Theme Park of Bureacracy

It would be so much fun to visit Bulgaria, not least because it seems to be a theme park of democracy. Not a park IN a democracy, but a park where the various aspects of bureaucracy, academe, and politics, typical of the western world, are exhibited in an educational and entertaining manner. This editorial is from the Bulgarian press.

At the end of July, Bulgarian archaeologistKazimir Popkonstantinov discovered what are believed to be the relics of Saint John the Baptist on the Saint Ivan Island near the Black Sea town of Sozopol.

Pieces of bone from the arm and skull and a tooth of St. John, one of the founders of Christianity, were discovered in a marble sarcophagus reliquary within the ancient church.

Diaspora Minister and renowned historianBozhidar Dimitrov confirmed the authenticity of the findings with absolute certainty, and they were transferred fromarchaeologists to the St. George Church in Sozopol during a ceremony last week.

Dimitrov’s confirmation was based solely on an inscription on the marble sarcophagus. “It is very seldom that one would find an inscription, and in archaeology the inscription is considered the most authentic proof,” stated Dimitrov.

Popkonstantinov also stated “It is important to understand one thing – this is the first time ever in the world archaeological practice that relics of St. John are found together with an inscription which just literally nails the conclusion and leaves no doubts. There are no speculations here.”

The affirmation of origin and the official ceremony both came before any tests were done to provide further evidence that the relics are in fact those of St. John.

Criticism became rampant in archaeological circles. Not necessarily about the authenticity of the relics, but about the haste to confirm it - before actual tests were run.

However, some archaeologists have pointed out that the bones can only be dated but that there is no way of actually proving that they belonged to one of the founders of Christianity.

Nonetheless, the scientific doubts have resulted in a heated exchange of insults betweenarchaeologists and Dimitrov.

Dimitrov accused the archaeologists who voiced skepticism of being jealous of Popkonstantinov’s findings. He even suggested that one of Bulgaria’s most well knownarchaeologists Nikolay Ovcharov was envious.

This comes as no surprise, since Ovcharov and Dimtrov have been involved in a war of discrediting each other’s work for the past two years. Ovcharov was just an easy target and a way to get the ball rolling for Dimitrov.

Archaeologists who were stunned by Dimitrov’s harsh words must take his comments with a grain of salt. At a time when relics from a founder of Christianity are said to be discovered - the archaeological community as a whole will be thrilled - but envy amongst somearchaeologists is bound to ensue. It’s natural.

On the other hand, Dimitrov’s accusation is unjustified. As a former historian and scholar, it is shocking he is unwilling to endorse further confirmation, for which the archaeological community, including Ovcharov, is asking, such as carbon dating, to prove the relics are original.

His critics are also professionals and it is not unreasonable for the scientific community to expect deeper investigation into such a unique discovery.

Trying to prove the authenticity of St. John’s relics, even if to find it is impossible, is also advisable because Dimitrov and the Bulgarian government now hope to turn Sozopol into a pilgrimage tourist destination. As it also owns a piece of the Holy Cross and relics of St. Andrew, Dimitrov went as as far as suggesting Sozopol could become the “Second Jerusalem!”

If the holy relics appear to be fraudulent, Dimitrov will be to blame as he was the one, not Popkonstantinov, who disregarded requests for further investigation and testing of therelics. What is more, the reputation of Bulgarian archaeology will be tarnished, and any prospects for pilgrimage tourism will be discredited.

The archaeological community tied the media frenzy over the discoveries to economic projects.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time Dimitrov is the engine of a media campaign whose goal goes beyond the promotion of an archaeological discovery,” said Totko Stoyanov, head of the Bulgarian Archaeologists' Association.

No doubt, Dimitrov has made his excitement over complementing sea tourism in Sozopolwith pilgrimage tourism very clear. Dimitrov’s and the government’s actions since the discoveries have been made, such as immediately funding the restoration of the church housing the relics at a moment when the money for the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences has been reduced significantly, are obviously strategic ways to bring people into the buzz and foster tourism.

I don’t blame him. This is a great opportunity for the Bulgarian economy to grow, as pilgrimage tourism makes up about 30% of revenues from the tourism industry. These historic, spiritual artifacts in Sozopol may also allow Bulgaria to add to its list of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the recognition alone attracts visitors.

In fact, several Bulgarian ministers will soon begin working on the drafting of a National Strategy for the development of cultural and historical tourism.

Nevertheless, as a government official, Dimitrov has presented Bulgaria, yet again, in a negative light on the international stage, creating more work to be done to make Bulgaria an attractive destination.

Also, Dimitrov’s lude comments against archaeologists and Bulgarian women (whom he deemed indecent or “naked” when entering the church to view the relics) whether strategic or not, have only stolen attention from the importance of the discovery.

Proving the authenticity of the holy artifacts should be the focus of Dimitrov and the archaeological community not only because economic benefits will be realized for bothSozopol and the entire country, but because proving their originality will be a historical milestone.