The construction of insular identy and its historical evolution in Macaronesia: the temporal and spatial imaginaries of the Atlantic islands (15Th–18Th centuries)

Abstract

This research is focused on the analysis of mythical and historical perception which among the islanders constitute their insular and Atlantic imaginary with the goal of understanding the peculiar significance of the composition of Macaronesian society from the experience acquired by the islanders during the Early Modern Age and the consolidation of the Iberian Ocean world. This study examines the paradigm of space conceptualization with the aim of proposing a method of supranational observation of the islands. The theme that is addressed surpasses regional and national limits converting into a transnational study. Hence, the research approach different stories with the purpose of focusing the study from distinct levels that leads to an integral history of the Macaronesian islands (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde).