In 2024, the participants in the Apollonian Seminar organized by the foundation, in partnership with the Municipality of Sozopol and the archaeological expedition in Ravdinovo, are increasing!

Students and scholars from Sofia, Haskovo, Pernik, Plovdiv, Sozopol, Burgas, Varna, Kazanlak, Kyustendil, as well as from several areas of Basilicata in Italy, took part.

The morning sessions focused on archaeological research led by Pavlina Devlova, her deputy Milena Krumova, and field conservation specialist Stoyko Shatov. The scientific consultation for the expedition was provided by Assoc. Prof. Kristina Panayotova, one of the foremost experts on ancient Greek colonization and specifically Apollonia, the sanctuary of Apollo Asclepius, and the surroundings of the ancient polis.

The afternoon sessions featured lecturers such as Dr. Emad Matin from the University of Bologna, who presented a fascinating report on parallels in Near Eastern archaeology, focusing on Mesopotamia and Persia on one side, and interactions with the Greeks on the other. Assoc. Prof. Nevena Panova from Sofia University discussed the linguistic and literary aspects of Greek settlers’ perceptions, their journeys, and their representation in ancient Greek literary tradition. Dr. Yolina Petrova was one of the innovative highlights of this year’s program, discussing her plans for future seminars in Sofia, Sozopol, and other locations. As a cognitive science specialist at New Bulgarian University, she introduced the topic as a lens through which to consider cultural heritage: knowledge, memory, and the collective identity it creates.

Also key were the lectures and discussions with our friends from the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy, Dr. Arch. Desislava Kovacheva and Dr. Arch. Ivan Kolev. They addressed issues not only of architectural heritage but also its management, international context, and institutions. Valuable examples from the personal careers of both architects were discussed, including their work in creating and improving museum spaces and exhibition themes.