Author: patcevd

Second International Symposium on Theoretical Mediterranean Archaeology

Introduction

Mediterranean archaeology and imperialism are closely related. The ancient world itself was shaped by empires to a large degree, in particular from the period of around 500 BCE onwards. Our study of that Mediterranean world, moreover, was (and still is) formed by a variety of modern empires that located their beginnings in that Mediterranean past. The Roman Empire and its study probably constitute the most illustrative example hereof. As a result, often a ‘false sense of intimacy’ is created between the Mediterranean past and the imperial present. The Roman Empire, for instance, was often seen as good in the sense of being a mission civilicatrice (a colonial perspective) in the past, while it is nowadays, from a postcolonial perspective, not infrequently presented as a genocidal, imperialist slave society that annihilated local cultures.

The Aim of the THEMA Lychnida 2026

This meeting builds upon the successful inaugural event of the Symposium on Theoretical Mediterranean Archaeology – LYCHNIDA in 2025, which gathered over 60 theorists of archaeology and archaeological and museum professionals from 25 countries – from USA to Syria. The first symposium brought together fundamental analyses, engaging debates and methodological rigor in addressing contemporary Mediterranean and global challenges, reinvigorating archaeology as scientific discipline, fostering cultural understanding, and safeguarding humanity’s collective heritage.

The aim of this year’s meeting of the THEMA Lychnida is to critically analyze the notion of imperialism as a lens to understanding the Mediterranean past and heritage as well as our study of them in the present. Questions central to the debate include: Was their imperialism(s) the same as ours? Can or should we replace the concept of imperialism with notions like connectivity, network and globalization? To what extent is this ‘false sense of intimacy’ obstructing our scholarly interpretations? Should ideologically motivated views of the ancient empires (“good Romans” versus “bad Romans”) be allowed to play a role in the formulation of a research agenda for the field? How have different scholarly traditions from different countries dealt with this dilemma? How do you deal with the close relation between Mediterranean archaeology and imperialism in your own (academic and museum or heritage) work?

We look forward to welcoming scholars and students of archaeology and related fields to continue this important dialogue in Ohrid – the eternal “City of Light”.

President of the International Scientific Board

Prof. Dr. Miguel John Versluys

Vice President of the International Scientific Board

Prof. Dr. Emanuela Borgia

Vice President of the International Scientific Board and Director of THEMA Lychnida

Prof. Dr. Ljuben Tevdovski

Full Invitation

Meet the Future Archaeologists!

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the National Institution Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum – Ohrid, we organized an educational workshop for school-age children. Through practical and theoretical activities, the students were introduced to the profession of archaeologist, methods of archaeological research, ways of life in the past, and the significance of cultural heritage.

On June 16 and 17, through play and hands-on work, the children got closer to archaeology and the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Perhaps among them are hidden the future guardians and researchers of our cultural treasures.

Behind us is a fulfilling day filled with many smiles, new knowledge and small archaeological discoveries, which sparked curiosity and interest in the rich cultural heritage among the youngest participants.

The project is part of the annual programme supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

75th Anniversary of the Founding of the National Institution Institute and Museum – Ohrid.


Jubilees are moments when time takes on a special meaning—moments that recognize the effort, dedication, and values created across generations.

It is with great honor that we mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the National Institution Institute for the Protection of Monuments of Culture and Museum – Ohrid. For more than seven decades, this institution has stood as one of the most vital guardians of the cultural and historical heritage of Ohrid and Macedonia.

This jubilee exhibition, “Macedonian Artists from the Contemporary Art Collection,” serves as a symbolic reminder of some of the most significant works through which several essential and clearly defined paths in the development of 20th-century Macedonian art can be traced. However, it is also an occasion to recall numerous projects realized over the past 75 years across various other fields, such as conservation and restoration interventions, archaeological research, museum exhibitions, scientific projects, and activities aimed at the protection, presentation, and promotion of cultural heritage. In addition to providing a cross-section of artists and their creations, the exhibition tells the story of our continuous care for the monuments, artifacts, and spiritual values that shape the identity of the Ohrid region.

