Sessions > Session QSession Q.Maritime territories in Transition: the Cities of the Contemporary Mediterranean(s)Co-chairs: Yolande BENARROSH (Mésopolhis / Aix-Marseille Université), Pascale FROMENT (Ladyss / Université Paris 8) & Nora MAREÏ (PRODIG / CNRS)This session will examine the evolving interplay of relationships between urban territories and maritime spaces through the prism of globalised processes of urban transformation. From the dissemination of models to specific initiatives, how are the “transitional capacities” of these contemporary Mediterranean metropolises being explored? These zones of contact and interface are territories “of” and “in” transition, which are marked by the interactions between flows, networks and movements at global or regional level, as well as by a series of successive (or coexisting) geographical imaginaries. With increasingly rapid developments –the redevelopment of waterfronts, the construction of major infrastructures, world trade, cruise ships, movements of people, etc.– leaving these zones exposed and upsetting their equilibrium and customary practices, a reexamination of these troubled territories is called for. In response to new trends, standards, (geo)political issues, and economic, environmental and social crises, new breaches are emerging, as well as new patterns of multi-scale relations and pockets of resistance within the fabric of the “guaranteed city”. These at times brutal transitions require a partial rethinking of how to approach these maritime territories, based on a comparative study involving the Mediterranean and other inland seas. We welcome papers from different disciplines examining the ways in which these metropolises are currently being constructed, as well as the fragilities and territorial changes that have occurred as a result of the tumultuous effects of globalisation. Cases of cooperation and knowledge sharing (such as between Mediterranean port clubs) will help us to explore the flow of expertise and the ways in which the various parties involved are learning (or not) from each other's experience, as well as what changes may arise as a result, both in terms of practices and approaches to territorial development. Papers addressing all relevant cases of cities and maritime territories are welcome. Selected Bibliographical ReferencesBelkheiri O., Benarrosh Y., 2019, “La transformation industrielle de la région Tanger Tétouan Al Hoceima. Des enjeux territoriaux en quelques ‘maux’ ”, in Y. Benarrosh (ed.), Le travail mondialisé au Maghreb. Approches interdisciplinaires, IRD–CJB–La Croisée des chemins, p. 347-364. |
