Edition 16 0 December 2013

Tree of Happines www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 1 Edition 9 0 March 2012 Municipality of Karposh

NEW LOOK OF KARPOSH

2 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk MWC Magazine Editorial Board wishes you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014!

www.dmwc.org.mk

In this issue: Published by Jasen

Everything said, written “Dobredojde” and read about Jasen Macedonia Welcome Centre fades in comparison Ul. Alzirska bb with the experience of seeing it with one’s eyes UZ Vlado Tasevski and feeling it with one’s 1000 soul. p.14 Republic of Macedonia [email protected] The Holy Editor-in-Chief Trinity of Emilija Miladinova Avramcheva Natural Beauty [email protected]

Macedonia’s three Contributors national parks are areas of supreme beauty. Robert Alagjozovski p.16 [email protected] Nadica Janeva The [email protected] Church of Zaneta Gelevska-Veljanovska Doom [email protected] Georgi Avramchev Visit to the small quaint [email protected] church devoted Jasmina Mazgalieva to Apostle [email protected] Peter in Kajmakcalan is one of the extraordinary adventures one may have in Macedonia. p.16 Lyubov Gurjeva copy-editing 2013 [email protected] Jasmina A. Casule graphic design [email protected] 2013 Dobredojde Macedonia Welcome Centre International Charity Bazaar This year “Dobredojde” Macedonia Welcome Centre (DMWC) once again celebrated the International Children’s Day. p.36 What is Happening at DMWC DMWC is financed by donations and its commercial services which include:

a “Discover Macedonia” tailor-made tours in rural Macedonia, with an emphasis on establishing links between expats and local communities, organised upon requests from groups and institutions by Emilija Miladinova Avramcheva, DMWC President; a Organisation of exhibitions, readings and other cultural events at DMWC premises and other locations by Emilija Miladiniva Avramcheva, DMWC President; a Editing and proof reading by Lyubov Gurjeva, PhD; a Professional writing coaching by Lyubov Gurjeva, PhD; a Creative art workshops for adults and children, including children with special needs by the artist Zaneta Gelevska Veljanovska; a Self-Defense and fitness workshops for children and adults, individuals and organizations by Emil Jotov and Beatriz Boche; a Grafic and web design by Emil Jotov, BA; a Integral yoga and meditation workshops by Irina Gjorgieva; a Creative writing workshops with writer, publisher and cultural manager Robert Alagjozovski; a Cultural management workshops with writer, publisher and cultural manager Robert Alagjozovski; a “My Macedonia” lectures by Ida Manton, MA in International Relations and Diplomacy; a Professional negotiations workshops for diplomats and businessmen who operate in international environments with Ida Manton, MA in International Relations and Diplomacy; a Communications and public relations seminars with Ida Manton, MA in International Relations and Diplomacy.

DMWC Coffee Mornings Embassies, international communities and organizations introduce their countries, cultures and activities. A monthly event open to everybody Peruvian Coffee Morning

