Page 18 - MBRF PR REPORT - MAY 2025

Press Release

MBRF aims to spotlight the lasting contributions of Arab and Muslim civilizations for human

progress.

He also said that the release of the encyclopedia in English, with an Italian edition to follow, will

open new pathways for global scholarly exchange, providing historians and researchers with an
authoritative resource on a pivotal yet frequently overlooked chapter of Arab-European history.

While Andalusia has traditionally occupied the spotlight in discussions of Islamic influence in
Europe, Sicily’s equally rich and transformative legacy is now being acknowledged as an integral

part of our shared civilizational heritage.

Dr. Attilio Petruccioli, a contributor to the encyclopedia, said: “I am honored to be a part of this

pivotal academic work that re-examines the architectural and urban legacy of the Arab-Islamic
civilization in Sicily. My essay in the publication is centered on analyzing architectural structures,

urban planning, and landscapes, using a methodology aimed at reconstructing typological
processes and challenging long-standing preconceptions that have often hindered research in this

field.”

He said: “I have included tangible examples of various sites and buildings that highlight Arab
cultural presence in Sicily that are overlooked or completely attributed to the Norman period.

Furthermore, I have supervised in-depth studies on Islamic water infrastructure and gardens,

which reflect the established archaeological and architectural data. Through this publication, we
have also introduced new perspectives that require more research. We believe this book goes

beyond mere documentation of the past; rather, it serves as an open invitation to revisit history
through a scientific and methodological lens, fostering a deeper and more balanced understanding

of the civilizations that have shaped Mediterranean identity.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Francesco Violante explained that the publication indicates a significant move
towards a thorough understanding of the historical and cultural link between the people of the

region, beyond the conventional narratives that have often excluded the contributions of Islamic

civilization from the European narrative. This initiative revisits history based on diverse scientific
sources to highlight the pivotal role of Muslim Sicily in shaping geopolitical, economic, and cultural

exchange, and the broader Mediterranean identity. The encyclopedia also offers a fresh