About MAcedonia
Discover the story of the Macedonian people, from ancient times to the modern era.
Table of contents
MACEDONIA
The Republic of Macedonia is a country located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former SFR Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991. The country covers about 38% of the total area of the historical region of Macedonia. Geographically, it borders the Republic of Bulgaria to the east, the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo to the north, the Republic of Albania to the west, and the Republic of Greece to the south. Macedonia has an area of 25,713 km² and is landlocked. It is home to three natural lakes and sixteen mountains higher than 2,000 meters.
According to the most recent census of 2021, the total resident population is 1,836,713.
HISTORY
Macedonia is not merely a geographical point in Europe—it is a homeland with roots stretching back thousands of years. It is a land that carries the story of humanity from ancient times to the present day.
The history of the Macedonian people, or more broadly, of human presence on the territory of Macedonia, dates back to the discovery of the oldest human skeleton in the region, estimated to be 160,000 years old. The earliest findings of organized human settlements in Macedonia date from the Neolithic period (New Stone Age).
The first organized state on the territory of the Macedonian region was the Kingdom of Macedonia, established in 808 BC (according to some sources in 825 BC) by the first Macedonian king, Karan. The kingdom reached its peak during the reign of King Philip II of Macedonia (359–336 BC) and his son, Alexander III of Macedonia (336–323 BC), of the Argead dynasty.
The name of this land resonated across the world. Philip II and Alexander the Great inscribed the Macedonian name in golden letters in history, creating an empire that united East and West, leaving a lasting cultural and civilizational legacy.
Philip II of Macedonia
Philip II of Macedonia (382 BC – October 336 BC) was King of Macedonia from 359 BC until 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great through his marriage to Olympias, and of Philip III Arrhidaeus through his marriage to Philinna of Larissa. His reign marked the beginning of Macedonia’s great rise as a state.
Philip was born in Pella in 382 BC, the youngest son of King Amyntas III and Queen Eurydice.
Upon ascending the throne, Philip reformed the state and introduced a standing professional army, establishing the renowned Macedonian phalanx as its core military unit. He also developed cavalry forces, siege engines, and projectile weaponry. His military skills enabled the Kingdom of Macedonia to become a dominant regional power.
Philip waged several successful wars against neighboring peoples. In 358 BC, he crushed the resistance of local Macedonian tribes and expanded his rule north to Lake Ohrid. He further extended the kingdom and unified the Greek city-states under Macedonian rule, laying the foundation for his son’s future world empire.
Major Battles of Philip II of Macedonia
- Battle of Crocus Field (359 BC) – Philip’s first major victory after becoming king.
- Battle against the Illyrians (358 BC)
- Third Sacred War (356–346 BC)
- Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC) – Philip’s most significant victory.
At Chaeronea, the Macedonian army, led by Philip and his 18-year-old son Alexander, clashed with the united forces of Athens and Thebes. The defeat of Athens and Thebes marked the complete dominance of Macedonia over all of Greece.
These victories made Macedonia the strongest state in the Balkans and paved the way for Alexander the Great’s conquests.
Alexander III of Macedonia
Alexander III of Macedonia (Pella, July 20/21, 356 – Babylon, June 10/11, 323 BC), better known as Alexander the Great, was a Macedonian king of the Argead dynasty, son of Philip II and Olympias. The Romans gave him the epithet Magnus—“the Great.”
He was raised in the spirit of Macedonian aristocratic traditions. At the age of 13, he was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle in the city of Mieza, at the sanctuary known as the Nymphaeum.
His education included poetry, astronomy, geometry, rhetoric, athletic competitions, horsemanship, and hunting. By the age of 16, Philip entrusted him with the governance of Macedonia while he campaigned against Byzantium.
At only 20 years old, following his father’s death, Alexander ascended the throne. But his vision extended far beyond Macedonia—he sought to conquer the known world. In just 11 years, he expanded Macedonia into an empire stretching from the Balkans through Egypt and the Middle East, all the way to India.
Major Battles of Alexander the Great
Alexander never lost a battle. With his courage and tactical brilliance, he defeated far larger armies of Persia and conquered the greatest cities and fortresses of the ancient world.
- Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC) – Though under Philip II’s command, 18-year-old Alexander distinguished himself as an exceptional commander.
