# Repatriation and scientific study of Tsar Samuel's remains > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/repatriation-of-tsar-samuels-remains > Updated: 2026-10-08T04:43:53.000Z. Sources: 154. Developments: 7. Greece and Bulgaria have finalized a historic agreement for the mutual exchange of cultural and anthropological heritage. During a ceremony at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev oversaw the handover of the remains of medieval Bulgarian Tsar Samuel (997–1014), along with those of Tsar Gabriel Radomir and Tsar Ivan Vladislav, to Bulgaria. In exchange, Bulgaria returned 48 religious artifacts to Greece, including icons, crosses, and church vessels removed from Eastern Macedonia in 1917. These items will be exhibited at the museum until November 2026. The remains were transported to Sofia via military aircraft and interred at Saint Sofia Church. While celebrated in Bulgaria as a matter of historical justice, the transfer faced scrutiny from North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and historian Alexander Atanaskoski, who disputed the authenticity of the remains and the logic of the repatriation. In response to concerns regarding the identification of the remains, scientists at the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM-BAS) have launched a comprehensive research program. This study will utilize ancient DNA analysis, including mitochondrial and Y-chromosome testing, to determine the biological origins and kinship of the individuals. Additionally, researchers plan to conduct radiocarbon dating of the sarcophagi and attempt a digital reconstruction of Tsar Samuel’s head. The full scientific process is estimated to take between two and three years to complete. ## Claims - The remains were discovered in 1965 by professor Nikolaos Moutsopoulos in the Basilica of Saint Achilleion. (disputed by 10 sources) - Bulgaria is handing over 48 religious artifacts to Greece in exchange for the remains. (disputed by 10 sources) - The remains of Tsar Samuel were discovered in 1969 in the Basilica of Saint Achilles. (disputed by 7 sources) - Bulgaria and Greece reached a historical agreement for the return of Tsar Samuel's remains. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The handover ceremony in Thessaloniki was attended by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The official ceremony for the handover of the remains is scheduled for October 3 at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Twenty-one artillery salutes will be fired during the national anthem at the state ceremony. (corroborated by 12 sources) - A Spartan military transport aircraft carrying the remains will be escorted by two pairs of MiG-29 and F-16 fighter jets. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The ceremony will include a procession from Alexander I Square to Saint Sophia Church. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The handover includes anthropological material from three other sarcophagi, believed to belong to Tsar Gabriel Radomir and other members of the royal family. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The remains will be placed in a special sarcophagus in the Saint Sophia Church in Sofia. (corroborated by 9 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Bulgarian scientists begin DNA study of Tsar Samuel's remains Bulgarian scientists have begun a multi-year study involving DNA and isotopic analysis of the remains of Tsar Samuel and his family, recently repatriated from Greece. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-scientists-begin-dna-study-of-tsar-samuels-remains ### 2026-10-05: Repatriation of Tsar Samuil's remains sparks historical and political debate The return of Tsar Samuil's remains to Bulgaria has drawn criticism from historians regarding the lack of scientific verification and concerns over the political timing of the repatriation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/repatriation-of-tsar-samuils-remains-sparks-historical-and-political-debate ### 2026-10-03: Professor Atanaskoski disputes transfer of Tsar Samuel's remains Professor Alexander Atanaskoski disputes the authenticity of Tsar Samuel's remains being transferred from Greece to Bulgaria, arguing the historical connection to Bulgaria is unfounded. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/professor-atanaskoski-disputes-transfer-of-tsar-samuels-remains ### 2026-10-03: Mickoski links Tsar Samuil remains transfer to Bled Agreement North Macedonian PM Hristijan Mickoski linked the transfer of Tsar Samuil's remains to Bulgaria to the Bled Agreement, criticizing past leaders over historical interpretations of Bulgarian occupation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hristijan-mickoski-addresses-transfer-of-tsar-samuil-remains ### 2026-10-02: Tsar Samuel's remains returned to Bulgaria from Greece Bulgaria has received the remains of medieval ruler Tsar Samuel from Greece following decades of negotiations. The repatriation included a cultural exchange of 48 religious artifacts to Greece. 106 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-to-hold-state-ceremony-for-the-return-of-tsar-samuel ### 2026-09-30: VMRO-DPMNE rejects Bulgarian invitation to Tsar Samuil relic ceremony VMRO-DPMNE rejected an invitation from Bulgarian politician Krassimir Karakachanov to attend Tsar Samuil’s relic transfer, suggesting the invite go to Zoran Zaev and Venko Filipce instead. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vmro-dpmne-rejects-bulgarian-invitation-to-tsar-samuil-relic-ceremony ### 2026-09-28: Greece and Bulgaria agree to return Tsar Samuel's remains Greece and Bulgaria have signed a historic agreement to return the remains of Tsar Samuel to Bulgaria, alongside a reciprocal exchange of cultural and religious artifacts. 73 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-to-return-tsar-samuels-remains-to-bulgaria --- Cite as: Repatriation and scientific study of Tsar Samuel's remains. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/repatriation-of-tsar-samuels-remains