Mediterranean island culture: reflections on Giglio and Rhodes

Cultural reflections on the Mediterranean islands of Giglio and Rhodes highlight the intersection of history, landscape, and local identity.

On Isola del Giglio, Professor Alessandro Fei, a specialist in Mineralogy and Geology, expresses his connection to the island through the poem "Isola mia." The work blends scientific knowledge of the island's granite and geological formations with personal memories, framing the landscape as a repository of history to be passed down to future generations.

In Rhodes, Greece, the concept of "philoxenia"—a deep-seated tradition of hospitality and sharing—defines the local culture. The island's history is characterized by the convergence of diverse groups, including Knights, Levantine merchants, Sephardic Jews, Ottomans, Italians, and Greeks. This multicultural heritage remains visible in the medieval architecture of the city and its historic neighborhoods, such as the Juderia.