Republic of Macedonia
 
 


(the flag of the Republic of Macedonia)

Where in the world can you find - all within the boundaries of one country - lakes and mountains , vast plains and virgin forests, monasteries and mosques, relicts of ancient time and colourful living folklore traditions? The answer is - in Macedonia. No, this is not a commercial. This is ... REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA - small land , but great opportunities.


A view of the Ohrid lake and the Sv. Kaneo Monastery

Bordering with four countries, Macedonia is a Balkan land. From very ancient times this land at the crossroads of Europe and Asia lay in the path of countless roving tribes and armies of conquest heading East or West alongs its river valleys and across the its plains.

Getting here and travelling about the country presents no problem. International airports are located in Skopje (the capital of Macedonia) and in Ohrid. The rail services run also direct to Macedonia from many European cities. Roads have been greatly improved in recent years. There are plenty of petrol stations and maintenance and repair garages in all towns and along main roads.

Having arrived , you can be sure of a warm welcome. There is, off course, plenty to do as well as see.

SOME HISTORICAL FACTS .

Alexander the Great of Macedonia

Alexander the Great
of Macedonia

The name Macedonia is world-wide associated first with the name of the emperor who succeded in making the first world empire - Alexander the Great of Macedonia. Streching on three continents : Europe, Africa and Asia, ancient Macedonia is the second largest empire in the history of the world. From the 8th century B.C. to the fall of the Roman Empire is the period of Ancient Macedonia, of which the Macedonians are particularly proud. The Romans, indefatigable builders, left aboundant evidence of their culture, which by the 2nd century A.D.covered this territory. Remains of the cities of the time can be seen in Heraclea Lyncestis near Bitola, Stobi in the Vardar valley and Scupi near Skopje.

The Slavs began to inhabit Macedonia at the end of the 6th century and converted to Christianity. The Mission of the Brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius (founders of Slavonic literacy and promoters of Christianity among the Slavonic people) began in the 9th century from Macedonia. The first Slavonic University was open in Ohrid, founded by the Slavonic Apostles St Clement and St Naum. In this period was also the beginning of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. The first Macedonian Slav state was the Kingdom of Samuel (976-1018). In Macedonia (as well as Serbia and Montenegro ) Byzantine architectural influence was dominant (the dome churches are world-famous for the splended frescoes covering their entire interior ; some rank among the finest Europian paintings of the period ). Closest to the "pure" Byzantine style of Constantinople are the earlier churches in Macedonia, such as Sveta Sofija in Ohrid and Sveti Pantelejmon near Skopje.

At the end of the 14th century Macedonia fell under Turkish Ottoman rule, which lasted for five centuries. Ottoman rulers left their mark, among other things with their mosques, bazaars, caravansarays, baths, clocktowers... The 19th century is a period of growth of national awareness among the Macedonian people. From 1943 Macedonia was one of the constituent republics of Federative Democratic Yugoslavia. In April 1945 was formed the first Macedonian government. After the collapse of the Yugoslav federation in 1991, through the plebiscite, the Republic of Macedonia was declared an independent and sovereign state .

NATIONAL CURRENCY The national currency of Macedonia is the DENAR. (for exchage rates click here).

TOURISM

OHRID LAKE is beyond doubt one of the loveliest and most popular tourist areas in Macedonia. Apart from its delightful climate, which makes it a favourite health resort as well as bathing place, the lake is renowned for the ancient town of Ohrid, featured on UNESCO's world heritage list for the beauty of its architecture and many medieval treasures. Outstanding among its many churches are St Clement's with its magnificent frescoes and icon collection and the 11th century church of Holy Wisdom (Sveta Sofija) , where concerts are held during the Ohrid summer music festival. Samuel's Fortress on the hill above the town Ohrid recalls the time when Ohrid was the capital of the Macedonian state under Emperor Samuel.


PRESPA LAKE is another place for bathing, boating and fishing The RIVERS are popular for fishing, bathing (some of them) and canoeing. Macedonia has also outstanding conditions for skiing.
POPOVA SHAPKA on Mt Shara is 21 km from the town of Tetovo, with which is linked by cablecar. For the ski-fans another interesting places are:
MAVROVO (near Gostivar) , KRUSHEVO and PELISTER . There is a well-connected ski-lift system and long season ( from November till the end of April ). Macedonia has also mineral, thermal and radio-active SPRINGS and SPAS with special medical facilities. SKOPJE , the capital of Macedonia , is a ancient town with an eventful history. Besides the churches , museums and galleries in the city, some outstanding works of art can be seen in the surroundings. GALICHNIK- where on the 14th of July is the traditional Galichnik Wedding.

A multi-national country has a multi-national cuisine: in other words, something for all tastes. A particular delicacy is the Ohrid trout, stuffed with peppers and onions. There are also many international restaurants. And don't worry about the bill- eating out is considerabely cheaper here than in most European countries. We produce both red and white wine and off course, beer ( by the way some people-particulary young, are coming back in Macedonia just for this macedonian beer ).


A view of the Sv. Kaneo Monastery from the Ohrid lake

You can find more information about Macedonia on these pages:

Macedonia versus Greece, the Real Struggle Behind the Name Dispute
http://www.macedon.org
http://www.macedonia.org

http://faq.macedonia.org

Sasha Simitrova

[ welcome | what's new | student exchange | congress | articles | history | the discussion list | the people | contact | help ]
© Macedonian Dentistry Students' Association 1999-20
05