November Coffee Morning tok place on Thursday, 14 November at 11 a.m. at the premises of the Centre. It was offered by the Honorary Counsel of Peru in Macedonia Mr. Nenad Janicevic and the Peruvian community in Macedonia. They introduced Peru and its culture, including music and culinary traditions, and the book “Cuando el amor vence en la guerra” (“When Love Wins War”) by the Perivian author Hildegard Rittler de Pinto Bazurco printed in Macedonia. Editorial Summing up 2013 ecember is the Art is also a very important part of Macedonian month in which culture. The Macedonian Byzantine painters Done usually are well known and famous, and their work summarizes activities can be seen in the churches and monasteries of the passing year and all over the country. Nikola Martinovski is makes plans for the one one of the most prominent Macedonian 20th- ahead. This December century painters who has been credited with we are publishing introducing to and interpreting modern tends the 16th issue of our on the Macedonian soil. Marking 110 years Magazine marking since his birth we proudly present some of his the fourth year of remarkable works and a brief feature on his by Emilija Miladinova our dynamic and life and career. Avramcheva successful operation. This year we also mark 100 years since the President of Reading our December end of the Balkan Wars which determined “Dobredojde” Macedonia issue during Christmas the long-term history of Macedonia and the Welcome Centre holidays, you will, as whole region, and the consequences of which always, explore some we still feel today. The Balkan Wars were new themes about followed by World War I, the Southern Front Macedonia, including its history, culture and of which was on the territory of Macedonia for tradition. two long years. Monuments and memorials of As the years go by, DMWC is finding new ways this bloodiest of European wars are all over to promote Macedonian culture and traditions. Macedonia. In this issue, you will find an Since antiquity wine has been consumed by article about Kajmakcalan peak that was the Macedonians during feasts and celebrations. site of a bloody battle and on which after the Nowadays wine is becoming a very important war a church was built by the victors in the product of Macedonian industry and agriculture, memory of their fallen comrades. as well as an important export. Every year, Jasen protected natural reserve is a unique Macedonian wine receives recognition in new destination that we introduce in this edition foreign markets. And every year, more and alongside the three national parks. Whether you more Macedonians make their living by growing are a hunter, nature lover or just looking for new grapes and making wine. At the moment there experiences, visit Jasen and the national parks at are 81 wineries, from very small family wineries the first opportunity. You won’t regret it. to Tikves, that has the capacity to produce more That’s it for this year. I would like to extend than 50 million bottles annually. Wine production to you my best wishes for Christmas and the is part of Macedonian tradition and is definitely New Year. To all those leaving Macedonia becoming part of the Macedonian culture. during the holidays I wish safe travels and By introducing our wineries to the foreign a nice time at your homes abroad. When community in Macedonia we wish to help our you get back to Skopje, do not forget that producers to further promote their quality wines on January 13 DMWC will be organizing the and to stimulate the development of wine celebration of the popular Macedonian holiday culture in Macedonia. For this purpose DMWC is of Vasilica, or the New Year according to the starting the Wine Club that will meet on the last old Julian calendar still used by Macedonian Thursday of every month at Holliday Inn in order Orthodox Church, that gets its name from the to taste Macedonian wines. feast of St. Basil on which it falls.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 7 Yoga Kandharasana: the Shoulder Pose

In Sanskrit, kandha How to Practice kandharasana or means “shoulder”, the shoulder pose? so kandharasana o Lie in savasana. is known as the o Bend your knees and place the soles “shoulder pose” in of your feet firmly on the ground. Heals of English. It is suggested your feet should touch the buttocks. that kandharasana o Position your feet and knees shoulder by Irina can help in spinal re- width apart. Georgieva alignment and help o While inhaling, arch your trunk treat back pain. The upwards, lifting the buttocks. Try to push asana can also help in toning the female your chest and navel as high as you can reproductive organs, thereby addressing without moving the feet or shoulders. menstrual disorders and reducing the o In the final position of this pose, the risk of miscarriage. Apart from these weight of your body should rest on the benefits, kandharasana is also believed head, shoulder, neck, arms and feet. to improve digestion by toning and o Hold this pose as long as you are massaging the abdominal organs, treat comfortable. While exhaling, slowly lower asthma and prolapse of the uterus. It your buttocks and trunk down to the floor. is a very good exercise for men too. In Who cannot practice kandharasana the final position of this pose men should or the shoulder pose? add moolabandha, contraction of the Experts suggest that those who are perineum, that will improve the condition suffering from duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer of the prostate gland and, with regular or abdominal hernia may not want to practice, will keep the gland young into an practice this pose as it may cause further old age. aggravation of these conditions. It is also suggested that pregnant women in the final trimester should avoid this asana as it may cause miscarriage.

