The main aim of the project (In)Visible Ottoman Heritage in Dobruja. Mapping Muslim Traces in a Borderland Region is to create, maintain and administrate an interactive map with Muslim Ottoman monuments and sites in Dobruja. The interactive map uses a scientific database which provides the information presented.
In the past years we have started an inventory of Muslim Ottoman monuments from Dobruja. Some of the research was carried out from personal funds, others were carried out within the ARIADNEplus project. The inventory is focused on both urban and rural monuments as settlements, structures, cemeteries, wells, etc. 80 Muslim Ottoman monuments and sites are recorded for the moment which represent the most extensive inventory realized in Romania on this topic so far. All of them were recorded with different investigation methods (terrestrial and aerial photos, precise GPS location, surface measurements, etc.). Most of the information is unique, no other research being carried out on this subject until now.
The purpose of this site is to disseminate this information in an interactive way which increases visibility of the Ottoman heritage in Dobruja. The site maps and inventories a sensitive heritage which is in permanent danger of destruction and disappearance; raises awareness of local authorities to start projects of protection, safeguarding and assuming the Ottoman heritage; creates a research instrument for academics interested in Ottoman heritage in the Balkans.
Partner:
The project (In)Visible Ottoman Heritage in Dobruja. Mapping Muslim Traces in a Borderland Region is funded by the Center for Culture and Governance in Europe - University of St. Gallen through GCE-HSG Research Dissemination Grant: Borderland Studies in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region (2020).
Photo credits:
All photo material used in the project was realized during field research by Silvana Rachieru and Tiberiu Vasilescu, with some exceptions specifically mentioned.
Team:
Tiberiu Vasilescu – Archaeologist, Curator at “Vasile Parvan” Institute of Archaeology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest. PhD in History (2015). More than 25 years of experience on field research and archaeological excavations. Participation and coordination of field research and inventory of Ottoman heritage in Dobruja.
Silviu Ene – Archaeologist, Conservator at “Vasile Parvan” Institute of Archaeology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest. PhD in History (2014). Silviu Ene led archeological excavation in sites from the Ottoman period, the most important ones being in Ciacova and Calea Aradului street - Timișoara, Timiș County. Responsible for processing GIS data and publishing on the website.
Silvana Rachieru - Associate Professor - Faculty of History, University of Bucharest. PhD in History (2010). Director of Center for Turkish Studies - FHUB. Historian of the Ottoman Empire and modern Romanian-Ottoman relations. Scientific consultancy on history of Ottoman Dobruja and Ottoman heritage. Participation in field research.
