ICBSS Photo Competition
Culture Through My Eyes. One Region, Infinite Stories.
20 March - 13 July 2026
Winners Announced!
The 2026 ICBSS Photo Competition has officially come to an end with the public announcement of the 12 winning photos!
- In Between – Yerevan, Armenia
Photographer: Andrei Cojocaru, Romania
The photograph was taken on analog film during a trip to Yerevan, Armenia. I was impressed by the size and the architectural style of the building and also inspired by how small the people watching the city overview looked. Also, as you can see in the picture, there are a couple of young people on a side and an elder on the other side, both under the dome/pyramid structure generated by the sky and the outline of the building.
- Kalenin insanları (people of Kale) – Ankara, Kale, Türkiye
Photographer: Selin Özaşkın, Türkiye
This photo is all about the hidden labour behind Objects that we use daily. I took this photo to appreciate the hardworking people who try to continue our cultural heritage.
- The Waterfall – Livadeia, Viotia, Greece
Photographer: Fani Sampani, Greece
In Livadeia, water reveals its power and clarity, balancing between creation and destruction. It is a source of life, yet a force that can take everything away. To me, this image expresses culture: the deep connection between humans and nature, where water becomes a source of existence and memory.
- Plaka Bridge - A landmark of resilience – Tzoumerka, Ioannina, Greece
Photographer: Sofia Tzouana, Greece
The Plaka Bridge is a single-arched stone bridge located above the waters of the Arachthos River. It is the largest single-arched stone bridge in Greece and the wider Balkan region. A notable example of Epirus's cultural heritage, it was built in 1866 with an arch spanning 40 metres and standing 20 metres high to facilitate trade and communication among the surrounding communities. Despite collapsing three times, most recently in 2015, the Plaka Bridge still stands today. In 2021, the project to restore the Plaka Bridge was awarded a European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award, establishing it as a symbol of resilience.
- Poetry on the Trail – Salamis Island, Attica, Greece
Photographer: Elpida Besi, Greece
On the tranquil shore in front of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, and just a few metres away from the pine forest of the same name, the house of the great Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos still stands. Simple yet beautiful, it blends into the landscape, resembling a painting that celebrates the beauty of spring nature. A place of inspiration for Sikelianos, where he created some of his most significant poetry, the house has now been restored and serves as a small museum.
- Reflections – Ziros, Greece
Photographer: Aggeliki Tzouana, Greece
Located in the heart of the Epirus region, between the cities of Preveza and Arta, Lake Ziros is a gem of natural heritage. Geologists believe that the small lake was initially a cave which later collapsed. Rich in flora and fauna and with underground springs, Lake Ziros creates a unique mirror effect, reflecting all the beauty of this natural heaven.
- Easter Eggs – Avlon, Attica, Greece
Photographer: Dimitra-Maria Sampani, Greece
This little basket of eggs holds so much.
The joy of children helping with the Easter preparations, the unity of three women raising their families in a foreign land, the weight of the Christian Orthodox religion. But, above all, Easter Eggs.
- Spring Sunset in Greece – Oreini Nafpaktia, Nafpaktos, Greece
Photographer: Georgia Chantzi, Greece
A spring sunset in a mountain village in Greece, with a blooming wild pear tree and a white stone roadside shrine. Known as Eikonostasia, roadside shrines serve as memorials for loved ones lost in accidents or expressions of gratitude for divine intervention. They are placed along roadsides across Greece, usually in mountain roads or rural areas, reflecting the country's longstanding orthodox Christian traditions.
- An Eternal Symphony – Ancient Theatre of Oiniades, Holy City of Messolonghi, Regional Unit of Aetolia-Acarnania, Greece
Photographer: Angeliki Kostopoulou
A musical encounter where history and heritage meet the sounds of today.
A musical night at the emblematic Ancient Theater of Oeniades with the songwriter Orpheas Peridis meeting on stage the String Orchestra "Thanasis Tsipinakis" of the Municipality of Patras. An event co-organized by the Region of Western Greece, the Managing Authority of the Regional Operational Programme "Western Greece" and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetoloakarnania on the occasion of the restoration and reopening of the monument (co-funded by the NSRF & national funds).
- Above Heaven – Mersin, Cennet Cehennem Mağarası, Türkiye
Photographer: Tayfun Akıncı, Türkiye
This photo was taken from the depths of the Cennet cave, in a sinkhole called the Heaven and Hell Cave, while looking up at the Church of the Virgin Mary above. This photograph evokes the sense of peace offered by a church situated on a free and warm surface, emerging from a dark and cool pit. It's like an exit door, a way out.
