, among endless problems, young people don’t give way to despondency and desolation but look for everything that may enlighten and feed their mind. They are self-educated, they exchange information and educational tools and transcribe any uplifting or useful reading accessible to one of them, supporting each other spurred by that human ambition described as “seguir virtute e canoscenza” in Dante’s words. This prize aims to remember them to the world that has left them alone, even ignoring the UN declarations, and hides this action of abandon behind the ambiguous language highlighted by Joris Luyendijk in “Almost human. Images from the Near East”, of 2006.
Awarding Ceremony
Gaeta, 27 march 2009
WASSYLA TAMZALI - 2008
Writer - ALGERIA
For her cultural work which testifies the liberation war in Algeria through the painful events of its protagonists. For expressing, with her work, the multiple dimensions and contradictions of the South Shore, suffering victim of the colonial age and of the unexpected post-colonial drifts which attempt on individual liberties and rights, undermining the principles of freedom whereof the Euro-Mediterranean culture is a proud protagonist and witness. For giving voice to abuses of power which women are victims in all patriarchal and sexist cultures of the Mediterranean.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 19 february 2009
'ALA AL ASWANI - 2007
Writer - EGYPT
Writer and novelist, he goes on representing through his narration the contemporary Egyptian society with all its social and psychological problems and as they are revelated in the encounter and strife among people of different ages, gender and status. Through these pictures a transformation process gets to develop which is suffered by the Arab society in a rapid changing of a world and in difficult relation with the West which transform it.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 16 march 2007
GERARDO MAROTTA - 2007
President of Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies - ITALY
The prize was awarded to the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies and to its President and founder, Gerardo Marotta. For years he played the role of ethical and moral guide, he embodies the values of dialogue and cultural integration. With the actions carried out, he made Naples the point of reference of the ancient Euro-Mediterranean culture promoting the idea of the World and of the Human beings in their mutual sense of belonging. He affirms, at the same time, the values of the individual and of the community, in the constitution of the “Polis” and of the “Common Good”.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 janvier 2007
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF ALGIERS - 2006
Director General Amin Zaoui - ALGERIA
He played an important role in the approach among cultures, for his efforts on the national and international context in favour of the diffusion of books and literature and, consequently, for the development of dialogue among cultures and civilisations in the region of the Greater Mediterranean.
Awarding CeremonyAlgeri, 25 february 2006
MOHAMED KABBAJ - 2005
President of the Fèz Festival of World Sacred Music - MOROCCO
He carried out a great work of spiritual dialogue which reminds us, both through the performances of Fez Festival and through his speeches, a message of Mediterranean humanism, that contributes to the spread of the highest values of culture and civilization.
Awarding Ceremony
Casablanca, 22 november 2005
MATEJA MATEVSKI - 2005
Writer - MACEDONIA
Born in 1929, he was educated in the war period in that spirit of freedom and political and national renaissance which brought to the revolt of the peoples who constituted Yugoslavia. Starting from the second part of the 20th century, his poetic works have marked with an original and indelible voice the development of the new Macedonian literature within Balkan culture like a lyric reflection of universal value expressed in a clear and perfect shape. A further testimony that small nations are not minor nations and, thanks to their scholars, they are able to give a significant contribution to the richness of human culture.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 25 february 2005
KAMEL ZOHERI - 2004
President of the Council of the Great Cairo Library - EGYPTT
He gave a great contribution to the promotion of dialogue and intercultural communication among the Countries of the Islamic-Arab World and the West. He is one of the protagonists on the cultural scene of Egypt and one of the great persons of culture of this century.
Awarding Ceremony
Il Cairo, 4 december 2004
SUZANNE MUBARAK - 2003
President of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina - EGYPT
She played a leading role in the realisation of the project of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: its rebirth is an act of faith to the memory of a people and, at the same time, of a cultural which belongs to humanity.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 9 september 2003
S.E. Cardinale Roger Etchegaray - 2001
ITALY
Following Pope John Paul II’s recommendations, he launched a dissemination process for dialogue among religions and cultures. He accomplished this through liturgy but also through well chosen new technologies and channels of new communication and information.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2001
REPUBLIC OF MALTA - 2000
MALTA
The Republic of Malta is a unique example in the Mediterranean. History and culture of Maltese islands are mingled with those of Europe and of the Mediterranean across the centuries, since the prehistoric period, when the archipelago was part of a vast territory extending from Northern Africa to Europe. Megalithic monuments, erected at Xaghra, are considered the most ancient in the world: Ggantilia temples, built around 300 B.C., before Egyptian pyramids. Later on Malta was ruled by various peoples among which Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs: a mingling of knowledge, religions, traditions and destinies which make this island in the middle of the Mediterranean a priceless cultural heritage. However, those who left a decisive mark were the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, by chasing off the Turks of Solyman the Magnificent and turning the island into a true cultural deposit. Today the Republic of Malta has undertaken the journey towards Europe. Prof. Guido de Marco is one of the authors of this process. Foreign Minister for a long period and today President of the Republic, he has been able to embody the three Mediterranean “Forces”, showing in his action the experience of a political man as well as that of man of culture and economics. Today this global vision enables the Republic of Malta, under the leadership of President de Marco, to play an important role in the cultural, social and economic partnership between the European Union and Mediterranean Countries: a vital function for the future of the Region and for the preservation of its ancient culture in a period in which the risks of flattening deriving from the globalisation process are well known by everybody.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 5 janvier 2000
S.M. HUSSEIN BIN TALAL - 1999
King of the Hashemite Kingdom of JORDAN
During 46 years of Reign, His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal worked relentlessly for a long-lasting peace and for the development of mutual comprehension and respect between the people of Jordan and the rest of the Middle East. In addition, he worked to attain a level of cultural tolerance and comprehension, free artistic expression and exchange between different cultures and religions, supporting national and international prestigious artists and intellectuals to practise their culture and creativity without restraint. Through local and International cultural festivals, exhibitions, meetings, scholarships and training programmes, the Government and private organizations have always been encouraged to support the free expression of traditional and contemporary culture, art and literature in all their forms, as well as establishing and maintaining relations between local communities and famous national and international artists for a free exchange of ideas and cultural expressions that can one day be the foundations for a world of peace and cooperation for future generations. His Majesty King Hussein is the author of a ‘culture of peace’ in the Arab World: for these reasons the Fondazione Mediterraneo, with the Accademia del Mediterraneo, has granted to H.M. King Hussein bin Talal the Mediterranean Award for Culture 1999.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 5 janvier 1999
S.M. JUAN CARLOS I - 1998
King of SPAGNA
He has been able to use the monarchy as a tool of a secure and flourishing transition. With discretion and determination he has pushed hard reintegration of Spain in the concert of a renovated Western world by suggesting with the diversity of the policies the unity of the final outcome and the balance of the autonomies and the respect of the different Iberian cultures, as well as solidarity among people who have been tied by a common history in the past centuries.
Awarding Ceremony
Palermo, 1 october 1998