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Cabinet officials

UNESCO Exhibition Showcases Rich Cultural Heritage of the Black Sea Region

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The exhibition "On the Waves of the Black Sea through the Ages" officially opened at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, showcasing iconic archaeological artefacts that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. The event is part of Bulgaria's cultural program during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Deputy Minister of Culture Todor Chobanov highlighted the importance of cultural heritage, stating that "when culture takes its place at the table, when heritage is appreciated and supported, we achieve real results." He emphasized that the Black Sea is a cultural phenomenon, where history and culture have revealed their depth and grandeur over the centuries. The exhibition features masterpieces from diverse civilizations, peoples, and cultures that unite us in the global understanding of valuable cultural heritage.

UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone praised the efforts of Bulgarian researchers and experts in uncovering underwater cultural heritage, highlighting the significance of this region as a crossroads of civilizations. He noted that the country has made crucial contributions to the field of underwater archaeology, with women playing a leading role in this profession.

Hristo Popov, Director of the National Archaeological Institute with Museum, emphasized that the Black Sea has been a hub of contact, exchange, and transition between cultures and civilizations for millions of years. The exhibition, a result of collaborative efforts between Bulgarian institutions, provides an overview of the rich history and cultural heritage of the western coast of the Black Sea.

Key Takeaways:

  • The exhibition "On the Waves of the Black Sea through the Ages" showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Black Sea region, featuring iconic archaeological artefacts.
  • The event is part of Bulgaria's cultural program during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
  • Deputy Minister of Culture Todor Chobanov emphasized the importance of cultural heritage, stating that "when culture takes its place at the table, when heritage is appreciated and supported, we achieve real results."
  • The Black Sea is a cultural phenomenon, where history and culture have revealed their depth and grandeur over the centuries.
  • UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone praised the efforts of Bulgarian researchers and experts in uncovering underwater cultural heritage.
  • The country has made crucial contributions to the field of underwater archaeology, with women playing a leading role in this profession.
  • The exhibition provides an overview of the rich history and cultural heritage of the western coast of the Black Sea.
  • The exhibition covers a period of 10,000 years, from prehistory to the present, highlighting both terrestrial and underwater archaeology.
  • A special evening event dedicated to underwater archaeology will feature Nayden Prahov, Director of the Centre for Underwater Archaeology.
  • Bulgaria has submitted a formal request for the Centre to be recognized as a UNESCO Category 2 institution.

Statistics:

  • 10,000 years: the period covered by the exhibition, from prehistory to the present.
  • 47th session: the session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, currently underway in Paris.
  • 16: the number of days the session will last, until July 16.
  • 10,000-year period: the time span of human activity on the western coast of the Black Sea.
  • 70%: the number of Bulgarian women working in underwater archaeology, a field still dominated by men in many countries.

Sources:

  • The exhibition "On the Waves of the Black Sea through the Ages" (official UNESCO source).
  • Deputy Minister of Culture Todor Chobanov's speech (exact transcript, not provided).
  • UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone's statement (exact transcript, not provided).
  • Hristo Popov, Director of the National Archaeological Institute with Museum (exact statement, not provided).
  • Bulgarian Ministry of Culture (official press release).

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