8 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Editorial Pickles utumn is the why many families engage in seasonal food time when each production, because, in the end, many AMacedonian a home-made jar of gherkins or ajvar family is preparing for is more expensive than its supermarket winter. This means counterpart. But families take a special that the family buys pride in having their own preserves and fruits and vegetables in keeping up the tradition. Every single at the local market rakija and ajvar maker has his or her own or picks them from secret recipe and rejoices in following it. their own garden, and And each family’s ajvar and pickled salad transforms itself into tastes different. And this variety adds to by Robert Alagjozovski a small production unit the diversity and richness of the culture. At cultural manager, that makes tasty juices, the same time, each industrially produced literary critic compotes, jams, pickles, ajvar is equally tasteless. And even though as well as the famous it has to be granted that industrial wineries ajvar and other family specialities. Wooden produce high quality rakija, there is always barrels are used to store the ubiquitous something extra in the rakija produced by rakija but also sauerkraut, while the a family member. It tastes differently and plastic ones are used for other pickled has a different colour, different strength vegetables, such as carrots, green tomatoes and smoothness – all expressing the soul and cauliflower. It seems every family has and the character of the maker. This is why understood the moral of Aesop’s fable about many Macedonians prefer to buy rakija ant and grasshopper, and is preparing for the from private makers rather than from a long winter, including the extended season store. It has nothing to do with tax evasion of festivities, starting from St. Nikola, on 19 or the small difference in price. Again, it is December to St. Athanasius at the end of part of the culture. January. This traditional food production has Many fear the regulation coming from the been left unregulated by the government, EU would put an end to these vastly popular and only the making of ajvar has been practices of informally making and selling prohibited in the green areas and parks of food and drink. They fear the local, unique, Skopje for ecological reasons. but unofficial, tastes would disappear, that the But the advance of the country towards the vernacular knowledge and cooking skills would European Union has raised the fears that vanish, ending the centuries-long transfer from this informal production, which is a family generation to generation. And even worse, so tradition of so many Macedonians, would many people would lose their hobbies, their have to cease. The media has reported on occupation, and their excellence. many such restrictions following the EU It would be a real challenge to adapt to accession of a number of Eastern European new EU realities and yet to preserve the rich countries. For sure, many families would traditions and recipes of every family. So not be in the position to meet the strict far, the fast growth of cities such as Skopje, regulations, and would not even have the Kumanovo, Bitola and Strumica has shown ambition to standardize or brand their that traditions override modernisation, and production. the culture has a strong capacity to survive Financial savings are not the main reasons regardless of the new circumstances.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 9 Travel Destination The Church of Doom

isit to the small quaint so-called Macedonian Front that stretched church devoted to Apostle across the whole former Ottoman province Peter in Kajmakcalan is of Macedonia. The ridge of the mountain one of the extraordinary was the frontline between the two big adventures one may have armies. The French and Serbian forces inV Macedonia. The church is located on were trying to break the frontline from the the highest peak of Kajmakcalan, which south and re-enter the occupied Kingdom is part of the range called Nidze, at the of Serbia, while Bulgarian army helped altitude of 2,521 meters. As Macedonian- by German military logistics was trying to Greek border passes along this ridge, one keep the newly conquered territories. The needs a special permit for exploring this records reveal another phantasmagoric area. It can be reached only with an off- fact. The front battle rows on either road vehicle, or on foot, after a five-hour side were manned by solders forcibly walk from the nearest downhill village recruited by in the territories controlled by of Skocivir. Apostle Peter is an Orthodox the warring parties on both sides of the Christian church, but it has the most non- front line. So it happened that cousins, traditional architecture: it looks more even brothers, or fathers and sons were like a ghostly gothic tower from a scary fighting against each other in enemy movie than the canonical byzantine-style armies. This was masterfully described churches at the bottom of the mountain. in the brilliant novel called Pirej by the But it was not build by local shepherds, Macedonian writer Petre M. Andreevski. nor was it inspired by the thunder-making Kajmakcalan means cream beater in Old Testament Prophet Elija after whom Turkish. Its snow-covered peak probably the peak had been unofficially named resembled the thick cream, kajmak, Sveti Ilija. It was built in the 1920s to produced and consumed in the area. Yet, commemorate some of the worst fighting during the days of the battle, between the of the First World War. 12th and 30th of September 1916, the peak According to archival materials, this peak became red with blood. The peak has two witnessed one of the bloodiest battles of the summits, which were repeatedly captured

