Communicating migration

One year ago I had the opportunity to start a new job experience at the department for migration and integration policy of an Italian ministry.

The proposal arrived unexpected, but I didn’t hesitate and accepted.

As IT specialist involved also in communication process, with focus on marketing and social media, it was asked me to work on a website concerning migration policies.

Let me say something …

Nowdays, migration and integration is one of the most difficult social issues to afford.

Each European country try to represent its own model and theory, according to its history and origins. Guidelines are weak and the borders between countries become higher and higher again, when hundreds of people disembark to our coasts. Debates on multiculturalism or assimilationism increase. But above all, intolerance increases.

In this context it’s very difficult to communicate migration in a positive way, considering it as an opportunity for our society, without stereotypes.

That’s on of main reasons that pushed me to do my best, maybe as ever, for this project.

Yesterday, during a conference I heard a sentence I can resume, more or less, like this: communicating migration is a service for all and if you do it in the right way you can save somebody, by helping him/her to leave clandestinity (Stephen Ogongo – Director at Africa News)

Communication 'tools' - 1

Communication 'tools' - 2

Communication 'tools' - 3

Communication 'tools' - 4

Istanbul 2010: European Capital of Culture

Hi all!

As this is the last post of the year, I have something special for you. This post is written by a special guest: Kubra Corapci.

Kubra is a young lady from Istanbul, and she is experienced in communication consultancy.

I had the honour to meet Kubra in San Diego, and I asked her some contributes for my blog.

Her post is not only about an important event that will be held in Instanbul, but it states how different cultures can live together.

In my opinion, it is the best wish for our future.

Thank you, Kubra!

I wish you all Happy Holidays and … enjoy this reading!

I am very happy to be a witness of Istanbul, being chosen as “2010 European Capital of Culture”; and as a Turk, I’m proud of it.

While reading this post, some of you may ask “what is European Capital of Culture?”. Let me explain: The idea of “European Capital of Culture” had been created in 1985 by Melina Mercouri, the former minister of culture of Greece. Until the year of 2000, only the cities which take place in the countries that are members of European Union could be chosen. Now, because of the new millennium, the title of “European Capital of Culture” can be given to any city which takes place in a European Union country or a candidate. Also, more than one city can be chosen in same year. This project is very crucial due to the introduction of the cities’ cultural heritages to Europe and to the world.

Starting with Athens, the capital of Greece, this journey has continued till today with lots of cities being chosen from different European countries, such as Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Portuguese, etc. This year’s chosen ones are Liverpool (England) and Stavanger (Norway). Essentially, the subject that I want to write here is about 2010…

2010 European Capitals of Culture are Istanbul (Turkey), Essen (Germany), and Pecs (Hungary). Actually, there are a lot of reasons for Istanbul to win this title. I want to explain for the ones who haven’t visit or heard of Istanbul yet (Maybe you haven’t visit but hopefully you’ve heard about it), why Istanbul has been chosen as 2010 European Capital of Culture.

Throughout the history, Istanbul has been a city which gathers different cultures together. Moreover, it has a very specific location where east and west combines. Istanbul has territories in both Europe and Asia. As well as its captivating cultural heritages, there is one more reason that makes it matchless: It is possible to find a mosque, a synagogue, and a church in a 100 meter region.

Well, why is it important for Turkey to be the European Capital of Culture? One of the reasons is that Istanbul will be able to share its cultural heritages with Europe. Both cultural and economic relations between Turkey and Europe will be improved. Besides, artists and creators from Istanbul will be able to show their works out of Turkey.

You can find further information about “Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture” project from http://www.istanbul2010.org/en/ , the website of the project.

To the ones who haven’t got a chance to see Istanbul yet, I strongly and wholeheartedly advice to visit Turkey. You will not only see a city that is full of historical and cultural heritages but also will fall in love to the city that has been a bridge between Europe and Asia for many years.

I want to thank you (because of reading my post) and Nicoletta (because of giving a place to me on her blog) a lot…

Best regards,

Kubra Corapci