Proceedings of the international conference on Fortificationsof the Mediterranean Coast FORTMED 2024. Defensive architecture of the mediterrenean. Vol. XVI

Abstract

"Defensive Architecture of the Mediterranean" (volume XVI) is the continuation of a series of publications that highlight the latest research on the fortifications of the Mediterranean region. These contributions were gathered in the seventh edition of the international conference Fortifications of the Mediterranean Coast, FORTMED 2024, hosted by Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës in Tirana, Albania on April 18, 19, and 20, 2024. The series 'Defensive Architecture of the Mediterranean' aims to share knowledge about the historical and current state of military architecture along the Mediterranean coast, including structures built overseas that are influenced by those in the Mediterranean. The conference and the 17 published volumes of the series have demonstrated to be the most persistent and serious effort in researching and documenting military architecture in the Mediterranean over the last decade. While fortresses and castles have always been recognized as vital components of historic built heritage, their strategic defensive role hasn't always been fully understood and explored. The study of military architecture, a multidisciplinary task, prompts a reassessment of this cultural environment, often neglected or at risk. From prehistoric fortification traces to contemporary bunkers and military infrastructures, the discourse on documenting and preserving military heritage welcomes and encourages contributions from diverse fields, including architecture, engineering, archaeology, history, geography, and cultural heritage. FORTMED, the international conference on the Fortifications of the Mediterranean Coast, has evolved into a research-based platform that transcends borders and centuries, delving into the strategic, historical, and cultural significance of fortifications along the Mediterranean coast. FORTMED has embraced diverse venues, ranging from Valencia to Florence, Alicante to Turin, and later to Granada, and finally to Pisa. These conferences have become synonymous with collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of multifaceted perspectives on defensive architecture. This initiative has turned into an intellectual odyssey, traversing the historical landscapes of the Mediterranean, exploring intricate fortifications that have shaped civilizations, and engaging with contemporary challenges in the preservation and restoration of architectural heritage.