Introduction to the BRIA Project

The twentieth-century wars between the Balkan powers forcefully divided the region of Thrace into frontier zones, dislocating communities, and aiming to produce ethnically and culturally ‘homogenous’ modern states (Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey). The traumatic experiences profoundly impacted later historiography and seriously affected cultural heritage. This paper introduces a multidisciplinary, collaborative initiative—known as BRIA—with scholars and students originating from the three countries. The goal is to overcome borders and the resulting limitations that still shape Byzantine Studies. In this thematic session, team members, building upon their experience of travelling across the three countries, will contextualize aspects of the Thracian territory, such as rupestrian sites, riverine and coastal landscapes, settlements, and communities (past and present). Through this panel, we wish to instigate discussion on several topics, such as a new holistic methodology for understanding the Byzantine environment and rock-cut architecture, and a research model applicable to other regions. We aspire to offer fresh perspectives on comprehending the Byzantine world and to chart a course toward a more collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable future for our field of study.