Macedonia history
Macedonia has a history that spans thousands of years. The Republic of Macedonia has been greatly influenced by Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman, and Turkish civilizations. The customs and traditions of modern day Macedonia are a result of centuries of an amazing past. The Ottoman Empire controlled the region of Macedonia for 500 years, beginning at the start of the 15th century. Ottoman rule established a dominance of Islam as the main religion within the region.
Quick fact!
Lake Ohrid in Macedonia is one of the deepest and oldest lakes in all of Europe.
1912 – 1989
The Macedonian language was prominently described as a form of Bulgarian. After the First Balkan War of 1912, Macedonia was annexed to Serbia. The onset of the First World War also saw large changes in land distribution in the Balkan area. After World War I, the region of Macedonia was made apart of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. The education system of the 1920’s and 1930’s expelled non-Serbian teachers, and the use of Bulgarian, Greek, and Romanian languages in schools were banished.
The mid-20th century brought another period of great change in Macedonia. The People’s Republic of Macedonia was established in 1946 as a part of the Social Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The constitution of Yugoslavia was then revised to rename the country the Socialist Republic of Macedonia. Under the control of Yugoslavian policies, the promotion of Macedonian ethnic identities as well as the Macedonian language was widely accepted throughout the region. Yugoslavian and Greek relations suffered greatly because of land claims over Macedonia. Although foreign tensions were high, the desire to create an independent Macedonian state was growing.
Quick fact!
Of all the Yugoslav territories, Macedonia was the only one that gained independence peacefully.
1990 – present
The year 1990 witnessed Macedonia’s change in government from a socialist system to a parliamentary democracy. The first elections in the newly formed Republic of Macedonia were held late in the year. In 1991, Macedonians voted for a separation from Yugoslavia and the movement was passed with a vast majority voting in favor of independence. A Macedonian constitution was drafted and officially ratified in the year 1991. Only a few nations recognized Macedonia as an independent nation primarily because of Greek objections to several aspects of the Macedonian constitution.
After the trade blockade that Greece enforced against Macedonia, the constitution as well as the flag of Macedonia were revised. Macedonia was then internationally recognized as a sovereign state. The late 1990’s and the Kosovo War led to the migration of thousands of Albanian refugees into Macedonia. The reactions of NATO and Greece led to hostile relations between Albanian Macedonians and ethnic Macedonians that would cause conflict within the country until 2001.
The beginning of the 21st century has witnessed extreme change in social, political, and economic policies throughout the Republic of Macedonia. Although Greece and several other UN countries have not yet formally recognized the fledgling country, the country is still making progressive strides towards increasing economic and social stability within the country. The Macedonian culture and ethnic heritage is an important and thriving aspect of daily life in Macedonia. The 2006 elections were met with protests and objections, however the 2009 elections were peaceful and successful, therefore allowing for progress towards Macedonia joining the European Union.
Macedonian language and culture
Culture of Macedonia
Macedonian culture is heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire. Despite it’s location, Macedonians are not considered ethnically Greek, they are of Slavic decent and continue the traditions brought to the region around the sixth to seventh century.
Cuisine
Balkan in nature, Macedonian cuisine is a blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. Traces of German, Italian, and Hungarian are also apparent in recipes and cooking practices. A warm climate provides the perfect environment to grow a large variety of fruits and vegetables, dishes from the country reflect just that. The country is also well known for it’s diversity in dairy and alcoholic beverages. Tavče-gravče is the national dish, a spicy baked bean dish that is loved by all.
Festivals and traditions
Due to it’s rather turbulent history during the 20th century, today three national holiday are dedicated to independence and revolution. August 2nd celebrates the current nation’s founding Day of the Republic in 1944. Separation from Yugoslavia is marked on September 8th as Independence Day; and Revolution Day is on October 11th marking the beginning of antifascist uprisings during the Second World War. Macedonia has a rich culture of film that dates back to the late 19th century, a variety of festivals throughout the year celebrates this long-standing cinematic love.
Music
Part of the Balkan musical branch, Macedonia has a long history of a musically inclined people. Songs that are lyrically complex often tell epic stories, entertains labourers and tell humorous anecdotes. Ritual and circle folk dances are quite common alongside these linguistically complex tunes.
The tradition of Čalgija, ensembles of tambourines, drums, lutes, zithers, clarinets, and violins, is a popular form of urbanized traditional folk music. Music is used to bring the family and community together as well as perpetuate cultural ideals.
Architecture
Beautiful medieval churches built throughout the 11th and 12th century can be found throughout Macedonia. Cultural remnants of the Byzantine Empire, domes and spires are common throughout the city as well as a heavy amount of Islamic influence. Mosques, bazaars, and baths stand as monuments to the occupation of the Ottoman Empire. Today, Macedonian cities are complex mazes of densely arranged houses that create a whole form. These fresco painted buildings often feature open balconies and a large number of windows.
Languages of Macedonia
Macedonian is the official and most widely spoken language in Macedonia. Macedonian and Bulgarian are very similar and consequently both are mutually intelligible. With a large group of Albanians living in the northwest of the country, Albanian is spoken by 25% of the population.
English is spoken widely as a second language among the younger generation. Whereas, many of the older generation have some knowledge of Serbo-Croatian and Russian.
Macedonia weather
The ancient nation of Macedonia in south eastern Europe experiences three different climatic zones: ‘Continental’, ‘Mediterranean’ and ‘Mountainous’. These act to influence the country’s weather at different times of the year but in general: the south is warmer than the north, summers are characteristically hot and dry and winters tend to be cold and wet.
Spring in Macedonia
Spring, though a short season, is a beautiful time of year in Macedonia. Visit for the profusion of blooming wildflowers, rivers of melting snow and wildlife. Macedonia becomes alive again, and the sunshine takes the chill off the air. Expect temperatures on average of 5°C to 16°C, with May being the rainy month. Bring a mixture of light and warm clothing for this transitional season.
Summer in Macedonia
With a continental climate impacting most of Macedonia, warm and dry summers are the norm. Towns in the south can sometimes experience 40°C in July and August, so avoid these months if you’re not a fan of really hot weather. Staying near the lakes or mountains in the north is an option. Expect lots of sunshine and hardly any rain, and pack your coolest cotton clothing!
Autumn in Macedonia
Autumn, like spring is a short transitional season, but generally longer and warmer. October can be a very pleasant month to visit for hiking in the hills and the show of orange and gold foliage. Pack a warm fleece or jacket for steadily cooler days and nights; by November average temperatures are likely to be around 6°C.
Winter in Macedonia
Winters are generally wet and cold in Macedonia. The north experiences heavy snowfall, drizzle and wind, and the interior can too – temperatures can at times fall way below freezing. But again, it depends where you visit and what your interests are. Skiing, for instance, is a popular winter activity in Macedonia in January and February.
Average temperatures in Skopje and Ohrid
Average rainfall in Skopje and Ohrid
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