We live in a turbulent and turbulent time Where the specter of war (which seemed to have been eradicated from the European scene) looms dangerously over us, of course in its new financial and computer forms (from which we were already suffering) but also in the strict sense of the word (after the painful suffering). … invasion of Ukraine). Overcoming reactionary hatreds and conflicts, which led to two horrific world wars, and justified assertions such as Arnold Toynbee’s about Europe as “a collection of unwise tribes”, motivated conscious and creative leaders to design that solution. Coal, Steel and Common Market Treaty Which linked the Axis powers to France and other democratic countries, bringing them to the negotiating table and a joint venture. Economics has prevailed, perhaps excessively, in the European Union as a result of those agreements, to the detriment of federalism, its defense policy and, above all, the larger assumption of Europe’s cultural and spiritual foundations. They are: the Greco-Latin heritage and Christianity, with important Germanic, Jewish and Slavic contributions, with the Arab world being crucial to the transmission of Romanticism. (Sicily, Toledo, Cordoba) of human and scientific knowledge in ancient times.
That’s leading Europe Schumann, Gasperi, Adenauer Others need to be reviewed to continue radiating their message of dialogue, tolerance and acceptance to the world. To be stronger, to feel stronger, and to practice the empire of mind, culture and coexistence. Coexistence that does not mean losing, diminishing, or hiding our identity and foundations, based on cowardly and shameful arguments. The Christian churches, the Catholic Church on the front line, have asked for forgiveness for their past transgressions and made a public declaration of their respect for secularism. Other monotheistic sects should follow suit. No conflict should have a religious pretext in the 21st century, and no war can be sanctified. no one,
Thinking about, exchanging proposals and designing the near future involves reviewing the rich, complex and often hidden past. There are very interesting meetings, conferences and seminars of all kinds, but this conference, programmed by the Toledo URBS REGIA association, is absolutely essential above all. This issue is about our current well-being and security, and what should matter most to us is our children and grandchildren. Europe is a dream from which we should not wake up, but it is in our hands, and we must prevent it from turning into a nightmare. One of those from which it is no longer possible to escape without harm.
And suddenly, what seemed like one of those tired, idealistic slogans, “Toledo, City of Three Cultures” Restores relevance, validity and honesty. It depends on us whether it is loaded with real, functional and authentic meaning in the service of humanity or not. By exploring its heritage and its cultural and spiritual past, Europe can regain a new impulse, self-belief, which seems to be faltering in these dark and confusing days. Toledo, which was only a real stable court during the Visigothic Kingdom and an Islamic sect, was in medieval and Renaissance Spain the center of two precedents of the European Union, through King Alfonso of Toledo. But both are important.
And what can we say about the rescue of ancient culture that was possible thanks to the school or movement of Toledo translators. The great Cervantes recreates this in the Alcana Episode, where he locates the Arabic volume or manuscript: he, as a Christian author, purchases the volume and has it translated by a Moorish man at his home on a passenger ship. Although he notes that translators of ancient languages could also be found in Toledo, referring to the Hebrew language. All three cultures actually appear in Don Quixote.
The seminar program is very diverse and attractive, offering multiple travel options through time: cultural routes as the backbone of Europe, the itinerary designed for young people by the Urbs Regia, Roman roads, monasteries and their great role in transportation (Camino de Santiago), and the fall of the Roman Empire. In conclusion, a presentation on the role of Toledo in the emergence of the idea of Europe and another on the testimony of Guarazar as an amalgamation of the monarchy and the religious enclave in the royal areas, by the archaeologist (Juan Manuel Rojas) who, with determination and passion, directs excavations in the most relevant space to uncover the fascinating mysteries of Toledo’s Gothic.
European sensitivity to support solidarity programs targeting developing countries is commendable. Cooperation must continue and increase as much as possible, but we must now look at the insecurity and threats to our space and our identity. Addressing this matter is in our interest, and must become a priority. This symposium, held in Toledo and including the enthusiastic URBS REGIA association, chaired by Pilar Tormo, sponsored by UNESCO and in collaboration with the AECI, the Toledo County Council and the Ministry of Culture and Sports, is a unique opportunity to delve deeply into a topic that is as fascinating as it is emotional and urgent. Let us discover in the stones of the past who we are and who we want to be.
Saving Europe, that is the mission, and it is not about panic. It is Threatened: Europe in the Iliad and the Aeneid, by Plato and SenecaDante and Petrarch, Jorge Manrique and Cervantes, the Valdes brothers, Shakespeare, Goya and Picasso, Schopenhauer and Mozart, The Renaissance and the Enlightenment, Dickens and Galdós, Rimbaud and Surrealism, human rights and the League of Nations… Never again should a Europe of concord be hijacked by the bull of discord.
The “Originals in Europe” symposium will take place in the meeting room of the San Clemente Cultural Center of the County Council, as we said earlier, on December 10 and 11. With a cultural complement every day: on the tenth day, the live recording of the famous radio program “La escóbula de la brújula”, hosted by Jesús Callejo, the distinguished researcher and promoter of enchanting Spain and the secrets of our history; And on the 11th day, a guided itinerary based on “The Toledo Goose”, the successful book by Luis Devora, which illustrates the most emblematic spaces and monuments of Toledo through its understanding of the universal and principled game of “goose”.
There are still some places left. Registration is free, advance booking until capacity is reached (info@urbsregia.eu). Don’t miss this opportunity and event. The future is already here, as Radio Futura has been singing for nearly 50 years.
Antonio Lazaro Cibrian
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