Special gratitude is extended to all past and present employees, professional associates, and external partners who, with their knowledge, enthusiasm, and professional commitment, have left a lasting value in the work of the institution. Their labor is built into every preserved fragment of the past and into every new step toward the future.

May this catalog and exhibition be not only a reminder of what has been accomplished, but also an inspiration to continue the mission—preserving, researching, and worthily presenting our cultural heritage for the generations to come.

300 Years of the Clock Tower in Ohrid – A Symbol of Time and Cultural Heritage

On the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the construction of the Clock Tower in Ohrid, a significant jubilee was marked today – 300 years of the Clock Tower in Ohrid, one of the most recognizable symbols of our city and a silent witness to the centuries that have passed through its streets.

For three centuries, the Clock Tower has been measuring the time of Ohrid – the time of its people, its traditions, its spirituality and cultural development. It is not merely an architectural structure, but a part of the collective memory and identity of the city, a monument that connects us to the past and reminds us of our obligation to preserve this heritage for future generations.

It was declared a cultural monument by Decision of the then Municipal Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments Ohrid on 28.03.1968 (58 years ago).

As the National Institution Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum – Ohrid, an institution dedicated to the protection, research and promotion of cultural heritage, we are proud to be part of this commemoration. Our mission is to preserve these values not only as material testimonies, but as a living part of the spirit of Ohrid.

The Clock Tower in Ohrid, with its simple architecture built by Čavaš Dol Sulejman Aga from Shkodër in 1726, erected above the city marketplace near the Church of St. Mother of God Kamensko in the Deboj locality, has unjustly been neglected over the years.

Our institution has an obligation to monitor the condition of the monument and to prepare an Elaboration for its revaluation with a proposal for a special Protection Regime.

On this occasion, Director Mr. Goran Pačev expressed sincere gratitude to the initiator and to all institutions, associates, experts and citizens who contribute to the preservation of our invaluable heritage.

May this great jubilee serve as a reminder that time passes, but the values we preserve remain to bear witness for us.

Visit of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to the Gallery of Icons.

The Macedonian and Croatian delegations, led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and his counterpart Andrej Plenković, today visited the ambient ensemble of the church complex “St. Mother of God Perivlepta” and the Gallery of Icons. They were welcomed by our institution’s Director Goran Pačev and curator Katerina Risteska Velkоska, as well as curator-archaeologist Atanas Kipro, who presented the rich treasury of the Gallery of Icons to the guests.

“From Word to Eternity”

“From Word to Eternity”

On the occasion of marking May 24, the day of the Pan-Slavic educators Saints Cyril and Methodius, at today’s ceremonial academy held at the Church of Saint Sophia in Ohrid, the National Institution Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum – Ohrid organized an appropriate “Exhibition of Original Liturgical Objects from the Icon Collection and Copies of Icons and Frescoes in Honor of the Slavic Educators”.

Counseling on the topic “Museums Uniting the Divided World”

The Association of the Macedonian National Committee of the International Council of Museums (MNK ICOM), as part of its activities marking May 18 – International Museum Day, held its traditional annual Counseling this year on the theme “Museums Uniting the Divided World”, where our institution, represented by Director Mr. Goran Pačev, participated with a presentation titled “Cultural Heritage as a Symbiosis of Slavic Peoples”, showcasing experiences with the Forum of Slavic Cultures – an organization uniting all Slavic countries that share similar cultural activities – on the occasion of receiving the prestigious Živa 2025 award (Best Slavic Heritage Site). Other museums also presented their work, and awards and certificates of appreciation were presented to participants. (Museum of Macedonia, Skopje, May 21, 2026).

Exhibition XXII BIMAS 2025

On May 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM, the XXII BIMAS_2025 exhibition was opened, at the initiative of the Association of Architects of Macedonia (AAM) with president Valentino Konstantinovski and member of the AAM Board of Directors Metodi Hadži Andov, with opening remarks by the Director of the National Institution Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum – Ohrid, Mr. Goran Pačev, and Iva Petrunova, member of the AAM Board of Directors. The exhibition features around fifty panels of architectural works from last year’s XXII BIMAS_2025, presented as a travelling exhibition of projects, completed buildings, interiors and competition entries, displayed in the exhibition space of the Robevci House. The exhibition will remain on display until May 20, 2026.