site.btaSofia University Launches Project on Cultural Ties between Bulgaria, North Macedonia

The St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia has launched a project focused on the cultural ties between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, the university said in a press release on Tuesday. The project, titled "CULTURAL AREA - CULTURAL heritage community and AttRactive all-sEAson tourism" is part of the Integrated Development of the Cross-Border Region territorial strategy under the INTERREG VI-A IPA Bulgaria – North Macedonia 2021–2027 programme.

The lead partner in the project is the Akademik Yordan Ivanov Regional History Museum in Kyustendil. Other participants include the Municipal History Museum in Dupnitsa, the City Museum in Kriva Palanka, and the Peonia NGO from Kratovo, Republic of North Macedonia, with support from the Kyustendil Municipality. Sofia University is responsible for providing expert and logistical support for the soft measures in the project activities.

The project will run for two years, with a grant of EUR 984,870. Its main goal is to boost tourism by creating an attractive, year-round tourist product.

The university explained that the project aims to preserve cultural heritage through investments in significant sites within the cultural and historical urban environment. It will contribute to strengthening regional cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia by promoting good neighbourly relations, cultural connectivity, and improving the quality of life for the local population through new cultural events and activities.

The project’s activities focus on showcasing cultural connectivity through traditions and innovations in daily life during the period of the Bulgarian National Revival. Planned investments in both countries include the revitalization of the Emfiedzhieva House museum in Kyustendil, creation of additional museum spaces in the local museum in Kriva Palanka, and the construction of an open-air museum in the village of Gradets, the university’s press centre added.

The project will promote cross-sector cooperation in research and event organization, the exchange of best practices, and the delivery of training programmes. Educational themed workshops will be organized, incorporating elements of gamification. A digital catalogue with 3D models of old houses will be created, aiming to preserve and popularize architectural heritage from the 19th and early 20th centuries. As part of the project, cultural events, environmental education programmes for children, and a three-day Balkan festival in Kratovo will be held.