The island of "St. St. Kirik and Julita" is once again in the focus of public attention – this time because of disputes over ownership, its future development and concerns about fragmented solutions without a clear vision. What are the challenges, opportunities and significance of the project for Bulgaria and the Black Sea region… Naiden Prahov, director of the Center, speaks to FAKTI for underwater archaeology.
- Mr. Prahov, what will happen with the development of the island of “St. St. Kirik and Julita“ as a center for underwater archaeology, culture and education. Properties are being transferred, divided without a development plan, a port will be built…
- The island of “St. St. Kirik and Julita“ is a cultural monument of national importance and its development cannot be considered fragmented through separate property or infrastructure solutions. It is planned to build a museum, cultural and scientific research center there. The concept for this center, created in 2011, which outlines its vision and functions, is about to be renewed.
Any intervention should be subordinated to this vision and to the principles of preserving cultural and natural heritage.
That is why we insist on the development to happen only within the framework of a comprehensive, publicly discussed and institutionally supported concept, and not through partial solutions such as property transfers or individual investment intentions without a common vision for development. For all this to happen, first of all, the property transferred to the State Enterprise “Port Infrastructure“ (SEE) must be returned to the management of the Ministry of Culture. At the moment, this is not yet a fact. Then, the concept for the future cultural and scientific center must be updated and a Master Plan prepared on its basis. Only then can we move on to creating a port terminal.
- What are the main challenges facing the relocation and expansion of the Center for Underwater Archaeology on the island?
- The challenges are both infrastructural and institutional. On the one hand, the island requires serious investments in the adaptation of existing buildings, the construction of laboratories, repositories and conditions for scientific work. On the other hand, coordination between multiple institutions is necessary, including several ministries, scientific organizations and international partners.
A significant challenge is also ensuring a sustainable governance model that combines scientific activity, heritage conservation and public access, as coordination between so many institutions leads to a more cumbersome process. But this is inevitable and to a large extent an overcomeable obstacle, once an interdepartmental commission is established and responsibilities are distributed.
- To what extent will the project to transform the Center into a regional institute under the auspices of UNESCO change Bulgaria's role in the study of the Black Sea underwater heritage?
- In practice, the Center for Underwater Heritage is already an Institute for Underwater Heritage (IUH) under the auspices of UNESCO. We are about to change our organizational regulations very soon and some changes will be made to the Cultural Heritage Act. The IUH will position the country as a leader in the study, conservation and management of underwater cultural heritage in the Black Sea region. We will have many more opportunities for international projects, funding, exchange of experts and training of a new generation of specialists. Bulgaria will become a coordination center for the entire region, as we will actively work with all the countries of the Black Sea basin. For its part, UNESCO has supported the idea of creating a museum, cultural and scientific research center on the island, because this would contribute to increasing the visibility of Bulgaria's activities in the field of underwater heritage in the entire Black Sea region.
- What specific scientific and infrastructural benefits will all this bring?
- First of all, conditions will be created for the full cycle of work with underwater heritage - from field research to conservation and restoration, analysis and documentation and public presentation of the finds. Laboratories will allow for modern conservation and restoration, repositories - for appropriate storage, and the museum exhibition will make this heritage accessible to the public. Currently, the processes do not happen this way. As you know, we do not have a visitor center or a place where people can learn about our work, and the concept for the development of the island unites all of the above in one place.
- Part of the expert community expresses concerns about the future of the island - how do you respond to these criticisms and how will a balance between science, culture and public interest be guaranteed?
- We, from the Institute for Underwater Heritage (Center for Underwater Archaeology), are part of this community and are very worried and anxious about what could happen if the property, currently managed by the DPPI, is not returned to the Ministry of Culture, as promised at the moment. For our part, we are ready at any time to assist in making these intentions a reality.
When the concept for the island is implemented, it will become a place for everyone. A place for science, education, research, recreation. We are also in constant communication with the Ministry of Environment and Water, with whom we will implement joint projects on the island, and they themselves will have a separate research center there.
The decision of the Council of Ministers on this unlawful division of the island has shown that our society does not accept the disposal of our cultural heritage in this way.
A huge unification has resulted, both of people from the sphere of culture and science, and many other areas. The petition for the island of “St. St. Kirik and Julita“ is still active and continues to collect signatures, and in the end, the island was once again talked about, which was once again left without any care, with crumbling buildings, and in a deplorable condition. The created case study gave new impetus to the possibility of the concept being implemented in its entirety and to have a unique place in Bulgaria that combines culture, science, education, research and art, cultural and natural heritage.
- What are the most significant archaeological discoveries in the water area around Sozopol and the island in recent years and how do they change our ideas about the ancient history of the region?
- The water area around Sozopol is one of the richest and most saturated with cultural heritage in the Black Sea. The discoveries include remains of prehistoric settlements from the Stone Age and Bronze Age, shipwrecks from different eras, port structures and accumulations of finds from the emergence of the port to the present day, which provide information about trade, shipping and cultural contacts.
These finds show that the region was an extremely dynamic center of exchange of information, resources, cultural achievements since prehistoric times, through antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Bulgarian Renaissance and our most recent history.
- What are the risks facing the underwater cultural heritage in Bulgaria - both from natural processes and human activity?
- The risks are serious and increasing. From a natural point of view - climate change, changes in the marine environment. From a human point of view - illegal interventions such as bottom trawling and treasure hunting, construction activities and pollution. The Black Sea is a specific and vulnerable ecosystem, and the underwater heritage is extremely sensitive to these processes. That is why systematic monitoring, scientific research and effective protection are necessary.
- How do you see the future of underwater archaeology in our country - are there enough young specialists and resources to develop this scientific field?
- There is interest from young people, but resources and opportunities for development are limited. There is a lack of sufficient infrastructure, funding and long-term programs. There are no academic programs and specializations in underwater archaeology in Bulgaria. The project for the island of “St. St. Kirik and Julita“ can change this by creating conditions for training, specialization and work of young researchers in an international environment. This is key for the future of underwater archaeology in Bulgaria.