The State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Trypillian Culture” in the village of Lehedzyne, Talne district, became the venue for a landmark event that brought together scholars, students, government representatives, and distinguished international guests.

A delegation from Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy (BKNUC) took an active part in the event. The university was represented by President Oleksandr Cherevko, Director of the Educational-Scientific Institute of International Relations, History and Philosophy Andrii Kasian, and Head of the Laboratory of Spatial Archaeology Vasyl Lukianytsia.

Guests of honour included Viktor Yushchenko, the third President of Ukraine and Chair of the Supervisory Board of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, who has consistently prioritised the preservation of Ukraine’s historical heritage, and Lord Bertrand Cost of England, a philanthropist whose support, together with that of the American Search Foundation, has ensured the continuous funding of the Trypillian Archaeological Expedition since 2001. Representatives of local authorities, the Ukrainian academic community, and the public also attended the event.

Participants visited the archaeological excavation site, where field research has been conducted continuously for more than 45 years. Oleksii Korvin-Piotrovskyi, Head of the Trypillian Archaeological Expedition, presented an exceptionally large Trypillian dwelling currently being excavated this summer. The structure is located in the central part of the giant Trypillian settlement in Talianky. Eduard Ovchynnykov, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, spoke about the latest discoveries made at the excavation site.

This year, BKNUC history students joined the fieldwork, working side by side with specialists from the Institute of Archaeology, as well as representatives of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and Uman National University.

The continuation of archaeological research despite the ongoing war stands as a testament to the resilience of Ukrainian scholars and the steadfast support of European and American partners.

Following their visit to the excavation site, Vladyslav Chabaniuk, Director of the Reserve, guided the guests through the museum and the skansen (an open-air museum) featuring full-scale reconstructions of Trypillian buildings.

“The giant Trypillian settlements represent a unique cultural heritage of global significance, and the continuation of scientific research despite the ongoing war demonstrates both the resilience of Ukrainian science and the invaluable support of international partners. All participants agreed on the need to find effective solutions for the museification and preservation of this heritage for future generations. It is important that Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy is playing an active role in this process,” said Oleksandr Cherevko.

Press Office of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy