The third round table at the 18th Annual Meeting of the South-East European Experts Network on Intangible Cultural Heritage explored how municipal policies shape the safeguarding of ICH in urban contexts. Moderated by Hanna Schreiber, this session featured presentations from Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania, showcasing theoretical frameworks and concrete case studies.
Bulgaria: Aspects of Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Municipalities for the Safeguarding of ICH
Speakers:
- Mr. Gencho Genchev
- Ms. Silva Nalbantyan-Hacheryan
Bulgaria highlighted the crucial role of Chitalishte (community centers) as the backbone of ICH safeguarding. With over 3,700 Chitalishte across the country, they serve as hubs for cultural transmission in urban and rural areas.
Key Initiatives:
- Financial Support: The Ministry of Culture funds ICH programs, including:
- 2.5M BGN for modernizing community centers.
- 3.5M BGN for folklore education.
- 2.8M BGN for literacy and ICH programs in libraries.
- Municipal Involvement: A representative from the National Association of Municipalities is part of the National Council for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Challenges: Balancing urban expansion with cultural preservation remains a key issue.
Ms. Nalbantyan-Hacheryan noted, “We need cooperation in cultural heritage management for the benefit of cities and society.”
Future Goals: Bulgaria seeks to institutionalize permanent funding for Chitalishte in the state budget to ensure long-term sustainability.
Cyprus: Fostering Community Engagement in Safeguarding Living Heritage in Urban Contexts
Speakers:
- Ms. Christiana Papadopoulou
- Ms. Thekla Papantoniou
- Mr. Panayiotis Theodorou
Cyprus presented two key factors shaping ICH policy:
- Municipal restructuring—recently merged municipalities are expected to improve cultural management.
- The European Capital of Culture bid (2030)—five Cypriot cities are competing, prompting greater engagement in ICH policies.
Case Studies:
- Limassol Carnival: A major urban event that blends spontaneous community participation with organized efforts.
- Echoes of the City (Nicosia): An interactive heritage project using digital tools, role-playing, and local stories to engage diverse audiences.
Ms. Papadopoulou remarked, “Our living heritage is a bridge that connects generations and communities in a rapidly changing world.”
Key Takeaways:
- NGOs play a major role in bridging the gap between communities and policymakers.
- Sustainable long-term cultural policies are needed, rather than short-term festival-driven initiatives.
Republic of Moldova: Public Policy and Living Heritage in the Urban Environment
Speakers:
- Mr. Andrei Prohin
- Ms. Mihaela Rastrașanu
Moldova focused on two key ICH elements:
- Caroling traditions (jointly inscribed with Romania on the UNESCO list).
- Military farewell parties, where families organize rituals for young men before military service.
Municipal Actions:
- The city of Chișinău organizes annual festivals for both traditions.
- The Municipal Department for Culture now includes an ICH branch, employing traditional craftspeople.
Challenges & Lessons Learned:
- Decontextualization: Festivals often isolate traditions from their community roots, making them „museum pieces” rather than living practices.
- Urban folklore is understudied—local legends and environmental knowledge deserve more attention.
- Education is key—more awareness is needed among youth.
Moldova stressed that ICH must be more than a showcase—it should remain an active part of community life.
Mr. Prohin highlighted, “Heritage isn’t static; it’s a living dialogue between our past and present.”
North Macedonia: The Role of National Cultural Policies in Supporting ICH in Urban Environments
Speakers:
- Mr. Miroslav Gavrovski
- Ms. Ivona Opetcheska Tatarchevska
North Macedonia focused on Glasoechko singing, a polyphonic tradition inscribed on UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding list.
Mr. Gavrovski stated, “Policies should not just preserve the past but inspire the future.”
Challenges in Urban Settings:
- Migration & ethnic shifts—Glasoechko is not widely accepted in multi-ethnic cities like Tetovo, limiting its transmission.
- Difficulty of learning—Its complex harmonic structure is not easily adapted to modern musical training.
Key Strategies:
- Family transmission remains the strongest safeguard—the Gavrovski family continues the tradition through generations.
- Scholarly-based management plans are needed—simple funding is not enough; policies must be backed by research and education.
North Macedonia emphasized that ICH policies must evolve beyond documentation and funding, shifting towards active management and training.
Romania: Looking for the Living Heritage Community in Old and New Urban Contexts
Speakers:
- Ms. Ioana Baskerville
- Ms. Andra-Ozana Dram
Romania emphasized that community is the key indicator of whether heritage is truly „living” in urban areas.
Ms. Baskerville emphasized, “Heritage thrives when communities feel seen and valued.”
Key Insights:
- Urban ICH in Romania is mostly transplanted rural heritage due to the country’s historically rural background.
- The case of Iași: This city exemplifies how urban identity is shaped by rural traditions.
Challenges & Strategies:
- Mapping projects are being conducted to document and preserve urban ICH.
- Heritage markets bridge the rural-urban divide, supporting artisans in city spaces.
- Policy advocacy is needed to ensure that urban development includes cultural considerations.
Romania’s presentation reinforced the idea that urban ICH cannot exist without strong, engaged communities.
Key Takeaways from Round Table 3
- Municipal Policies Must Empower Communities:
- Effective safeguarding relies on community participation, not just government initiatives.
- Effective safeguarding relies on community participation, not just government initiatives.
- Sustainability Over Festivals:
- Short-term festivals are not enough—permanent funding mechanisms and management plans are needed.
- Short-term festivals are not enough—permanent funding mechanisms and management plans are needed.
- Urbanization & Migration Impact ICH Transmission:
- Many traditions struggle to survive in cities, requiring new strategies for adaptation.
- Many traditions struggle to survive in cities, requiring new strategies for adaptation.
- Intercultural Exchange is a Strength:
- Urban areas, as cultural melting pots, offer opportunities for heritage fusion and revitalization.
- Urban areas, as cultural melting pots, offer opportunities for heritage fusion and revitalization.
- Scholarly Research is Essential:
- Policies should be based on expert studies and long-term planning, not just financial incentives.
This session showcased diverse approaches from South-East Europe, emphasizing that while challenges differ, the goal remains the same: a sustainable, community-driven future for intangible cultural heritage.
