Hands on History lecture with Matteo Al Kalak, Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
The lecture will illustrate the path that led to the construction of a database on migration narratives, from an interdisciplinary perspective. In particular, the characteristics of the Horizon2020 project ITHACA (‘Interconnecting History and Archives for Migrant Agencies’, developed between 2021 and 2025) will be outlined. The aim of the project was to produce a repository that would enhance different dimensions of migration with the aim of influencing policy and informing public debate. The database therefore needed to combine several factors: time, space, narratives, representation and self-representation of migrants.
Matteo Al Kalak is Full Professor of Early Modern History and Director of the Research Centre on Digital Humanities at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He is responsible for teaching in the field of history, with a focus on the history of the modern age and the history of Christianity, in a cultural perspective. He has conducted research on the phenomena of dissent, conversion, reformism and the control of collective behaviour. He has authored several monographs and scientific articles.