- Battle of the Granicus (334 BC) – His first major victory against Persia, opening the way into Asia Minor.
- Battle of Issus (333 BC) – Alexander’s first direct encounter with King Darius III of Persia. Through brilliant tactics, Alexander exploited the narrow terrain to crush the larger Persian army. Darius fled, leaving his family in Alexander’s hands.
- Siege of Tyre (332 BC) – The strongest Persian coastal fortress. Its fall cemented Alexander’s reputation as an undefeated strategist.
- Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC) – The largest and most famous of Alexander’s battles. Despite facing an enormous Persian army numbering several hundred thousand, Alexander broke through the center with a masterful maneuver, forcing Darius III to flee once again. With this victory, Alexander conquered the entire Persian Empire.
- The Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC)
It took place in India, along the River Hydaspes. Alexander the Great faced King Porus, who deployed war elephants in battle. Through superior tactics and courage, Alexander achieved victory and extended his empire to its farthest point.
But Alexander was not only a conqueror—he was a visionary who sought to create a cultural and civilizational bridge between East and West. He founded more than 70 cities, the most famous being Alexandria in Egypt, a center of knowledge and culture with its renowned library.
Although he lived only 32 years, Alexander the Great left a legacy that endures to this day. His name remains a symbol of courage, ambition, and unyielding willpower. For us Macedonians, Alexander is not just a historical figure but an eternal inspiration and proof that even from a small land, a man can rise to change the world.
The Middle Ages
In the 6th and 7th centuries, Slavs settled in the Balkans and in Macedonia. Medieval Macedonia witnessed both rises and declines, struggles for faith, identity, and freedom. The monasteries and churches from that period—such as the Ohrid Archbishopric, St. Naum, and St. John Bigorski—stand as testimonies to the spiritual strength of a people who never stopped believing in themselves.
In the 9th century, the cultural and religious mission of the brothers Cyril and Methodius began. Their work included several missions to Christianize the Slavs, but also the creation of the first Slavic alphabet—Glagolitic, in 855. Their disciples, Clement and Naum, continued this mission, and by the end of the 9th century founded the Ohrid Literary School, making Ohrid one of the most developed cultural and educational centers of the Balkans—the cradle of Slavic literacy.
During the uprisings in Macedonia in the second half of the 10th century, in 969 against Bulgarian rule and in 976 against Byzantine rule, a medieval Macedonian feudal state was created, known as the Empire of Samuel. It lasted until 1018, when it was conquered by Byzantine forces. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Byzantine rule in Macedonia was interrupted by periods of Serbian and Bulgarian domination.
By the end of the 14th century, Macedonia was fully conquered by the Ottomans. Its economic and social system was destroyed, slowing its further development. In 1767, the Sultan abolished the Ohrid Archbishopric.
The Ottoman Period
During Ottoman rule, Macedonia preserved its songs, customs, and language as its greatest treasures. Through this culture, the people endured, refusing to let centuries of foreign rule erase their essence.
The position of the Macedonians and the creation of a Macedonian state was extremely difficult during Ottoman times. Toward the end of the 19th century, several movements appeared with the aim of creating an autonomous Macedonia covering the entire region. The oldest among them was the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, renamed in 1905 as the Internal Macedonian-Adrianople Revolutionary Organization (IMARO). After World War II, the organization split into the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO).
In 1903, VMRO organized the Ilinden Uprising against the Ottomans. Despite some initial successes, including the establishment of the short-lived Krushevo Republic, the uprising was brutally crushed with heavy human losses. Yet, both the uprising and the Krushevo Republic later had a profound influence on the creation of today’s Republic.
After Ilinden, the struggle did not end. Macedonian revolutionaries continued to sacrifice themselves for the freedom and future of their people.
Hristo Tatarchev (1869–1952) – one of the founders and the first president of VMRO. His contribution was immense, laying the ideological and organizational foundation of VMRO.
Goce Delchev (1872–1903) – visionary, teacher, and fighter for a free Macedonia. He defined his struggle with the words: “I understand the world as a field for cultural competition among nations.” For Macedonians, Delchev remains a symbol of defiance and unity.
Nikola Karev (1877–1905) – teacher, revolutionary, and president of the first Macedonian republic, the Krushevo Republic. On August 2, 1903, during the Ilinden Uprising, he led this short-lived but eternal symbol of freedom.