10 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Travel Destination

and recaptured during the protracted Rudolph Reiss, died in . He was a battle. Finally, the Serbian and French great friend of the Kingdom of Serbia, had troops won it definitively, and the small engaged in important diplomatic missions number of surviving Bulgarian forces had for it, and during the First World War he to withdraw to the nearby Mariovo Plateau. joined the Serbian army. He survived the But the scene of the victory was grim. The Kajmakcalan battlefield horror. His last casualties were heavy as soldiers fought wish was to have his heart interred on man to man around the peak. Dead the top of Kajmakcalan, with his fallen bodies and body parts were scattered all comrades. His last will was fulfilled, and around the place. The allied forces lost a big urn was placed in the chapel. It is 10 000 soldiers, and Bulgarian regiments however believed that after Bulgarian lost ninety percents of their manpower. In troops occupied Macedonia during the order to commemorate the lost comrades Second World War, the urn was removed and to bury all the bones in one place, from the chapel. Seven partisans died in the Serbian authorities built a chapel and the clash at the peak. Among them was a crypt. But local legends said that many the young Jewish communist from Bitola, years later, people were still finding body Estreja Ovadija-Mara, who was later remnants in the area. proclaimed a National Hero of In 1928, on the tenth anniversary of the for her contribution to the anti-fascist end of the Great War, the church was struggle. consecrated, and became a site for annual Today, the extraordinary beauty of the commemoration ceremonies. Delegations place, the patina and the peculiarity of of war veterans and young scouts came the Chapel, as well as the assemblage each September to remember the dead. But of bare bones and skulls, together with the story of the Chapel does not end here. the surviving legends, make this place In 1929 a forensic scientist, war reporter an interesting destination which is rarely and professor of Swiss origin, Archibald visited due to the difficulties of access.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 11 Nature

Jasen: Unknown Macedonia

verything said, written and first person. read about Jasen fades in comparison with the experience Two roads, hundreds of of seeing it with one’s eyes and stories... feeling it with one’s soul. And There are a myriad of ways to attest to Ewe speak not of mystification, exaggeration the truth with one’s eyes, but only two or pretentiousness, but rather of words roads to attain the truth about Jasen: via full of admiration rendering unforgettable Skopje-Glumovo-Matka-Preslap-Ivanje- experiences, longest stories and deepest Kozjak, and via Skopje-Nova Breznica- silence. Kula-Zdunje. Whichever road you take, it Jasen is neither a national park, nor a will lead you to the 80 kilometres of trails forest reserve. It is neither a restricted and tracks winding through the land, and area, nor a mystical land of time an undone puzzle of countless ways to immemorial. Jasen is neither a secret, enjoy them: biking, hiking, hunting... The nor a figment of someone’s imagination, area, with the total surface of 320 square even though the very name takes us by kilometres, has numerous dimensions and the hand and leads us on to the vaguely “faces”, mostly owing to the altitudinal known and the unspoken. Jasen is an differences between the lowest and the authentic geography, a unique landscape highest elevation, measuring as much as and a genuine reality in almost surreal 2,154 meters! The landscape and the views surroundings. As of 2005 “Jasen” is a are arranged vertically, accommodated Public Enterprise for the Management by over two kilometres to stretch, grow, and Protection of the Multipurpose Area. develop, and support the sky. The view, Facts are challenged by rumours, dusky therefore, shifts now and then, for nature memories, neighbourhood whispers and surprises you, bewilders you, and catches gossip. Yet, it would be better if this you unawares. The thrill to stand there, challenge were to begin with a journey in where it is said one cannot be, and to

