Elisa Chimenti, the Mediterranean intellectual

The Historical Diplomatic Archive of the Farnesina collaborated on the production of an episode of the program "Passato e Presente", titled "Elisa Chimenti, the Mediterranean Intellectual", now available on Rai Play.

Elisa Chimenti was an Italian-born writer, journalist, teacher, and anthropologist who lived mainly in Morocco from the late 19th century to the 1960s. Her career was dedicated to promoting dialogue between cultures, languages, and religions. With a literary production that spans multiple genres and includes many still unpublished works, her legacy reflects the intercultural mosaic that defined Tangier during that period.

During the episode, viewers will have the opportunity to explore historical documents preserved in the Historical Diplomatic Archive of the Farnesina, which offer valuable insights into her cultural, artistic, educational, and humanitarian endeavors. These records include traces of her teaching at the Italian school she founded in Tangier in the early 20th century, her contribution to the creation of an Arab university school, and much more.

Through this journey into historical sources, audiences will gain a deeper appreciation of the existential and literary world of this extraordinary figure: Italian by birth, Mediterranean by vocation.

 Watch the full episode here