Ezio Sorti
Associate Researcher
Ezio Sorti is a junior researcher at the University of Milan, where he earned a Master’s Degree in International Relations. An academic path enriched by international study exchanges at Trinity College Dublin and Charles University in Prague deepened his passion for cultural diplomacy and the Middle East. Hands-on experiences at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin and the Istanbul Policy Center further reinforced a strong interest in the evolving relationship between the European Union and the MENA region, an interest guided by a strong belief in intercultural dialogue and a deep engagement with the region’s complex social and political dynamics.
Research and Publications
On the Post-Conflict Urban Reconstruction in the Middle East:
An Interview with the Urbicide Task Force
“Carthago delenda est” (Carthage Must Be Destroyed): these are the famous words attributed to Cato, who, in a speech before the Roman Senate, is said to have urged the complete destruction of the Phoenician city state. Rome soon embarked on a three-year siege that ended with the Carthaginians being, in the words of Polybius, “utterly exterminated”[1] and the city completely devastated. According to the legend, the ruins of the city were later covered with salt, so that nothing could grow again. Beyond the myth, the destruction of Carthage stands as one of the most powerful archetypes of what we now refer to as “urbicide”.
As Ethnic and Religious Tensions Persist,
The New Syria is Seeking Rebirth through Culture
On 1 January 2026, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums outlined Syria’s new national strategy for the protection and management of cultural heritage. Spanning the period from 2025 to 2035, the strategy presents heritage as both a national and a deeply human asset, something to be safeguarded not only for its ...
The Pope In the Eastern Mediterranean:
A Journey Between Faith, Culture, and Diplimacy
The Eastern Mediterranean provided the setting for Pope Leo XIV’s first steps on the global stage. By traveling to Türkiye and Lebanon, lands marked by ancient Christian memory and complex religious histories, and marked today by geopolitical strain, the head of the Catholic Church articulated a vision of dialogue amid fragmentation and uncertainty.
Five years after the devastating explosion in 2020, Beirut is still dealing with the deep scars left on its cultural heritage. The UNESCO initiative called “LiBeirut” has been instrumental in helping to restore buildings and provide educational support. However, there's an important issue at play: while help from international organizations is crucial, it can sometimes overshadow the efforts and needs of local groups and communities. To truly heal and rebuild, it’s vital to have a collaborative approach that combines global support with the skills and involvement of local people.
Rebuilding Beirut’s Cultural Heritage:
The Potentials and Pitfalls of International Support
In Times of Uncertainty, Iran Looks Back:
Rediscovering Ancient Persia to Navigate Modern Crises
On the evening of November 7, 2025, a crowd gathered in central Tehran to witness the unveiling of a new statue: Shapur I, depicted in the act of defeating the Roman Emperor Valerian. The scene was visually striking, but its significance ran deeper.
The Increasing Role of Cultural Diplomacy in EU-Gulf Relations
Increasingly central to the foreign policy agendas of the EU and the GCC, cultural diplomacy has fostered a rapprochement between the two regions through academic, artistic and intercultural exchanges. In recent decades, joint initiatives in education, cultural heritage, and the arts have strengthened dialogue and cooperation. However, despite these advancements, the full potential of cultural diplomacy remains partially untapped. This white paper presents and discusses the ample opportunities that exist for a more structured and strategic integration of cultural diplomacy to enhance bilateral relations and regional security.
Cosmopolitan Mosaics:
Italian Heritage in the Heart of Istanbul
Walking along Istiklal Caddesi, the great pedestrian artery of Beyoğlu, you might be surprised to come upon a neo-Gothic church that seems more at home in Venice or Milan than in the heart of Istanbul. It is Saint Anthony of Padua, the city’s largest Catholic church, built in 1912 by Italians.
Beyond Oil and Trade:
The Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025
Thirty-five years after establishing diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia and China are opening a new chapter with the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025. Announced in March by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the year-long program highlights culture as a bridge between two civilizations with ancient roots and global ambition.