A stage of the restoration of iron weapons from the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast.. The specialization was realized at the invitation of the Institute of Underwater Archeology (INA) at the University of Texas, one of the leaders in the field of underwater archaeology.
The National History Museum sent restorers from the museum's laboratory of specialization to Bodrum
Alexander Vatov and Tsvetina Docheva, part of the team of the Central Laboratory for Conservation and Restoration of the National History Museum, are the Bulgarian specialists who will undergo special training in the conservation of archaeological finds from the marine environment. The training is organized by the Center for Underwater Archeology in Sozopol and NIM. The specialization was realized at the invitation of the Institute of Underwater Archeology (INA) at the University of Texas, one of the leaders in the field of underwater archaeology. It takes place in the laboratory of the Museum of Underwater Archeology in the city of Bodrum, Turkey. Associate Professor Krum Bachvarov (University of Connecticut) deserves special credit for contacts with Turkish specialists.
For the first time, specialists from Bulgaria have the opportunity to learn about the specific experience of leading restorers in the field of conservation and storage of various types of objects from the marine environment. INA built, owns and manages a Mediterranean research center in the coastal Turkish city of Bodrum, which is home to the city's Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The Texas Institute's Bodrum Research Center (BRC) is headed by Ms. Tuba Ekmekci, who works with a permanent staff of over 20 experts in the field of underwater archaeology.
For Bulgaria, as a country with access to the Black Sea, it is extremely important to develop and upgrade knowledge in the field of underwater archeology and the conservation of movable cultural values.
During its 50-year history, the National History Museum has conducted dozens of underwater surveys with the participation of the long-term director Prof. Dr. Bozhidar Dimitrov. After a short break in 2011, the NIM resumed its underwater surveys in the Burgas Bay under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ivan Hristov. The visit to Turkey of the Bulgarian restorers coincides with the start of the conservation of two iron cannons discovered by Dr. Nayden Prahov (Director of the CPA) at the end of last year and transported to the National Museum.
