Presentation of the HRVĆIRPAL Project: New Research on Cyrillic Writing Variants in Croatia

On Wednesday, 18 March, at the Institute of Economics in Zagreb, the first public presentation of the project “Cyrillic Writing Variants in Croatia: Paleographic Analysis and the Evolution of Literacy Throughout History” (HRVĆIRPAL) was held. This research project, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation, brings together experts from several fields within the humanities.

The project focuses on the systematic description, analysis, and classification of different variants of Cyrillic script that were used throughout history in the territory of present-day Croatia. Special attention is devoted to identifying graphic features and regional characteristics, as well as placing these writing traditions within their broader historical and cultural contexts.

The project team presented the research plan, methodological framework, and expected outcomes. Among the key activities are paleographic analyses of manuscript sources and the creation of a digital database that will enable the review, comparison, and systematic cataloguing of Cyrillic variants from different periods.

Participants emphasized that the project provides important insights into the developmental trajectories of Croatian literacy and the richness of the traditions that shaped the region’s cultural identity. They also highlighted the intention to make project results accessible to the wider public through upcoming lectures, workshops, and digital content.

The organizers expressed satisfaction with the strong interest shown by attendees and announced that updates on the project’s progress will be regularly shared through public events and online platforms.