No. 1 (2018): From here to there: cultural dynamics and contemporary processes

The present issue features articles developed from papers delivered at the doctoral conference held in October 2018 at Sofia University. The chosen theme of the forum, “Here and There – Cultural Dynamics and Contemporary Processes,” was selected with the intention of encouraging participation from as many doctoral students as possible across various faculties, universities, and research institutes, offering them a platform to present aspects of their ongoing dissertation work.

In recent years, the Ethnology program at Sofia University has proudly fostered a talented generation of doctoral students who are exploring increasingly diverse and engaging research topics. On the one hand, some articles reaffirm established areas within ethnology—for example, Bozhidar Parvanov’s work on the semantics of ritual spaces. On the other hand, a growing number of studies reflect new research directions, such as labor mutual aid during socialism (Kristina Bobeva), contemporary migration culture (Marina Ivanova), social capital (Ivanka Abadjieva), and the emergence of new community gatherings and present-day attitudes toward traditional Bulgarian folk dress (Anelia Milusheva).

Undergraduate students from the Ethnology program are also represented in the volume. Valencia Valentinova contributes her perspective on European identity, while Maria Boeklieva—who, after completing her BA in Ethnology, continued her academic path in another faculty—retains her interest in contemporary cultural realities, exemplified in her article on Korean cyber-shamanism.

This collection reflects the breadth and depth of current ethnological research and the vibrant scholarly curiosity of emerging academics.