No. 3 (2018): Cultural and Historical Heritage and Contemporary Times
This special issue of Terrains is the result of the international academic conference for student and doctoral readings, organized by the Department of Ethnology and held from June 10 to 12, 2016, in Gyolechitsa. This regularly held forum is not only a platform for thought-provoking presentations, but also a valuable opportunity for meetings and exchange among students and PhD candidates from various Bulgarian and international universities. It offers a space for discussing projects and academic interests, many of which often evolve into shared endeavors, fostering collegial collaboration, a sense of community, friendships, and the birth of new ideas.
The following pages present articles on a variety of topics—some rooted in tradition, others boldly contemporary—but all engaging, inquisitive, and demonstrating knowledge, hard work, and a strong desire for academic growth. The pandemic and the associated restrictions have made us even more aware of the value of in-person interaction that such forums provide. These gatherings are immensely beneficial for young scholars, often marking the beginning of long-term intellectual partnerships. They are also important for colleagues in the middle of their academic careers—not only because they offer a chance to reconnect with the enthusiasm of early steps, but also because the fresh perspective of young researchers often brings with it new approaches and topics that may have previously gone unnoticed or underexplored.
The language of the presentations—and at times the articles themselves—was innovative, offering us a glimpse into the emerging paradigms of academic communication among the next generation of Bulgarian scholars. Personally, I am grateful to have witnessed such a pivotal moment in the transition between academic generations, and I remain optimistic that the scholarship they offer is and will continue to be of the highest quality. The fields of study are far from exhausted, the horizons ahead are vast, and as for the peaks—they will be conquered.
I would therefore like to thank all our colleagues for the inspiration and sense of fulfillment they brought to the conference, and I hope the papers included in this issue will evoke the same feeling in its readers.
