https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13602 2026-04-21T02:16:08Z 2026-04-21T02:16:08Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/17419 2017-03-14T02:18:43Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A contemporary Mediterranean north-south divide : religion, secularism and politics Abstract: One of the key themes of the Mediterranean studies is the North-South divide. In this context, this research will explore the Mediterranean North-South divide in terms of religion and secularism as one of the main characteristics of this divide. Religion is a major difference between the two shores of the region, and also as a variable that affects other sources of the divide such as politics. This study will also focus on Islam and its compatibility with Mediterranean processes of secularisation and modernisation, a question raised by many scholars after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the Islamic revival that followed. In analysing the themes and questions of this dissertation, two case-studies will be utilised: religion, secularism and politics in Turkey and the case of Muslim immigrants in the Euro-Mediterranean region, namely in France. Overall key themes of religion, secularism, post-secularism, modernity and Islam will be discussed throughout the research. Moreover, this dissertation brings into play the idea that when it comes to Islam, secularism, modernity and politics, Muslims are divided in three categories: modernists, traditionalists and fundamentalists. This dissertation seeks to analyse and explore the objectives through an interdisciplinary approach, and through the use of qualitative research, wherein both primary and secondary sources are consulted. The general findings from this research have shown that the Mediterranean religious North-South divide is more than just a geographical division, but also a metaphor that best-describes the religious state of affairs in the region. Additionally, it is also concluded that some forms of Islam are indeed compatible with different forms of secularism and modernity, in the context that there are multiple processes, and not just Western models. This dissertation also argues Islam has a significant contribution to make towards the notion of postsecularism, as much as any other religion. Finally, this dissertation paves the way for further research, arguing that some Muslim Mediterranean states might be heading towards post-Islamism, a political project that attempts to fuse secular and Muslim values. Description: M.A.MEDITERRANEAN STUD.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/17416 2017-09-19T11:14:28Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: "Layo mula sa inang-bayan" (away from the motherland) : a study of the Filipino diaspora around the Mediterranean Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyse the various Filipino diasporas across the Mediterranean Region. For this study, a mixture of primary and secondary sources was used, mainly books, websites, statistical reports and most importantly the data collected from the participants through a questionnaire. The participants for this study were all Filipinos living in either a country or a territory in the Mediterranean. The data collected was analysed and illustrated in charts in order to interpret the results with ease. Inspired by the research done, this study has been based on three key questions surrounding Filipinos living in the Mediterranean: their value of importance regarding a Mediterranean identity; their desire of leaving the Mediterranean and returning back home; and the cultural unity of Filipino diasporas throughout the Mediterranean. Description: M.A.MEDITERRANEAN STUD.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13722 2019-06-11T08:17:48Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Towards a cultural cartography of the Mediterranean : developing an analytical tool for policy-makers Abstract: This dissertation initially examines the various ways in which the Mediterranean and its cultural context are understood, exploring different cultural theories. This work goes on to explore the different uses of measurements for cultural variations in large groups, using indicators and indices in evaluating territorial commonalities across the Mediterranean States. The text next attempts to see if a single composite indicator for change could be proposed and, failing that, proposes enhancing the work of Hofstede, Inglehart and Schwartz, using other established indices, as with a modified form of HDI. The dissertation proceeds to propose the use of data pillars, furthering work developed by INSEAD. The summary GIS cartographic projections are also shown in layered GIS, using external interactive sources such as Google Earth, to underline the potential of the proposed approach. This is seen through the use of interactive choropleths, now mainstream through the increased availability of technological and online tools, as facilitating communication for the policy-maker. In the atlas annexed, one will find a preview of the iterations offered through online interactive mapping, which the paper format does not necessarily allow. Finally, the text lays the foundation for the future amalgamation of an increasing number of online and offline interactive data, to be visually layered, analysed and communicated, targetting the policy-maker. This dissertation is limited to a data-based approach focusing on countries, and can be used as the basis for future incorporation of localized data allowing sufficient low-level data blocks to have national data built on them. The scalability of this methodology and data, the use of live and dynamic data such as that offered by social media, together with Big Data analytics, will permit future trend analysis not proffered in this dissertation. Description: M.PHIL.MEDITERRANEAN STUD.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z