Plamen Sabev Stefanov

Plamen Sabev Stefanov is an Associate Professor at the Department of Early-modern and Modern Bulgarian History within the Faculty of History at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo. With a PhD and extensive research experience, he specializes in Bulgarian cultural heritage, medieval history, iconography, and the application of digital technologies in historical preservation. His work bridges traditional historical research with innovative digital methodologies to document and present Bulgaria's rich cultural legacy.

Dr. Stefanov's research interests center around Bulgarian cultural heritage, with particular focus on medieval history, iconography, and digital preservation techniques. His work examines the intersection of historical documentation and modern technology, especially in the context of preserving and presenting Bulgaria's Orthodox Christian heritage. He has pioneered the use of 3D modeling and virtual reality to reconstruct historical sites and artifacts, making cultural heritage more accessible to both academic researchers and the general public. His research also explores the continuity of religious traditions through periods of political change, including the socialist era in Bulgaria.

Analysis of Dr. Stefanov's recent publications reveals a strong focus on applying digital technologies to cultural heritage preservation. His work demonstrates increasing integration of 3D modeling, virtual reality, and digital documentation techniques with traditional historical research methods. A significant portion of his recent work centers on specific historical sites in the Veliko Tarnovo region, particularly the village of Arbanasi, which serves as a case study for broader applications in Bulgarian cultural heritage preservation. His research shows a clear trajectory toward more sophisticated digital methodologies while maintaining rigorous historical scholarship.

Dr. Stefanov leads and participates in several significant research projects funded by the university and external grants. Notably, he serves as Team Leader for the 2025 project "Възрожденските къщи-музеи – пазители на народната култура" (Revival Period Houses-Museums - Guardians of National Culture), which aims to comprehensively study these cultural sites through interdisciplinary approaches combining history, ethnology, and museology. He also participates in projects examining the Magnaurska School's influence on Bulgarian culture, ethnocultural traces in the Veliko Tarnovo diocese, and memory sites from the socialist period.

Dr. Stefanov's research is closely connected to practical applications through his work with the Regional Historical Museum in Veliko Tarnovo, where he applies digital technologies to museum exhibits. His projects often involve collaboration between university researchers, museum professionals, and students, creating valuable educational opportunities while advancing the field of digital cultural heritage preservation.