This global symposium on Byzantine artistic heritage brought together experts in Byzantine studies, art conservators, and cultural historians from over thirty countries to investigate the lasting impact of Byzantine visual culture. Taking place in the ancient metropolis of Thessaloniki, the conference featured a rich program of 100+ lectures ranging from the symbolism of icons and the craftsmanship of mosaics to the reception of Byzantine styles in post-Byzantine Europe.

Researchers explored how religious imagery, site (metzger-obermeier.de) imperial symbolism, and architectural innovation shaped visual culture across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

The most captivating feature featured a coordinated showcase of previously inaccessible codices and sacred vessels from monasteries in Mount Athos and the Coptic communities of Egypt. Researchers shared new findings on material spectroscopy that mapped the movement of ultramarine and gold leaf across continents, highlighting the vast commercial infrastructures that supported Byzantine art production.

Additional sessions explored the role of women as patrons and artisans, a topic historically marginalized in earlier academic discourse.

The featured address from Professor Elena Vasiliev investigated how Byzantine art was transformed within Eastern European and Islamic artistic traditions, challenging the notion of cultural isolation. She asserted that Byzantine motifs were not passive imitations but dynamic adaptations to mirror indigenous beliefs and power structures. This perspective ignited vigorous academic discourse, many of whom shared field research on the Caucasus, the Balkans, and the Horn of Africa.

Workshops offered practical training in authentic Byzantine metal gilding and icon painting techniques, allowing participants to gain deeper appreciation for the artistry behind the objects they study.

An accompanying open-air showcase featured restored frescoes and portable icons borrowed from sacred sites and institutions spanning the Mediterranean basin.

The gathering closed by issuing a a collective plea to expand international collaboration in preserving and digitizing the visual treasures of the Eastern Roman world, especially in war-torn or environmentally vulnerable zones. Attendees agreed that the study of Byzantine art is not confined to the past but plays a crucial role in deciphering the interconnectedness of global artistic traditions.

In the words of an attendee, its visual vocabulary transcends time, speaking powerfully to modern and ancient hearts alike.