12 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Nature

tread on a secret ground abundant in never seen before. A total of 190 endemic stories of every kind, creates an additional plant species thrive in Jasen, four of dimension one doesn’t see, but hears which are typical Macedonian endemics: pulsating in the cracks. Viola kosaninii, Ramonda nathaliae, Thymus oehmianus Ronniger & Endemic flowers, endemic Soska, and Pulsatilla Macedonica. emotions And, as it usually happens, just when you Burdened by facts and familiarities, think of abandoning your quest and your we trudge slowly through beauty. We expectations, you become overwhelmed push through all we’ve read about the with a novel sensation, as you notice incredible number of plant species in the the yellow butterfly, for instance, flying region (up to 843 in total!), constantly over you time and again, or that modest searching for a tree or a flower we had flower in front of you, glittering with

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 13 Nature

awesome colours. It has sprouted in the terrains, and wherever it fails to do so - it most unusual of places, at the edge of an creeps underground and continues to flow abyss, amid bare rocks, or sheltered in the stealthily, in a phantom form on to its new thick shade of a tree - that gargantuan emergence, to the new rise from dryness heavenly column! Very soon you do realise and, finally into the Treska River. that this, too, is part of Jasen - for you don’t find it when you are looking for it, Photography “hunt” rather when you catch the rhythm of what Hunting and hunt management are you seek. The area calls for patience, for tightly connected to Jasen. This protected only then will you gain the most, and only area carries inexhaustible riches of fauna. thus will it treat you in the best possible Roe deer, fallow deer, chamois, mouflon, way. wild boar, rabbit, bear... The ordinary visitor keen on seeing something rare and Phantasm of the Ocha unusual, can have a “close encounter” An image out of a fairy tale or a co- with the animals thanks to the enclosed conspirator with the truth - the phantasm breeding areas. Used to the rumble of of the Ocha River is the only genuine vehicles, deer and mouflons are easily disappearing river in Macedonia. One hunted down with the camera, but only moment you see it, the next - it is gone; as long as you remain in the vehicle, since you forget it, only to spot that lively water your presence, footsteps, or even the blabber in front of you again. Ocha is one of slightest hand gesture make the animals the three Jasen rivers, the other two being flee, and all one captures on camera is but the Patishka and the Belichka. Impressed emptiness, except for, maybe, the ever- into the landscape, the river, through its present yellow butterfly, perhaps, not that sinuous course, shows utter compliance same one, but still, always yellow, and thus with the terrain. It obediently follows its secretive and intriguing. There is a total of path through descents, ascents and rocky 130 hunting facilities in Jasen: observation

14 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Nature

dwells in Jasen forever: pinned on the wintery landscape of the distant mountain tops, snoozing through the spring nested in the belated blossom of the trees or harnessed to the autumn beneath your feet. The first encounter with Jasen is an encounter of many seasons: as if nature here is always behind that which we experience elsewhere. The trees blossoming in your neighbourhood and posts, feeding grounds, salt licks... They along the boulevards here have but tiny bestow suspense on the landscape, for green leaves or shy buds, the winter they allude to the possible presence of mountain tops always frame the view wild animals: the silence becomes stalking here, whereas the rustling leaves are (what was that squawk?), and anticipation remnants of some forgotten autumn, fills the air. The hunting lodges, on the weathering the winter and showing up on other hand, offer cosy accommodation and the trail in spring - flown over by a yellow enjoyable stay, and are a counterbalance butterfly. In a manner of speaking, the to nature’s untamed power. journey from a “visitor” to a “citizen” is the journey from your home to Jasen. The Honorary citizenship of rest lies in the determination to set out on beauty a journey and... in the beauty! And do not Every visitor to this area hidden in the forget, Jasen is open to all! mountainous landscape and veiled by a most unusual sky becomes an honorary citizen of beauty, because part of them (a look, a thought, an unnamed feeling)

