Balkan Research Centre

About:

The Balkans, a region steeped in rich history, vibrant cultures, and complex dynamics, require exploration. The Balkan Research Centre (BRC) is a portal to a deeper understanding of this captivating corner of the world.
The Balkan Research Centre, with this vision, is dedicated to fostering innovative, inclusive research that sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the Balkans. Our mission extends beyond academia, aiming to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
Whether you are a seasoned scholar, a curious student, or someone interested in the Balkans, the BRC offers many resources and opportunities. We invite you to delve into our ongoing projects, explore insightful publications, and engage in stimulating discussions at our events.

Mission:

• To create a network of scientists, academics, and policy-makers whose area of research and expertise is in the Balkans studies.
• To foster a political culture, democratic values, tolerance, human rights, regional cooperation, and Balkans common heritage.
• To establish cooperation with policy centers, institutions, and universities to promote Balkans history, culture, and common values.
• To publish books, research projects, policy-papers and contribute to the university journal.
• To organize scientific activities such as symposiums, conferences, etc. on the areas of Balkan, Turkish, Albanian politics, history, culture, linguistics, etc.

Activities:

• Symposium 1
• Symposium 2 (Coming Soon)

Publications:

Three books

Projects:

1. COPWAPAT project

   
   

   COPWAPAT project with Research Centre: between AKKSHI and Tubitak, titled “A Research on Conservation Problems and Preservation Methods of Wall Paintings in Monumental and Civil Architecture Examples in Albania and Turkey in the Ottoman Period”. On-going project, financially founded by AKKSHI and TUBITAK.

   Duration: 24 months

   Starting date: November 2022

   Partners:

   1. Yıldız Kampüsü, Beşiktaş, Turkey
   2. University of New York Tirana

   Project Description:Albania and Turkey have had close cultural, social, and commercial ties throughout history. It is possible to cite a Balkan-Anatolian unity, during the process of Westernization, especially in the 19th century, in the field of art under the influence of the Renaissance. The traces of European styles in the Ottoman period can be seen not only in the architecture of religious and civil buildings in Turkey and Albania but also in wall paintings, which have an important place in the history of art. In Turkey, wall paintings depicting also landscapes and imaginary or real buildings may be seen throughout İstanbul and central Anatolia. In Albania, wall paintings adorn the interiors and in some cases in the external walls of monumental and civic buildings. These original artworks, painted by regional and traveling artists from different cultures, although exhibiting some technical variations, are part of a shared culture that was transmitted throughout the Ottoman Empire. The research is limited to wall paintings on plastered surfaces. For these purposes, a literature survey, on-site examination, and evaluation will be made on selected monumental and civil architecture examples in Tirana, Berat, Girokastra, Kruja (Albania), Istanbul, Bursa, and Safranbolu (Turkey). The types of monumental and civic buildings chosen include those whose wall paintings have recently been restored or those with conservation problems that must be handled soon.

2. Project: The 100-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Albania and Turkey