Joint Network for Common Traditions and Customs in Transborder Area

The overall project objective is to support the capacity of the cultural organizations to operate at cross border level and to improve the access to the Bulgarian and Turkish cultural traditions and customs in the region.

The project activities include a case study of traditions and customs as well as the natural and cultural historical heritage in the border areas: Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria and Merich, Turkey. The project study will explore the similarities in the customs and traditions of the two neighbouring nationalities – the Bulgarian and the Turkish. Within 15 months, the three project partners will present main features of their national identity. A reproduction of three common customs for Bulgaria and Turkey common traditions and customs for Bulgaria and Turkey in will be organized and recreated.

A culinary exhibition and tasting of traditional regional foods under the motto "The Taste of Thrace" is planned to be conducted in the village of Kadidondurma, Turkey. A booklet with a brief description of customs and recipes will be issued.

The project implementation will promote the circulation of cultural traditions and customs across borders and will extend their reach to larger audiences, including community organisations and institutions involved in development of civil society and promotion of education, culture and sports, youth organizations, residents and visitors of the cross border area.

Project status: Finished

The project partners have implemented the activities according to the schedule.

The project arose as a natural intercultural bridge connecting the communities of two different countries due to the proximity of the municipalities of Dimitrovgrad and Meric. As part of the cross-border territory, Bulgaria and Turkey have their own traditions and customs, which jealously guard and pass on to future generations to preserve their national identity. Some of them, however, are quite similar. They were the subject of the project study. The aim was to establish the similarities in the traditions and customs of the two nations, which shows that despite the differences, we are actually all the same. Also, to develop and maintain close relationships, to increase the tourism potential by exploring, discovering and promoting the cultural heritage in the cross-border region - comparison, exchange of practices and acquisition of intercultural competence.

The project united people living on both sides of the border. Together, we restored the customs „St. George’s day – Hadarlez”, "Wedding", “Dimitrovden – Kasam”. We produced together a traditional recipe book to show that two so different nations like Bulgarian and Turkish have many things in common. Of course, the distinctive beliefs of the two nations have their own peculiarities, but the similarities are obvious. They are based on a number of documented elements.

We managed to reach consensus and understanding on all project activities, so its success was expected. Within its framework a study of common traditions and customs of the two border regions was carried out. These traditions dating back to history were studied and explained by specialists - folklorists. The proposed reproductions were an opportunity for cultural exchange and a place where the audience felt free and committed to concrete actions in the context of a "wallless scene". The events were engaged with a diverse audience which participated in the presentation of traditions and customs and interacted with the performers. One of the project's aim was to present the traditional knowledge in a massive way. This was a natural and spontaneous process from the very beginning. An exploration of the foreign culture proved to be an attractive proposition for both sides.

After the analysis of the ratio between the similarities and the differences in the various parts of the festivals typical of the Dimitrovgrad and Meric region, a coincidence of over 50% was recorded for the the customs St. George’s day and Hadarlez, Dimitrovden and Kasam and  Wedding. As a result, a scientific conference was held setting out the main directions and planning the activities that contributed to the achievement of the stated project goals. A culinary exhibition and traditional food tasting "The taste of Thrace" was organized. As a long-term result of the project a booklet with short description and pictures of common traditions, customs and food "The taste of Thrace" was published and website was created.

Project website:

http://traditionsandcustoms.org/

Project materials:

Project materials are available HERE.

Products from the project:

Project presentation is available HERE.

The Booklet "The Taste of Thrace" is available HERE.

Presentation scenario "Organizing an event for the reproduction of common traditions and customs: first common customs: "St. George’s Day" and “Hadarlez" (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.

Presentation scenario "Organizing an event for the reproduction of common traditions and customs: second common customs: "Wedding "and" Wedding" (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.

Presentation scenario "Organizing an event for the reproduction of common traditions and customs: third common customs:" Dimitrovden "and" Kasam" (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.

Folklore touches in the cross-border region in the regions Haskovo - Edirne - 1st part is available HERE.

Folklore touches in the cross-border region in the regions Haskovo - Edirne - 2nd part is available HERE.

Case Study of traditions and customs as well as for natural and cultural heritage in the border regions: Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria and Merich, Turkey (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.

Case study "The similarities in the culinary culture and culinary recipes between the regions of the Municipality of Merich, Edirne Province and Dimitrovgrad Municipality, Haskovo Region" (Turkish version) is available HERE.

Case study "The similarities in the culinary culture and culinary recipes between the regions of the Municipality of Merich, Edirne Province and Dimitrovgrad Municipality, Haskovo Region" (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.

Presentation from the Culinary exhibition held on 16-17 November 2018 in Merich Cultural Center Conference hall (Turkish version) is available HERE. 

Presentation "Common food culture from Edirne and Haskovo region" (Turkish version) is available HERE.