Rose and Olive Heritage in Bulgaria and Greece: A Comparative Study

Roses and olives have been considered important symbols for Bulgarian and Greek culture and identity from antiquity to the present day. Although previously seen mainly from the point of view of agriculture, roses and olives have been redefined as a unique form of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage with multiple values, and as a resource with various areas of use (cultural, economic, social and political), upon which extensive activities and industries have been constructed. In addition to the historically strong record of various cultural uses they had in symbols, rituals, traditional folklore, arts, crafts, events and festivals, at present, the growing synergy with tourism stands out as an approach that could enhance their fundamental values even further as an important catalyst of a sustainability-aimed socio-economic development. The comparative analysis of cultural heritage policies in the case of continuing, productive and living landscapes as the Rose Valley cultural landscape in Bulgaria and the Olive Groves cultural landscape in Greece aims to encourage landscape conservation by providing cross-case landscape definitions, history of formation, cultural significance, preservation and governance systems, as well as initiated projects for sustainable use and development. Possible interactive synergies will be outlined by referring both to the theory and practice of the interrelated fields of cultural heritage conservation, tourism and sustainable development.