The International conference “The Balkans – Language, History, Culture” was opened in hall 321 of the University of Veliko Tarnovo “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” main building.
The biennial international forum is already popular among many experts in the field of Balkan studies. It is hosted by the Faculty of History and the Faculty of Modern Languages with foreign Balkan languages lecturers taking active part in the event.
Prof. Dr. Hristo Bondzholov welcomed the participants and thanked the organisers for their effort in preparing for the conference.
“I am happy to see so many young people at such a serious scientific forum. I am certain that all participants will gain new information, have new ideas and make many new contacts which will be the foundation of regular annual discussions on the topic of the conference. We need to know each other well and build bridges to each other in order to achieve a fine future. This is not only a research goal but our human obligation. Let us not forget that Europe begins from the Balkans. I wish good luck to all participants!” Prof. Bondzholov said in his welcome speech.
122 university lecturers, researchers and PhD students from 11 countries will take part in this year’s conference. They will deliver 111 reports. The participants come from 8 universities and academic institutes and 5 schools and cultural institutions in Bulgaria, as well as 19 universities and academic institutes from 10 other countries: Albania, Bosna and Herzegovina, Greece, Poland, Romania, Russia, the USA, Turkey, Serbia, Croatia. The conference is divided by topics into six main sections: Interdisciplinary aspects of Balkan studies; the Balkan linguistic space; Customs and culture; religion and everyday life on the Balkans; Geography, society and culture of the Balkans; Balkan literature in the flow of time; Education and education space on the Balkans.
The conference is sponsored by the Rector of the University of Veliko Tarnovo, Prof. Dr. Hristo Bondzholov. So far, there have been published 5 report compilations from past conferences and the organisation team is preparing the series to be listed in the international research reference index. Apart from delivering reports and discussions, the conference plan includes, with the kind assistance of museum workers and guides, tours around Veliko Tarnovo’s famous sights.
More photos from the event can be found here.