Fifty years since the establishment of the Institute of Thracology were solemnly celebrated in “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall of BAS. The Institute was transformed into the Centre of Thracology “Prof. Alexander Fol” at the Institute of Balkan Studies (IBSCT-BAS).

The Director of IBSCT-BAS, Prof. Dr. Roumiana Preshlenova, opened the celebration and recalled that for 50 years more than 50 outstanding scholars have worked in the structure. In her words, the research of the great Bulgarian scientists Ivan Velkov, Hristo Danov, Gavril Katsarov, Georgi Mihailov and many others created the foundation on which Prof. Alexander Fol to set the beginning of the independent institutional development of this science at BAS.

The Vice-President of BAS Corr.-Mem. Stefan Hadjitodorov congratulated the scientists and presented the Director of IBSCT, Prof. Prof. Roumiana Preshlenova, a silver plaque. The prize is awarded for high scientific achievements in research and popularization of the history, language and culture of ancient Thrace and on the occasion of the anniversary.

On 16 and 17 May, the Fifth Readings in Thracology on the theme “Thracology – a science without borders”, dedicated to Prof. Alexander Fol and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Institute of Thracology are conducted.