# Integration processes  
The dearth of research on the multi-secular presence of Africans in Portugal, their cultures and their participation in shaping Portuguese society constitutes an important gap in Portuguese historiography, as can be said for Europe, whose relations with Africa are also part of a long-term framework. This is a revealing situation on the lack of recognition and appreciation of Africa, which requires reflection and above all the revision of the classificatory operations that, from the 1800s marked and 'scientifically' ranked humans.  
Studying the uniqueness of the African presence that has shaped Portuguese cultural and historical heritage requires a broad and rigorous analysis of the multifaceted path of Africans in the country, because of Portuguese history and Portugal's relations with Africa and the world. Such research should also contribute to the clarification of the active participation of the African diaspora in the construction of modern Europe, creator of world capitalism (Fonseca, 2011, Gusmão, 2004, Henriques, 1993 and 2009, Lahon, 1999, Lahon and Neto, 1999, Margarido, 1984, Pantoja, 2011, Pimentel, 1995 and 2010, Saunders, 1994, Tinhorão, 1988, and Vasconcelos, 1942).