- Karavi – Lake Orestiada, Kastoria, Region of Western Macedonia, Greece
Photographer: Stavros Kalognomos, Greece
The traditional wooden lake boats of Kastoria, also known as “karavia,” are considered an evolution of prehistoric dugout canoes, are characterized by the absence of crossbeams, and serve as a living monument to Lake Orestiada in Kastoria.
Their flat bottoms are specially designed for the shallow waters of the lake. Traditionally used for fishing and transporting people and goods, they are an integral part of Kastoria’s tradition and landscape.
Morphologically, Kastoria boats or plaves (the word “plava” derives from the Bulgarian infinitive plavati, meaning to sail, to swim) belong to the type of lake boat also found outside Kastoria, in other lakes of Macedonia region.
Today, the “karavia” or plaves are a picturesque feature of the lake and a tourist attraction, linking the present with the city’s rich history.
Nearby that beautiful karavi is the old neighbourhood of Doltso, a picturesque corner of the town where buildings date back to the 17th and 18th century, when the city thrived due to the fur trade. The art processing of fur and the respective trade developed during the Byzantine period and from then till nowadays the region of Kastoria contributing to the local economy.
- Spring in Avlon – Avlon, Attica, Greece
Photographer: Sofia Vongli, Greece
At the foothills of Mountain Parnitha, the chapel of Saint George (1832) stands quietly. A place of childhood memories and loss, it comes alive each April 23, when Avlon blooms in spring colours and shared faith.
Awards
The 12 winning photos will be included in the ICBSS 2027 Calendar!
The ICBSS 2027 Calendar will feature one winning photo for each month, accompanied by its title, place of origin, and the name of the photographer.
The calendar will be published in both printed and digital formats. Winners of the competition will receive a printed copy of the calendar.
Winners selection
The 12 winning photos were selected through public voting, held online via the ICBSS Facebook page, from 18 May to 26 June 2026.
The public upvoted photos with positive Facebook reactions (Like, Heart, Care, Wow). The 12 most upvoted photos, namely photos with the highest number of positive Facebook reactions, are the winners.
Submitted photos, that met the selection criteria but are not among the winning ones, will be included in the 10th edition of the BSEC Month of Culture, or other related non-commercial promotional activities, with proper reference to the photographer.
Acknowledgments
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 ICBSS Photo Competition!
The ICBSS extends its sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the public voting, supporting the competition with the selection of their favourite photos.
Special thanks to all participants, either amateurs or professionals, whether winners or not, who shared a glimpse of the traditions, landscapes, and stories that make the cultural heritage of the wider Black Sea region so rich and diverse.
Stay tuned for the upcoming 10th Edition of the BSEC Month of Culture!
About the ICBSS Photo Competition
On the occasion of the 10th Edition of the BSEC Month of Culture, the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) is launching an Open Call for the 2026 ICBSS Photo Competition ‘Culture Through My Eyes. One Region, Infinite Stories.’, with the aim to inspire and connect people through the rich cultural heritage of the wider Black Sea region.
The ICBSS invites individuals of all backgrounds, either amateur or professional photographers, to submit their photo, showcasing how culture influences everyday life, highlights traditions, and preserves a living heritage across centuries.
The Photo Competition will result in the creation of the ICBSS 2027 Calendar, featuring 12 winning photos. The 12 winning photos will be selected by public voting that will take place online, via the ICBSS Facebook page. Each month will feature one winning photo, accompanied by a brief description or story, including proper credit given to the photographer. The calendar will be published in both printed and digital formats.
Submitted photos, that meet the selection criteria but are not included in the winning ones, may be included in the 10th edition of the BSEC Month of Culture, or other related non-commercial promotional activities. Proper credit will be given to the photographer, according to the Terms and Conditions.
The Photo Competition will run from 23 March to 13 July 2026, including the submission, public voting, and announcement phases.
Important Dates
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- 23 March – 30 April 2026: Open for Submissions -- Deadline extended until 4 May
- 1 – 15 May 2026: Pre-Selection Process
- 18 May – 26 June 2026: Public Voting Period
- 13 July 2026: Announcement of Winners
- November – December 2026: Postage of the ICBSS 2027 Calendar to the Winners
Theme
The ICBSS Photo Competition focuses on the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the thirteen countries of the BSEC region: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Republic of Moldova, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine.
Participants are invited to submit their photos, accompanied by a brief description or story, showcasing how culture influences everyday life, highlights traditions, and preserves a living legacy across centuries.
Photos may include landscapes, monuments, paintings, street art, architecture, murals, art, gastronomy, and cultural customs and traditions from any of the abomentioned thirteen countries only.
Photos must depict real, specific elements that highlight any of the following:
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- aspects of culture that highlight its rich diversity.
