The Role of Maps in the (Re-)Construction of Territorial Identity: the Example of Catalonia against the Background of Spanish and European Identity

Abstract

At present, Spain is a good example of a state between sep- aratism and transnationalization. Spain is taking part in the European integration process, while doubt is being cast on its national unity by various peripheral nationalisms like, for example, Catalanism. In this context Catalan, Spanish and European identities are becoming increasingly contested and ideologized. Maps have a central function in the discursive (re-)construction of these spatial identities, because they are the most important way to perceive larger spaces. This arti- cle illustrates how maps of an everyday context (in school- books, weather forecasts etc.) contribute to forming several geographical and territorial images of Europe, Spain and Cat- alonia.