Urban Co-Temporality

While the complexity of urban temporalities has long been recognised, this volume introduces co-temporality as a new analytical perspective for understanding how overlapping temporalities in past and present cities connect, interact, and transform one another. The concept of co-temporality, which was developed for this volume, builds on Jacques Lévy's notion of co-spatiality, extending his understanding of space as constituted by multiple overlapping layers into the temporal domain. It also draws on Henri Lefebvre’s rhythmanalysis, emphasising how diverse temporal rhythms intersect in the production of urban life. Bringing together interdisciplinary contributions from history, religious studies, geography, sociology and related fields, the volume explores how co-temporalities are negotiated through religion, literature, music, performance, knowledge production and economic practices. Combining theoretical reflection with diverse case studies, the volume examines the potential of co-temporality as a new concept for urban history, the history of religion, and the study of contemporary societies. It invites readers to rethink cities not only as layered spaces but also as places where multiple temporal horizons coexist, intersect and shape urban experiences, imaginations and discourses.