RHM Burgas began the implementation of the international project EPACT

On September 23-24, 2025, the opening meeting and press conference of the project BGTR0200042 – EPACT (Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth), co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria-Turkey program, took place. Representatives of the four partners - the Kırklareli Regional Directorate of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with the Burgas Regional History Museum, the Evlad-ı Fatihan Educational Center - Kırklareli and the Municipality of Kameno - participated in it. On the first day of the meeting, the archaeological site of Ashagüpınar was visited, where significant investments will be made in the Turkish phase of the project, and the partners presented their investment plans. The official presentation of the project was attended by the Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Kırklareli Province, Veli Şen; the Director of the Department of National Education of Kırklareli Province, Hilal Liliyar Josefsun; the Mayor of Kameno Municipality, Zelyo Vardunski; representatives of the Regional History Museum - Burgas and the Public Education Center "Evlad-ı Fatihan" - Kırklareli. The partner teams, lecturers and staff of the Faculty of Architecture of Kırklareli University and other stakeholders declared their readiness to work together to achieve the project objectives.
In his opening remarks, Veli Şen emphasized that the EPACT project will contribute to the sustainable preservation of the cultural heritage of both countries through cross-border cooperation. Hilal Liliyar Josefsun emphasized the importance of raising awareness and visibility of the Ashagpınar Mound, stating that over 5,000 students have visited the site since he took office, and that educational activities and various cultural activities have been carried out with children, in particular to promote the development and promotion of the Ashagpınar archaeological site. Zelyo Vardunski expressed his satisfaction with the long-standing cooperation with the Kırklareli Regional Directorate of Culture and Tourism on various projects.
On the second day of the event, the Public Education Center "Kırklareli Evlada Fatihan" was visited and activities aimed at preserving local crafts and traditions were presented.
The project will be implemented for 24 months, until June 2027. The total budget for the four partners is 944,016.12 euros, with 100% grant funding provided to the project partners through co-financing by the European Union and co-financing by the participating countries.
The EPACT project aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in the cross-border regions of Bulgaria and Turkey by increasing the competitiveness of the local economy through digital and green transformation and by investing in tourism, cultural, social and educational potential.
The project activities include the restoration and socialization of three important historical sites: Akve Kalide (Burgas), Rusokastro (Kameno) and Ashagappınar (Kırklareli). In this context, restoration works will be carried out at Akve Kalide and a campus for young people interested in experimental archaeology will be established. A solar system and decorative lighting will be installed at Rusokastro.
A life-size replica of a Neolithic settlement will be built at the Ashagapınar Open Air Museum in the city center of Kırklareli, and an information center will be established for visitors. In addition, training courses will be organized at the visitor center for young people and locals to develop their craft skills. Local traditional embroideries and forgotten crafts will be presented as a living cultural heritage.

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