L'Aquila città mutata

Conference at the Department of Human Studies, University of L'Aquila, on 28th May 2015

Conference to discuss and analyse the sociological phenomena post-2009 earthquake, in order to understand dynamics of social change. A number of lectures analysed various aspects, including the changing social identity in L'Aquila, questions of anthropology and social sciences, and a political geography of the surrounding towns and villages. Professors from each of L'Aquila's fractions discussed the earthquake impact in their areas. The talks were associated with the publication of Quaderni in Mutazione, a socio-cultural journal to analyse socio-territorial phenomenon in post-earthquake L'Aquila and its territory.

The key note speaker was Raffaele Colapietra, former professor of Modern History at the University of Salerno. As well as being a highly influential intellectual in his field, Colapietra became an important figure in the earthquake aftermath due to his appearance in Sabina Guzzanti's documentary Draquila. As a local Aquilani who had lived in the historical centre for many years, Colapietra refused to leave his home (which had suffered some damage) after the 2009 disaster, despite military evacuation of the entire centro storico and his home being situated within the red zone. Against military orders, Colapietra remained in his flat, not wishing to leave his home, books, or cats.

The conference was organised by L'Atletica L'Aquila A. S. D. e Culturale and the Department of Human Studies. (L'Atletica L'Aquila are an organisation promoting health through sport activity, but they also organise events related to the culture and the traditions of the city. As an association, they combine sports and cultural activities. They are always involved in the Perdonanza of Pope Celestino V, and were instrumental in the re-birth of this national cultural event after the earthquake.) There were contributions from the National Association of Sociologists and Department of Culture for the Commune of L'Aquila and for the Province of L'Aquila.

My understanding of this conference was limited by the language barrier. However, it was extremely useful for making initial contact with Paola Aromatario - director of Quaderni in Mutazione, and visiting lecturer at ANS (National Association of Sociologists) - and Anna Maria Paola Toti - editor of Quaderni in Mutazione, and Sociology research fellow at the Department of Social Science and Economics at Rome Sapienza.