Yane Sandanski (1872–1915) – known as the “King of Pirin,” he was one of VMRO’s most prominent revolutionaries, fighting for both freedom and social justice.
Dame Gruev (1871–1906) – co-founder of VMRO and one of the main organizers of the Ilinden Uprising. His life embodied sacrifice and dedication.
Pitu Guli (1865–1903) – legendary vojvoda, symbol of bravery and devotion. He gave his life at Mechkin Kamen during the Ilinden Uprising.
Pere Toshev (1865–1912) – revolutionary, teacher, and ideologist of the Macedonian movement.
Todor Alexandrov (1881–1924) – a prominent revolutionary and leader of VMRO, known for his strong will and organizational abilities. He led the revolutionary struggle after Ilinden, in times of division and repression, with the mission of uniting Macedonia.
Andon Lazov Janev – “Kyoseto” (1857–1953) – legendary VMRO vojvoda, fully devoted to the liberation cause, a symbol of resistance and national determination.
The Gemidzhii (1903) – a group of young Macedonian revolutionaries famous for the “Thessaloniki Bombings,” intended to draw global attention to the suffering of the Macedonian people.
Metodija Andonov-Čento (1902–1957) – first president of the Presidium of ASNOM and one of the most significant statesmen in modern Macedonian history. He symbolized the striving for full Macedonian independence and laid the foundation of modern statehood.
Macedonia in the 20th Century
The 20th century was the period of Macedonia’s hardest yet most glorious struggle for survival, identity, and statehood. Divided among neighboring states after the Treaty of Bucharest (1913), Macedonians suffered repression, denial of language and culture, forced assimilation, and exile. Yet the flame of freedom never went out.
World War II and ASNOM
During WWII, Macedonians rose up against fascism within the National Liberation War. On August 2, 1944, at the First Assembly of ASNOM in the Prohor Pchinski Monastery, modern Macedonian statehood was born with the proclamation of the Democratic Federal Macedonia within federal Yugoslavia.
Yugoslav Period
Within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Macedonia for the first time had its own republic, constitution, institutions, official language, and national symbols. This was a period of industrialization, education, and cultural development. Still, the aspiration for full independence remained alive.
Independence
Macedonia’s path to independence was achieved in stages. On January 25, 1991, the Parliament adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty. On September 8, 1991, a referendum was held with the question:
“Are you in favor of a sovereign and independent Macedonia, with the right to enter into a future union of sovereign states of Yugoslavia?”
Following the referendum, Macedonia declared independence and became a sovereign state. This was the fulfillment of the centuries-old dream of countless generations: finally, their own, free, and independent homeland—the Republic of Macedonia.
CULTURE
The culture of Macedonia is a fusion of East and West, of the ancient and the modern. It is embedded in the frescoes of our monasteries, in the old urban songs, in the rich literature and art, in the theater, film, and music that echo across the world. Macedonia is a land where everyday life is colored by the hues of tradition and the spirit of modernity.
Language and Script
The Macedonian language is one of the greatest cultural treasures of the people. It is not merely a means of communication but a melody carried in the heart. From the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, who laid the foundations of Slavic literacy, until today, Macedonian writing remains a symbol of spiritual strength and cultural identity.
Folklore and Music
In the Macedonian song and dance are hidden the love, sorrow, joy, and perseverance of generations. Traditional dances such as Teškoto or Orovo are not only movements—they are stories told through steps. Folk songs, whether sad or joyful, testify to the soul of a people who always knew how to sing, even in their hardest times.
Traditions and Holidays
Macedonian customs are a tapestry of pagan and Christian roots—from the Christmas carols sung on cold winter nights, to the painted Easter eggs of spring, to the midsummer bonfires of St. John’s Day. Every holiday symbolizes community, family, and spiritual strength. Wherever a Macedonian may be, they carry tradition with them—in song, in food, in the heart.
Cultural Heritage
Macedonia is a land of spiritual and cultural sanctuaries. The monasteries, icons, and frescoes of Ohrid, Prespa, Bigorski, and many other holy places are not only works of art, but living witnesses of faith and creativity. Ohrid, with its over 365 churches and spiritual legacy, is a global treasure of culture and spirituality.
