The Institute of Balkan Studies and Center of Thracology of BAS (IBSCT-BAS) celebrated 60 years since its foundation with a party in the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall of the Academy. The President of BAS Prof. Julian Revalski, Member of the Academy, presented an honorary plaquette – golden – to the Director, Prof. Roumiana Preshlenova. The prize is awarded for a significant contribution to fundamental and applied research of the history, culture, geopolitical processes in the Balkans and on the occasion of the anniversary.
Over the past 60 years the Institute of Balkan Studies and Centre of Thracology has gained both national and international prestige, said Prof. Revalski in his address to the scientists of the Institute. He pointed out that the IBSCT has been a major driving force for the study of Balkan studies in Japan. The course, set up under the “Development and Promotion of Bulgarian Studies Abroad” NSP, is held at Osaka University and attracts more than 160 students each semester.
Prof. Roumiana Preshlenova presented the most significant achievements of the Institute in the last ten years, for which it received the high award.
The IBSCT was established in 1964 by a decision of the Council of Ministers as a research and educational centre for the history, languages, culture and religions of the Balkans.
