There Barletta Declaration, conceived in two days of study and in-depth analysis, is in fact a document created with the intention of inspiring the decisions of the world’s greats who are about to arrive in Borgo Egnazia. A profound bond, the one between the intentions of dialogue and diplomacy of the summit, and the idea of government of Frederick II, his profound imprint left in Puglia, and that self-portrait imprinted in the stone that is Castel del Monte.
Among the prestigious signatories of the document – produced right in a room of the Barletta Castle adjacent to the lapidary where that bust considered the effigy of the Stupor Mundi shines – that of the German professor Philipp Dorstewitz, professor of philosophy at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates) stayed for a few days to visit, in addition to Barletta, also Castel del Monte, Trani, Matera, Bari; and who told us his impressions of this particularly engaging experience but also of his love for Puglia to which he returned after thirty years.
Professor Dorstewitz, what does the Barletta Declaration consist of? Have philosophy and history been able to find a meeting between representatives of universities located across the entire planet?
“It was a wonderful time I experienced here, but it was also very demanding work. We had this meeting in Barletta talking about the current state of philosophy and how philosophy can influence contemporary society and politics. We focused on a particular topic, namely “How can we bridge the gaps between different continents, societies and cultures” and found that it is very important in our time to focus on conviviality. The idea is that we must somehow unite and this topic is still not addressed comprehensively, so it is extremely valuable to compare our studies and opinions. We must not limit ourselves to what happens in our own universities of origin, but we must look at the differences that separate us and learn to communicate between states.”
Can this type of “academic” dialogue really be preparatory to a political dialogue?
Absolutely, we are aware of it: and we realize how generating understanding and peace in a period of many conflicts is possible, as we have enjoyed our mutual confrontation with ideas and positions that come not only from Europe but really from all continents, including Asia, Arab nations, Africa, even places that we often consider inaccessible to dialogue. As philosophers we must be interpreters and translators of the experiences of each country, and this is one of the most beautiful things that I take with me from this experience“.
Professor, does it make any particular sense to have produced this declaration in a city like Barletta, in an area between Trani and Castel del Monte, but also Basilicata, where the imprint of Emperor Frederick II was particularly significant?
Certainly: I had the precious opportunity to see the surroundings of Barletta, such as Castel del Monte, Trani, Bari, but also Matera, and it was a beautiful period, not simply as a tourist experience: in fact I was able to find in my visits many of the cultural issues we worked with during this meeting. Frederick II, for example, was much more willing than many people today to engage with other cultures. There are different interpretations on the figure of Frederick II, but I think it is undeniable that he was able to speak and generate understanding between people (not like us now!) And take a step forward to appreciate the many forms that Humanity and human culture assume. I have seen this kind of thing in many places here, and it has been very enriching: and I will take all this with me to the UAE, where I am a foreigner, but where this kind of understanding is facilitated.
Having met Professor Dorstewitz and other teachers and thinkers of international caliber, being able to tell the story of these places was an honor and a privilege; but also a great joy to have proof of how much the value of the Barletta – Andria – Trani Province and the Murgia area up to Matera constitute a multiple experience for those who visit them, which goes to the root of a time capable of still teaching much for the future. But also to welcome with some of the most delicious excellences in the world: “I have already been to Puglia 30 years ago and I had told my friends about the food and wine wonders, including oil, wine, cheeses, cured meats, taralli, bread, of which I had a good supply… and I hope to return very soon! ” . And between the super luxury of the G7 in Borgo Egnazia and the sobriety of the Summit of Philosophers in Barletta (called “G7 of Philosophers”), the hope is that the great masters and great powers of the world can truly build a better future Just like what our Frederick II dreamed of.
