Cross border scientific research

Contact between researchers from the countries along Via Egnatia has been scarse. The VEF promotes international cooperation by various means:

1. Conferences

During an international conference held in Bitola in February 2009 scientists of different disciplines gathered to discuss the history and the future possibilities of Via Egnatia. Present were archaeologists, historians, antropologists, economists and musicologists. Various concrete initiatives were born here. The VEF plans to hold similar conferences on a bi-anuual basis.

2. Working Groups

Cross-border working groups have been installed. In these groups international scientists are working together on gathering material and writing on their subject, connected with Via Egnatia. Part of these writings will be used for the planned Via Egnatia cultural travelbook. Some of the workinggroups can still place new participants.

There are working groups on the following themes:

1. Archaeology

   The Archaeology Group is collecting material for a common database on Via Egnatia. One of the goals of this work is to get Via Egnatia on the UNESCO list of world Cultural Heritage, Contactperson: Igor Aleksovski PhD ( ).

2. Migration

   The Migration Group is investigating migration along VE, contactperson: prof.dr. Hans Vermeulen (). They are also collecting life-histories along VE, contactperson: prof. dr. Riki van Boeschoten ( .

3. Cultural history

   The Cultural History Group gathers material on the daily life along Via Egnatia, such as food, handicraft, childrearing, religion, travelstories. contactperson: Marian Heesen ( ).

4. Music

   The Music Group works very practically on organising concerts along VE, which are planned for 2011. There is a cross border Via Egnatia band in statu nascendi. This band can still place musicians from the countries along Via Egnatia, including Bulgaria. Contactperson: Holger de Bruin ( ). More information on the performances of this band will be published on this website.
   Contactperson for classical music and future concerts along VE: Mirsa Adami ( ).

Restoration of monuments:

VEF stimulates cross-border restoration and cleaning of monuments along Via Egnatia. One of the planned pilot projects is a cleaning action of the Bradashesh Roman Bathhouse near Elbasan, possibly followed by more archaeological research on the place combined with teaching. If realised you can participate in this action. Contactperson: dr. Ivan Vasilev, Balkan Heritage Fieldschool (www.bhfieldschool.org). More information on this project will be published in the Newsletter.