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Since 2018, Méditerranée is only available online.
The journal, founded in 1960, publishes research on all aspects of human and physical geography. It focuses on the circum-Mediterranean. The journal accepts papers in French and English, and is open to international contributions.

Issues no. 1 to 103 (1960-2004) are available on Persée.

Latest texts

Latest issue
135 | 2025
Production symbolique et politique de l’espace dans les capitales du Moyen-Orient et du monde musulman

Symbolic and Political Production of Space in Capital Cities in the Middle East and Muslim World

Urban space is an instrument of political and ideological legitimisation, shaped by individuals and exerting a reciprocal influence on them. Capital cities, particularly in the context of non-democratic regimes, are ideal places in which to observe the symbolic construction of space and the consolidation of power. This thematic issue sets out to explore the production of urban space, particularly in capital cities, from both a political and symbolic angle, drawing on recent empirical research.

The issue aims to contribute to scientific debates on the theorisation of the production of space in capital cities, as well as to 'capital city studies', by focusing on the politics of urban production and its actors. Particular attention is paid to non-Western perspectives, integrating local researchers and highlighting little-known works on Mediterranean capitals and regions interacting with this geographical area.

The articles are structured around two main themes, while shedding light on issues such as the symbolism of space, its production, the role of ideologies and political regimes, and the internationalisation and globalisation aspirations of these capitals. The first section examines the symbolic production of space through the prism of political antagonisms in capital cities, while the second looks at the actors involved in the production of capital cities and the political issues that arise.

Capital cities are places where visual and symbolic confrontations unfold, reflecting changes in power and ideologies. The production of urban space is a central issue for political regimes, whether democratic or authoritarian. This issue aims to enrich urban studies by integrating local perspectives and exploring little-studied capitals. It highlights the importance of space as a tool for domination, legitimisation and the construction of identity within capital cities.

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