Navigating Currents: Rethinking The Mediterranean ‘Culture Area’ Through Contemporary Migrations

Abstract

Abstract: This article reconsiders the Mediterranean ‘culture area’ through the lens of contemporary migrations, drawing from historical and anthropological perspectives. It examines the Mediterranean as not solely a geographic unit but a dynamic locus of power, deeply entangled with the recent politics of migration. Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives, the paper first traces the evolution of Mediterranean studies. While early scholarship emphasised unity and connectivity, recent debates highlight the need for a nuanced understanding that acknowledges ruptures, modernity, and colonial legacies. Through a synthesis of historical maritime studies and anthropological analyses, the paper elucidates the Mediterranean’s shifting identities and spatial boundaries. It advocates for reconceptualising the Mediterranean as a political seascape amidst contemporary migrations, transcending traditional area studies frameworks. This approach aims to challenge Eurocentric narratives and unveil the diverse and intertwined histories shaping the region. By centring the Mediterranean as a site of power dynamics and transnational movements, the article seeks to unsettle notions of regional homogeneity and emphasise the complex interconnectedness of the Mediterranean and its surrounding continents.