Rethinking Research Models in Byzantine Studies: The BRIA Project Approach

While the methodological particularities of Byzantine Studies have been increasingly acknowledged in recent scholarship, the research models that underpin scholarly practice remain underexplored. Across the humanities—and especially in Byzantine studies—there is growing recognition that inherited research models often fall short of supporting the collaborative, interdisciplinary, and context-sensitive work the field demands. The BRIA Project, launched in 2022, addresses this gap by foregrounding the question of how research is conducted: how to study the rich yet understudied cultural heritage of Medieval and Ottoman Thrace, and how to build a model of collective inquiry that is sustainable and intellectually generative. Focusing on a region historically shared by Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey, BRIA proposes a cross-border, collaborative framework that transcends political, linguistic, and disciplinary boundaries. It acknowledges the diverse material conditions under which scholars operate and the varying political narratives surrounding Byzantine heritage in each country. Through joint fieldwork, site visits, and annual thematic workshops, the project brings together scholars and graduate students from major institutions in all three countries, fostering both research and training in digital and analytical methods. An essential dimension of BRIA is its emphasis on mutual learning. Early field campaigns served as formative exercises in interdisciplinary practice, allowing participants to learn from each other’s methods while addressing complex and fragmentary sites collectively. Graduate students contribute within this framework, developing thesis projects aligned with BRIA’s aims under shared mentorship. This model not only facilitates the co-creation of knowledge but also nurtures a shared scholarly language and perspective. By linking the region’s past to broader historical narratives, the project contributes to the preservation and reinterpretation of Thrace’s heritage. Integrating research, education, and collaboration, BRIA proposes a replicable model of collective scholarship that redefines the study of Byzantine heritage in politically and culturally entangled regions.