The Archaeological Museum presents a new exhibition of late medieval ceramic pipes

On April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) at 11:00 a.m. at the Archaeological Museum (21 Al. Bogoridi Blvd.), our latest exhibition, "Late Medieval Ceramic Pipes from the Collection of the Regional Museum of History in Burgas," will open. It presents the history of tobacco as a plant, tobacco production, and the use of ceramic pipes in Bulgaria. Visitors will have the opportunity to see these artifacts, dating from the 17th to the 19th century, for the first time.
The early use of ceramic pipes in the territory of modern Bulgaria can be traced back to the early 17th century, when tobacco smoking entered the Ottoman Empire. The first pipes were straight in shape and strongly influenced by their Western European counterparts. The bowl, in which the tobacco is placed, is shaped like a truncated cone. It gradually tapers at the bottom, smoothly transitioning into a long tube at a right or obtuse angle. Usually, these pipes were white in color after the clay was fired. No additional accessories were needed to use them.
The shape of the first pipes in the Ottoman Empire was similar. They differed in their short stem and the straight or sharp angle between it and the bowl. An additional stem had to be used (added) in order to smoke them. The configuration of a pipe, tube, and mouthpiece is known as a "chibuk."
The production of richly decorated pipes in the territory of modern Bulgaria began in the early 18th century, and their use and widespread distribution continued until the end of the 19th century.
Depending on the technology used, the decoration of the pipes is either negative or positive relief.
If you want to learn more about ceramic pipes and their history, visit the Archaeological Museum in Burgas. Our new exhibition will be on display until the end of the summer season.
We look forward to seeing you!

*All events at the Regional History Museum – Burgas are in support of Burgas' bid to become European Capital of Culture.

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