Dialogue Brief
«Nisyros Dialogues 2025
Bridging the East Med»®
Dialogue Brief
“Interculturality of the Eastern Mediterranean”
The Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East
A Crossroads of Civilizations and Religions
Challenges and Prospects for Intercultural Coexistence
Executive Summary
The Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East have for centuries been a cradle of civilizations and monotheistic religions, fostering a rich mosaic of cultural and religious identities. They have historically been the cradle of civilizations and religions. In this geographical area, the historical meeting of leading civilizations of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - took place and the three great monotheistic religions developed: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This timeless spiritual and cultural interaction has shaped a complex but rich cultural map. While historical periods of coexistence and tolerance marked the region, recent decades have seen significant deterioration due to geopolitical conflicts, population displacement, and rising cultural homogenization. However, positive initiatives—such as educational reforms in parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt’s protection of its Coptic community—offer hope for renewed cultural diversity. Stabilizing the region and promoting interculturalism are crucial for long-term peace and sustainable development.
Cultural Coexistence and Religious Tolerance
Religions, deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the region’s peoples, have at times served as a foundation for coexistence and mutual tolerance. Despite tensions, there have been periods when different religious communities coexisted peacefully and contributed jointly to the cultural and economic life of the area. However, this same diversity has also been a source of friction, conflict, and geopolitical rivalry—many of which persist to this day.
Cultural Identity as a Tool of Geopolitical Strategy
The region’s complex cultural and religious identity has, to a great extent, been incorporated into long-standing geopolitical strategies. Cultural differences have often been exploited as instruments of influence and power by both state and supranational actors. Thus, rather than being a basis for peaceful coexistence, civilizations and religions are frequently used to legitimize political, military, and economic objectives.
The Deterioration of Coexistence and Cultural Homogenization
In recent decades, there has been a serious deterioration of cultural coexistence in key parts of the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East. Ongoing geopolitical instability, armed conflicts, and mass population displacements have severely disrupted the cultural fabric. Cultural diversity is giving way to a one-dimensional reality, marked by attempts to impose a singular identity—often at the expense of minority groups.
Positive Prospects and Examples
Despite the challenges, there are positive examples that offer hope for the future. The case of Egypt, where it ensures respect and protection of its Coptic Christian community is a significant step towards religious tolerance. Similarly, certain countries in the Arabian Peninsula have incorporated elements of broader cultural diversity into their national education systems and cultural policies, aiming to promote a spirit of dialogue and acceptance.
Critical Challenges and Conditions for Peaceful Coexistence
The stabilization of geopolitical tensions and the resolution of multiple conflicts are essential prerequisites for establishing an intercultural reality. The “day after” in the region requires a strong commitment to fostering cultural coexistence as a key objective. However, restoring the previous intercultural status quo appears extremely difficult, given the prolonged and ongoing exodus of populations from the region.
Moreover, rapid demographic growth and economic development present both challenges and opportunities. Interculturalism must become the foundation for peace and progress across the broader Eastern Mediterranean and Near East. If achieved, it could serve as a model for other parts of the world.