Juraj Dobrila University of Pula in partnership with the FORTIC partnership consortium and international expert networks is organizing the international scientific conference FORTIFIED ARCHITECTURE FOR THE CULTURE OF PEACE – EUROPEAN BEST PRACTICE IN FORTIFIED HERITAGE MANAGEMENT, which will be held in NP Brijuni from 15 to 17 September 2025.

This scientific meeting aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue focused on European best practice in sustainable valorisation and revitalization of fortified and former military heritage and its transformation into spaces of international cultural and scientific cooperation, civil and peace initiatives, solidarity and intercultural dialogue. Former military heritage, defensive architecture and fortification systems should become new European cultural corridors and meeting spaces for young Europeans, promoting a culture of peace, balanced cultural and social development, common European identity and intercultural dialogue. The goal of the conference is to show that participatory sustainable management of fortified and former military heritage through transnational networking and cooperation can contribute to a more balanced sustainable planning and quality of life of local communities.

Participatory governance, multidisciplinary scientific research and transnational cooperation in valorisation of common European heritage could help to implement the most effective best practices and find solutions to current challenges in managing global polycrisis faced by the European Union: the climate crisis, the energy crises, rising geopolitical tensions and challenges to the world peace, inclusion of migrants and sustainable development of local communities. Proper valorisation of European former military and fortified heritage could contribute to the more balanced sustainable urban planning and the quality of life of local communities and be used in achievement of the European Green Deal as well as of the European values of peace and democracy.

Due to its important geopolitical position and turbulent multicultural history at the crossroads of Euro-Mediterranean civilizations, Adriatic region is characterized by a rich diversity of cultural landscapes and a wealth of fortification architecture. Well preserved Adriatic coastal systems of Venetian and Austro-Hungarian fortifications are witnesses of the turbulent past and common European heritage. Some of them are already listed as UNESCO World heritage, others are still waiting a proper valorisation, such as the unique former Naval fortress Pula. Join us and explore one of the most exciting fortified landscapes in Europe!

Contributions may address, but must not necessarily be limited to, the following issues:

• Challenges and best practice for the cultural heritage of fortified monuments
• Historical research and theoretical conceptualization of fortified heritage
• Inventory and building research
• Restoration and preservation, conversion and sustainable (re)use
• European Heritage Label and World Heritage nominations
• Urban and regional development
• Abandoned military areas and urban regeneration
• Fortified sites as green areas for community wellbeing and inclusive placemaking
• Fortifications as clusters of innovations and social entrepreneurship
• Fortresses as dissonant heritage and places of education for culture and peace
• Sustainable tourism development and best practice implementation
• Socio-economic impact of fortified heritage
• Monitoring and measuring sustainability of tourism at World Heritage Sites
• Climate change and sustainability
• Digital Heritage
• Transnational networking and cultural routes

The organisers, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula in partnership with the FORTIC partnership consortium and international networks FORTE CULTURA and EFFORTS are looking for abstracts of papers (max. 500 words) on the above or similar topics that clearly have connections with the overall theme and objectives of the conference. You are invited to submit your proposals in English, including the name(s) of author(s), professional affiliation, contact information, title of the paper, abstract, and up to eight keywords (through the submission form).