Sabir Maydan- The first Forum of Mediterranean Citizenship

Launch of the crowdfunding campaign to support the event
(Messina, 28 September)

A “square” open to public debate about democracy, citizenship and the future of the Mediterranean.

This is the essence of “SABIRMaydan”, an event to be held next 28 September 2014 in the city of Messina and organized by COSPE and Mesogea, in the context of the Mediterranean Literature Festival “SabirFest”. “SABIRMaydan” is a grassroots project, based on open participation, since it will be partially supported through a crowdfunding platform: www.produzionidalbasso.it.

In order to make “SABIRMaydan” a reality, the contribution of everyone is necessary to cover the travel expenses to the city of Messina for the young protagonists of the Arab Springs and last years’ European movements for rights and democracy.

“Maydan” means “square” in Arabic: in the last years, squares have become a place and a symbol of political-social demands for civil rights and freedoms by the young generations of both the South and the North of Mediterranean. From Arab Revolutions in Egypt or Tunisia to the Indignados’ sit-ins in Spain, from anti-austerity revolts in Greece to social-network mobilization in Turkey, Mediterranean squares have become the place where young Egyptians, Turks, Tunisians, Italians, Spaniards or Greeks have shared rage and protest, but also proposals and solutions. Despite of this extraordinary mobilitazion and its force, nowadays there is a raising frustration about the response from traditional institutions to the demands for more democracy, freedom and social justice.

“SABIRMaydan” forum wants to be a place of analysis, exchange and the shaping of a Mediterranean citizenship, toward a common destiny among the peoples of two shores. It wishes to become an annual appointment for the trans-Mediterranean active citizenship. “SABIRMaydan” is dedicated to Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, who was kidnapped in Syria a year ago (29 July 2013), and the Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, who has been recently condemned to 15 years of detention.

If you want to contribute to this event, please go to the crowfunding platform “Produzioni dal basso”, at the project’s page and donate! With the help of everyone we shall create a unique opportunity for debating, exchanging and strategizing, where you can also participate.

info: Pamela Cioni – COSPE press officer –cioni@cospe-fi.it – M.. 3382540141 T. 0039 055 473556