Living with the world heritage. An ethnographic study of the ancient city of Nessebar, Bulgaria

The Ancient City of Nessebar, Bulgaria, faces significant challenges due to the interplay between tourism development and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ethnographic study reveals that post-1989 economic liberalization has intensified pressures on heritage conservation, with private investors and corrupt practices undermining safeguarding efforts. Residents grapple with complex issues such as trust in institutions, property rights, social justice, local identity, and the transformation of cultural heritage into economic capital. The study highlights conflicting dynamics between tourism interests and heritage preservation, offering insights into the broader tensions surrounding World Heritage Sites.

Luleva, A. (2015). Living with the world heritage. An ethnographic study of the ancient city of Nessebar, Bulgaria. Bulletin de l’Institut Etnographique, 63(1), 19–33. https://doi.org/10.2298/gei1501019l