The concept of Europe as a cultural identity

Shehu, Fatmir and Zejno, Bukuri (2017) The concept of Europe as a cultural identity. Al-Shajarah, 22 (1). pp. 85-111. ISSN 1394-6870

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Abstract

The long discussion on the making of Europe’s identity, from a political, economic, cultural or religious aspect, has, on one hand, paved the way for the unity of European nations, and created many misconceptions in the mind-set of both, the élite and the masses, the developed and undeveloped nations, on the other. The worry about the absorption of core principles of one’s culture within European Community and the superiority of high or élite culture towards popular culture or low culture has created numerous obstacles for the construction of Europe’s cultural identity. The thrust of this paper is to study the concept of Europe as a cultural identity, which is very essential for Europe’s unity as well it motivates its members to have a sense of self and co-existence peacefully. Besides, it contributes to their overall wellbeing and brings them closer regardless of their differences. The formation of Europe’s cultural identity has been examined by looking firstly at the development of major concepts, like “Europe,” “European culture,” “European language,” “cultural identity,” and secondly the essential elements of Hellenic, Roman, Christian, and Scientific traditions. The descriptive and analytical methodologies have been employed in this paper. The findings have given insights to the reality of the unity of European nations under the banner of culture and not religion.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5647/56917
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Europe, Cultural Identity, Hellenism, Roman tradition, Christianity, and scientific tradition.
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) > B108 Ancient B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) > B720 Medieval B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D901 Europe (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > HM621 Culture
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion
Depositing User:	DR FATMIR SHEHU
Date Deposited:	19 May 2017 15:37
Last Modified:	18 Apr 2018 14:44
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/56917

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