Contemporary Culture
Macedonian culture is not only the past—it lives today through modern literature, theater, film, music, visual arts, and festivals that bring the Macedonian spirit before the world. Macedonian artists, both at home and in the diaspora, are ambassadors of their country, building bridges between tradition and modernity, between the local and the global.
TRADITIONS
Religious Traditions
Macedonian holidays are deeply rooted in Orthodox faith, yet also carry traces of ancient folk beliefs.
Christmas Eve and Christmas – with caroling, bonfires, and the festive bread with a coin hidden inside for luck.
Epiphany (Vodici) – when young men dive into icy waters to retrieve the cross, a symbol of faith and hope.
Easter – with the dyeing and tapping of red eggs, a symbol of life and victory.
St. George’s Day (Gjurgjovden) – a spring festival when homes are decorated with green branches for health and prosperity.
Folklore and Folk Customs
No one can imagine Macedonia without song and dance. Teškoto is more than a dance—it is a story of hardship, strength, and dignity. Women’s dances bring joy and tenderness. Traditional costumes, rich in embroidery and symbols, are a living testimony to the artistry and identity of each region.
FOOD
The Macedonian Table – A Taste of the Homeland
Macedonian cuisine is more than food—it is culture, tradition, and love passed down through generations. Every dish is part of the story of our people, of family gatherings, of holidays, and of hospitality, which lies at the heart of the Macedonian soul.
Flavors That Are Never Forgotten
Ajvar, known as the “red gold.” Prepared in autumn, when the air smells of roasted peppers and families gather around the fire. It is not just a spread, but a symbol of togetherness.
Tavče Gravče, the traditional baked beans, is a true ambassador of Macedonia. Served in clay pots, it always brings the feeling of home.
Stuffed peppers, sarma, and moussaka are dishes shared across the Balkans, yet in Macedonia they carry a unique taste thanks to fresh ingredients and spices.
Pastrmajlija and pita, the pride of Štip and Veles, are hearty baked doughs with meat, always best enjoyed in good company.
The Table as Ritual
In Macedonia, food is a reason for gathering. The most beautiful conversations are held around the table, and every guest is welcomed with a piece of bread, a glass of rakija, and a heart open to friendship. Our cuisine is simple but rich in love—always made so that “there is enough for everyone,” reminding us of home and affection.
Wine and Rakija
Macedonia is a land of sun and vineyards. From Tikveš to the Vardar Valley, its wines are world-renowned for their authentic taste and character. Rakija, more than a drink, is a symbol of health, friendship, and life.
SPORT
Sport in Macedonia
Macedonia may be small in size, but its heart is big when it comes to sport. For Macedonians, sport is not only physical activity—it is a way of life, a symbol of dedication, pride, and unity. Here, champions are born, victories are celebrated, discipline is learned, and the pride of the homeland is carried across global arenas.
Football and Basketball
Football is a kind of religion in Macedonia. From great clubs like Vardar and Pelister to local teams in every town and village, football unites all generations. Every major victory is a celebration for the nation, while young talents carry the hope of new triumphs.
Basketball is another national pride. The Macedonian national team and clubs like Rabotnički and MZT Skopje bring the spirit of unity to international courts. The history of basketball is filled with unforgettable moments that inspire the younger generation. The Macedonian national team even achieved an impressive 4th place in the world.
Handball
Handball is one of the most successful sports in Macedonia. The national team and clubs such as Vardar, Pelister, and Metalurg have earned worldwide recognition. Their victories on the international stage united Macedonians everywhere. Every triumph is a reminder that with effort, dedication, and teamwork, boundaries are nothing but numbers. The Macedonian national team proudly reached 5th place in Europe.
Other Sports and Individual Successes
Macedonia also has successful athletes in athletics, swimming, rugby, combat sports, and winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Many young talents, with discipline and dedication, carry the Macedonian flag to Olympic and world competitions, building the image of a country that fights and wins.
CONCLUSION
Macedonia is not just a piece of land—it is a feeling carried in the heart, wherever we may be. Its mountains, lakes, scents, and flavors awaken our memories, warm our souls, and remind us of home. For every Macedonian far from the homeland, it remains an eternal love, a bond that is never broken, and a light that always leads back to the roots. Macedonia is our greatest love and our true home.