The 5th edition of the Balkan Architecture Students Workshop, which has been organized for several years by the Turkey–North Macedonia Intercountry Committee (ICC) in various Balkan countries, was held this year in Kardzhali, Bulgaria. The event was hosted with warm hospitality by the Municipalities and Rotary Clubs of Kardzhali and Momchilgrad, and supported by the Rotary Clubs of Istanbul Şişli, Skopje Kamenmost, and Athens Amaroussion. The Turkey–Bulgaria ICC Committee also contributed to the project with valuable participation. After an intensive week of collaborative work, the workshop concluded successfully.
Students and mentors joined the program through the Rotary Clubs of their respective countries. The mentors included ICC Turkey–North Macedonia Committee representatives: architect and project initiator Serhad Bil, a member of the Şişli Rotary Club; architect Bujar Mucha from the Skopje Kamenmost Rotary Club; Giannis Dendiros from Greece, who participated for the first time; and Yusuf Nalbant, Chief Architect of Kardzhali Municipality, representing Bulgaria.
Upon arrival on October 22, all teams gathered in Kardzhali. During the evening briefing with students, information about Rotary and ICC was presented, and the one-week workshop program was shared.
As in previous editions, students were challenged with a real-life project. This year’s theme focused on the sacred site in Tatul, believed to include the tomb of Orpheus, and its surrounding archaeological zone. The task was to propose architectural improvements that would enhance the site as a cultural and touristic destination, accessible year-round and attractive to more visitors. To support the work, participants were provided with maps, drawings, and archaeological documentation prepared by Momchilgrad Municipality, and details were explained by Chief Architect Yusuf Nalbant.
Students were then divided into three mixed teams of four members each. The opening dinner at Trifon Zarezan Hotel provided an excellent opportunity for fellowship among students, mentors, and Rotarians.
On October 23, the group visited the archaeological site with a guide, observed the area in detail, asked questions, and conducted on-site evaluations. In the following days—Tuesday through Friday—the students worked with great dedication, often continuing late into the evenings. Architecture students from different countries combined their ideas in harmony, producing outstanding design concepts. By the end of the week, three highly successful project proposals were completed.
The workshop emphasized collaboration rather than competition, offering decision-makers three different perspectives on the same subject. On October 27, the projects were presented at an exhibition held at Konak Hotel in Momchilgrad. The event was attended by Rotarians from several countries, senior municipal officials, members of the Bulgarian press, and Member of the Bulgarian Parliament, Ms. Ayten Sabri. The program concluded with a fellowship dinner.
The workshop was further enriched by the presence and contributions of Rotarians including Şişli RC President Ahmet Kepkep and Secretary Hülya Gül; PDG and ICC General Council Member Müfit Ülke; PDG İsmail Rodoplu; members of the Turkey–Bulgaria ICC Committee Şaban Rodoplu, Raif Bolat and his spouse, and Cevdet Adem; Kardzhali RC President Petar Petkov and Zone 21B ARPIC Arkan Apdurrahman; distinguished members of the Kardzhali and Momchilgrad RCs; Chief Architect of Momchilgrad Municipality Yusuf Nalbant; Deputy Mayor of Momchilgrad Municipality Gülizar İsmail; and MP Ayten Sabri.
The Balkan Architecture Students Workshop is organized to foster friendship among young people of the Balkans, to mitigate potential tensions, and to strengthen cooperation around a shared purpose. The program highlights the cultural commonalities of the region—cuisine, humor, shared words across languages, and music—helping to build peace and mutual understanding.
The next edition of the Balkan Architecture Students Workshop will take place in North Macedonia, with the participation of even more Balkan countries. The ICC looks forward to reuniting with students, mentors, and Rotarians at the upcoming event.
