How Does Cittaslow Contribute to Interfaith Dialogue?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article examines the contributions of the Cittaslow movement to interfaith dialogue in the context of urbanism, sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and social cohesion. Emerging in Italy in 1999 to preserve local cultures, maintain ecological balance, and promote a slow-paced lifestyle, the Cittaslow movement provides platforms for peace and dialogue among diverse communities at both local and global levels. The article highlights how Cittaslow towns offer social structures that encourage interfaith dialogue and enable harmonious coexistence of different religious and cultural communities. Cities like Seferihisar, Orvieto, Sonoma and Sebastopol exemplify the successes of local governments in preserving cultural heritage, organizing interfaith events, and developing inclusive policies. Multifaith events, preservation of places of worship, and collaborative projects in these cities foster tolerance and empathy. However, challenges such as economic constraints, the commercial pressures of tourism on cultural heritage, and maintaining political balance are also addressed. The study suggests that overcoming these challenges requires local governments to focus on transparency, participatory governance, educational programs, and sustainable tourism models. Cittaslow towns present an inclusive and sustainable urbanization model, demonstrating that interfaith dialogue can be an ideal and tangible social practice.
Source: Islamic Studies Journal
Author: Yunus Emre Tozal
Institution: Catholic Theological Union
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416397993