by Francesco De Filippo
Toasts, hugs and smiles. Behaviors
unthinkable until a few years ago between the Italian and
Slovenian communities. Laws for the protection of minorities on
both sides of the border and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989
had not been enough: the two citizenships had continued to look
at each other in a tangible, silent, mutual distrust. Then time,
but more importantly men and women learned to overcome suspicion
and suture the deep wounds left by World War II. This is the
miracle of Gorizia and Nova Gorica: the only European city with
Berlin to be divided by a wall during the years of the Iron
Curtain, Italy on this side, Yugoslavia on that side. And today,
as borders are being raised again between the two countries for
security reasons by suspending the Schengen Treaty, friendship
between the two peoples is being celebrated in Frankfurt in view
of a common project: GO2025!, the European Capital of Culture.
At Buchmesse this afternoon there was the passing of the baton:
in 2023 the guest of honor was Slovenia, in 2024 it will be
Italy, and in 2025, precisely, Gorizia and Nova Gorica will be a
single cultural capital.
The commissioner appointed by the Italian government, former
Rai executive Mauro Mazza, dedicated a "focus" to the European
Capital of Culture 2025, in the presence of the mayors of
Gorizia, Rodolfo Ziberna, and Nova Gorica, Samo Turel, and the
deputy governor of Fvg and regional councillor for culture,
Mario Anzil. "Media and stakeholders from around the world have
had the opportunity to learn about a special history, which has
become a testimony in Europe and the world, we intend to
increase this knowledge throughout the year and on the occasion
of the 2024 edition of the Book Fair," Ziberna said referring to
the history of past relations between Italy and
Slovenia.Relations that if, indeed, until a few years ago were
contrasting, today, in the words of Nova Gorica Mayor Samo
Turel, are "a great glue between two countries: two territories
that want and can grow together for the benefit of the whole
area.
Pulling the strings was Anzil, who called the event scheduled
for two years from now "an extraordinary tool to promote not
only Italian history and culture but also that of our border
region. GO!2025 will be a protagonist within the pavilion
dedicated to Italy." In this sense, "culture and our history
have shown that they can break down the border by making it an
opportunity for development. Unfortunately, the theme of
divisions at this moment in history is proving to be sadly
topical, and I believe that the testimony of Friuli Venezia
Giulia and in particular Gorizia will be able to help with
reflection."
The Buchmesse is the world's largest book fair with more than
300,000 visitors, 7,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