- traditions, customs, and elements of intangible cultural heritage.
- local cuisine and collective hospitality practices that engage communities.
- architectural or natural landscapes that serve as landmarks.
- elements of everyday life that suggest connection and shared experience.
How to enter the competition
To enter the Competition and submit a photo, participants must register online HERE
In order to register successfully, participants must upload their photo and complete the online registration form, including location of the photo, a short description and a title (up to 150 characters), only via the JotForm. Each entry must also include the photographer’s name, contact details, and country. Any submissions via email or other communication channels will not be accepted.
Participants are free to share their Facebook usernames, if they wish to be tagged at the announcement of the winning results.
Technical Specifications
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- Orientation: Horizontal (landscape)
- File Format: JPG / JPEG
- File Size: 3 MB – 15 MB
- Accepted Aspect Ratios: 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
- No watermarks, copyright notices, logos, borders and embedded text on images are allowed.
Important: Images must not be upscaled or artificially enlarged.
Selection and Voting Procedure
The 12 winning photos will be selected via public voting through the ICBSS Facebook page. All photos meeting the selection criteria will be uploaded and be available for public upvoting on the ICBSS Facebook page for a period of 40 days.
Timeframe:
- Submission & Pre-selection: Submissions will be accepted from 23 March to 30 April 2026 -- Deadline extended until 4 May. Late registrations and photos that do not meet the selection criteria will be rejected without further notice.
- Publication to launch Voting: On 18 May 2026, the ICBSS will upload photos that meet the selection criteria to the ICBSS Facebook page. The competition's hashtag will be added as a watermark on the photo. This watermark will only be applied to versions published on Facebook for the purposes of the voting procedure and will not affect the artistic integrity of the photo. Posts will be made on the official ICBSS website, social media and newsletter channels to encourage audience engagement and voting for favourite photos.
- Public Voting: Voting will take place from 18 May to 26 June 2026. The public will choose the winners based on public upvoting, namely positive Facebook reactions (“Like”, “Heart”, “Care” and “Wow”) which will be reviewed by ICBSS. The 12 most upvoted photos (photos with the highest number of positive Facebook reactions), will be the winners. Negative reactions (Facebook “Ha-Ha”, “Angry” and “Sad”) will not be counted as votes. The decisions of the public voting are final. The ICBSS will review the results and announce the winners.
- Announcement of winning photos: The results will be officially announced by ICBSS on Monday 13 July 2026. The winning photos will be re-uploaded to Facebook with the relevant tags and hashtag, as well as on the ICBSS website. Winners will also be notified by email and will be requested to share their postal address to receive a hard copy of the ICBSS 2027 Calendar before the end of the year.
Selection Criteria
Submissions are open to individuals of all backgrounds, either amateur or professional photographers, based on the following criteria:
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- Each participant may submit one (1) photo only.
- Submitted photos must depict content from any of the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Republic of Moldova, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine.
- Submitted photos must be original, unpublished, and taken solely by the participant.
- AI-generated or substantially AI-assisted images are strictly prohibited.
- Photos must be respectful, relevant, and depict authentic elements that illustrate, but not limited to:
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- Cultural identity and diversity.
- Customs and traditions.
- Collective experiences and everyday life.
- Landmarks and culturally significant locations.
- Photos must not:
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- Contain recognisable faces.
- Include logos, trademarks, or promotional material.
- Infringe upon any third-party rights.
Awards
The 12 winning photos will be included in the ICBSS 2027 Calendar, along with references to their entrants (either their real names or their chosen nicknames). Winners of the competition will receive a printed copy of the calendar.
Important Notes
- Participants retain full copyright of their submitted photos. By submitting, they grant ICBSS a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the material for communication, publication, and promotional purposes related to the competition and the BSEC Month of Culture.
- ICBSS reserves the right to modify, suspend or cancel the competition in case of unforeseen circumstances beyond its control.
Read the Call and the Term & Conditions HERE
The 2026 ICBSS Photo Competition aligns with the ICBSS objectives to further promote the cultural identity of the wider Black Sea region, enhance its visibility to the wider public and contribute to the preservation of the region's cultural legacy, within the framework of the ICBSS’ public outreach activities.
About the BSEC Month of Culture
Being aware of the rich, diverse, cultural heritage of the BSEC region, the ICBSS established the “BSEC Month of Culture (MoC)” in 2017, with the aim to promote the cultural identity of the region and enhance its visibility to the wider public.
The MoC is an online, month-long programme of cultural highlights of performing arts, cinema, literature, painting, architecture, and gastronomy from the 13 BSEC Member States.
Each “BSEC Month of Culture” is launched annually, from 1 to 30 November.
Visit the previous editions HERE
