Vol. 1 No. 29 (EXTRA) (2021): Divided Cities

This number of Astragalo looks at the concept of divided cities. The idea of division for this number is multi-faceted. We are looking at cities divided by conflict such as Belfast, Nicosia, Jerusalem. In this case two different cultures, faiths, groups create an urban assemble of walls and artefacts. We look at cities divided by race, like Post-apartheid in South Africa, where a system of racial segregation leaves traces of a past, wherein different races had to leave and be segregated in different areas. From the streets of Soweto, to the vertical slums of Hillbrow in Johannesburg. Cities that met those challenges and behind pain and history, told a positive story. We look at cities divided by racial segregation, by painful experiences that halt our very basic humanity. We look at cities divided by capital, where displacement of the poor out of wealthy, areas creates a disjointed urban imprint. Cities with processes of gentrification, or social and economic division. We look at cities divided by edges, and borders where suburban conurbations gather different inhabitants. Divided cities welcome contributions from all of these examples mentioned. We look for original and brave contributions, from within. Those who challenge our preconceived ideas, those that conjoin in that tension causes by division.

Guest editor with the issue in charge: Alona Martínez. De Montfort-Leicester University