9th Mediterranean Congress of Aesthetics

9th Mediterranean Congress of Aesthetics

September 17-20, 2025, Çanakkale, Turkey

Historicity and Contemporaneity

SANART Association of Aesthetics and Visual Culture invites proposals on the theme of “Historicity and Contemporaneity” for the 9th The Mediterranean Congress of Aesthetics which is organised in cooperation with Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. The conference will explore the complex relationship between our understanding of the past and our experience of the present with a particular focus on the aesthetic dimensions of this dynamic.

In a world characterized by both global interconnectedness and local specificities, our temporal geographies are marked by a constant tension between the enduring legacies of history and the ever-shifting currents of the present. How do we navigate this tension? How does our awareness of the past shape our aesthetic sensibilities, and creative practices in the contemporary moment?This tension is particularly acute in the formation of cultural identities. As global flows of information and culture accelerate, communities strive to maintain a sense of continuity with their past, often through the preservation of historical sites, traditions, and artistic practices. Yet, this preservation cannot be static; it must engage with the present to remain relevant and meaningful. This engagement can lead to complex negotiations between tradition and innovation, local and global influences, shaping the cultural landscape of our time.

The congress will feature keynote addresses from renowned experts Thierry de Duve, Jacob Lund, Alan Wenham Prosser, and Eray Çaylı. It will foster a global dialogue among researchers from diverse fields and backgrounds.

The congress languages are English and Turkish.

We invite you to send papers on subtopics that include but are not limited to:

• Foundations and Frameworks: Defining historicity and contemporaneity; theories of historical consciousness; aesthetics and the historical imagination.
• Historical Perspectives on Aesthetics: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Modern, and Postmodern aesthetics.
• Contemporary Manifestations of Historicity and Art: Historical representation in art; the role of museums and archives; digital historicity; contemporaneity, art, and new technologies.
• Aesthetics and the Politics of History: History, memory, and trauma; contested histories; the ethics of historical representation.
• Future Trajectories: The future of the past; aesthetics and the Anthropocene; transhumanism and the posthuman; artificial intelligence and art.
• Tradition and its Aesthetic Implications: Tradition as a source of aesthetic value; the reinterpretation of tradition; tradition and innovation; the globalization of tradition; tradition and identity.

Conference Location:

The conference will be held at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, located in the historically rich city of Çanakkale, which provides a fitting backdrop for a conference exploring the intersections of history and contemporary thought. Overlooking the Dardanelles Strait, the university is situated in a region steeped in ancient and modern history, offering a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the past on the present. Its modern facilities and commitment to academic excellence create a stimulating environment for intellectual exchange and discourse, making it an ideal venue for the Mediterranean Congress of Aesthetics. The location of Çanakkale also provides convenient access to significant historical sites like Troy and Assos, enriching the conference experience with opportunities for exploration and reflection.

Online Participation

We believe that in-person interaction fosters invaluable connections and lively discussions among colleagues and researchers from different disciplines and cultures, enriching the experience of scientific events. For this reason, we encourage your in-person attendance at the congress. Recognizing that circumstances may prevent some from traveling, we are also offering limited online participation to promote equitable access. We encourage you to consider this option only if substantial financial or other obstacles prevent your in-person attendance.

Excursions

Extend your stay and delve deeper into the rich history of the region! On Saturday, following the congress’s conclusion on Friday, we will be organizing a captivating excursion to the legendary city of Troy, famed for its role in Greek mythology. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore these iconic sites firsthand and walk in the footsteps of history. In addition, depending on demand, we are considering organizing an alternative excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of immense historical significance from World War I, famous for its preserved trenches. We will email all participants before the congress with information about the schedules, costs, and how to register for any of the potential excursions.

Submission Guidelines:

Please submit abstracts of 300-500 words by visiting mca.sanart.org.tr

You are also welcome to submit a panel suggestion.s, and researchers in all relevant fields.

Important Dates:

Deadline for Abstract Submission: June 25, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: August 1, 2025

Last Day for the payment of Congress Fee in Advance: August 15, 2025

Registration Fees:

Registration Fee for International Delegates: 150 Euros (200 Euros for late and on-site payment)***

Student Fee: 100 Euros

Registration Fee for Delegates from Turkey: 2000 TL**

Students and SANART Members: 1500 TL**

Attendance is free and does not require registration for those not presenting.

*The Registration Fee Includes Congress Pack, Lunches, Refreshments, and Abstracts e-book.

As a non-profit organization, SANART uses congress application fees exclusively to cover the costs of the event. This includes fair compensation for the valuable contributions of students, designers, organizers, referees, etc. Any remaining funds will be allocated to SANART’s budget to support future initiatives.

**A grant has enabled the provision of subsidized fees for participants from Türkiye.

*** Attendees facing financial hardship are encouraged to contact us about funding opportunities. We strive to facilitate global participation and will work to mitigate financial barriers. Plese contact us at [email protected] to explore available options.

We support Scholarly Communication Network’s “Manifesto for Equity in Scientific Event Participation“