The Institute for Balkan Studies & Centre of Thracology "Prof. Alexander Fol" at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBSCT-BAS) organizes a round table "HOMO LUDENS AND HOMO BALKANICUS: THE GAME IN THE VERBAL WORLD OF THE BALKANS". The event will be held on October 16 and 17, 2025 in the IBSCT-BAS, Moskovska Street No. 45.
The round table will be devoted to a fundamental phenomenon in the history of civilization, the subject of Johan Huizinga’s seminal work on homo ludens and the ludic element in culture. Across several panels, participants will present their inquiries into diverse manifestations of the ludic principle in literature, the arts, politics, diplomacy, sports, and other spheres of activity in the Balkans, as well as in the region’s interactions with Europe.
The round table also pays tribute to eminent Bulgarian scholars who have dedicated their research to this subject. Of particular significance are Prof. Svetlozar Igov, with his insights into the figure of Homo Balkanicus; Prof. Boilchev, with his monograph Adam Bernard Mickiewicz – Between the Stature of the National Prophet and Homo Ludens (1999); and Prof. Hristo Bondzholov, with his study Homo Balkanicus as Homo Ludens: The Satirical Worldview in the Works of Radoje Domanović and Branislav Nušić (2003).
Please find below the link to join the Google Meet: