Deutsch
Sc.Dir.Dr. Herbert Arlt (INST, Vienna)
In the 19th century, an instrumentalization of cultures began in the context of a new warfare. Institutions whose collections had been jointly documented for centuries became national institutions. Nationalism is also the ideological basis of the wars in Ukraine (Zelensky) and the Middle East (Netanyahu).
These constructions of conflict, the evil have nothing to do with realities. This is true not only within Europe, but also to Europe’s relationship with the Arab countries, with Orientalism.
The reality is that the basics of mathematics, today’s machine controls (algorithms) and medicine came to Europe from Arab countries as well as basic elements of everyday culture (food, spices, fabrics, paper).
Literature could play an important role in mutual understanding, in common history, in the development of a common future.
The extensive work of Ass.Prof.in Dr.in Rania Elwardy uses the example of Jura Soyfer to show how such an exchange could work. On the basis of an orientation towards reality, only the unifying aspects of the cultures make sense. Contemporary warfare is also characterized by irrationalism and racist arrogance. Corresponding results are to be expected.