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 15 Nature The Holy Trinity of Natural Beauty

acedonia’s three national views it is also one of the best skiing parks are areas of locations in the Balkans. Mount Bistra is supreme beauty. They the jewel of Mavrovo. Limestone erosion are especially impressive on the mountain has created fourteen in winter when the snow limestone fields. A large part of the Memphasises their extraordinary landscapes, mountain lies within the boundaries of the making them attractive for winter tourism, park. It is the home of Europe’s largest even though they can be best explored cat, the Balkan lynx. A lynx family of on foot in the warmer periods of the year about 30 members lives on the slopes of when all mountaineering trails, trekking Mavrovo, Korab and Shar Planina. Each and walking paths are open, and there are lynx needs a huge hunting area that regular explorer tours. usually does not overlap with the territory of other lynxes. When hunting they cover The home of the lynx between 10 and 20 kilometres. One of the Mavrovo National Park boasts some of reasons for creating a national park in this the most exciting landscapes: beautiful mountainous area was to protect the lynx valley, marvellous lake and fabulous habitat. monasteries. With its clean air and scenic The biggest artificial lake in Macedonia

16 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Nature is another part of this national park. The lake located just beneath the ski centre makes Mavrovo a very popular weekend destination all year round. The Mavrovo Ski Centre is an interesting and highly enjoyable ski resort. It has more than 30 hotels and more than 1 000 villas and chalets offering a variety of restaurants, clubs and other kinds of entertainment. The River is another interesting natural feature of the region. Separating the giant mountains of Shar, Korab and Bistra, the Radika has created many unusual gorges, steep slopes, caves and rocks. The so-called Barich Canyon is one of the most picturesque in the Balkans. All three mountains have glacial lakes. The most magnificent panoramas of the Korab Massif, parts of the Shara and Bistra Mountains and Mavrovo Lake can be seen from the localities of Careva Cesma and Tonivoda. Other attractions of Mavrovo are the landscapes of the Galicnik area villages, and the waterfalls and the natural cascades on the tributary rivers of the Radika. Some mountain sheepfolds on Bistra have already been turned into tourist centres and rest stops for skiers and mountaineers.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 17 Nature

Paragliding paradise few permanent water springs giving small Right between the two ocean-blue quantities of water. During the years with lakes of and Prespa, rises the higher levels of precipitation new water limestone ridge of Mountain Galicica. It sourus may appear in the spring only to was declared a national park in 1958 as dry out in the summer. an area of outstanding natural beauty, At the same time, the foothill of the unique landscapes, and exceptionally mountain near is abundant diverse endemic flora and fauna. The in water sources, of which the springs highest peak of Galicica is Magaro at 2255 at St. Naum Monastery are a typical m above sea level. The basic underlay example. They comprise thirty underwater, underneath the mountain is made up and fifteen near the shore springs. These of silica dating back to the Paleozoic springs form a small lake pool with two period. Above it there is a massive porous islands. Latest surveys performed with limestone layer with a thickness of 500 m. the use of natural radioactive isotopes There are different types of landscapes, have confirmed the proposition that these surface and underground formations such springs are fed by the waters of Lake as caves and crevices. Prespa which lies 150m higher than Lake Geological underlay and morphology of Ohrid. the mountain to a great extent determine Lake Ohrid is a refuge for many the beauty of the scenery and aesthetic freshwater species, including a few of appeal of the park. Furthermore, they are those which can only be found in fossil one of the conditions for its biodiversity. form in other places. This is why the lake Due to the inability of the limestone layer is known among biologists as a living fossil to hold water, Galicica is one of the driest museum. Prespa is the most twisted lake, mountains in Macedonia. In the upper officially the deepest and the oldest in sections of the mountain there are only Macedonia. It actually forms two separate

18 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Nature

lakes the Big, the shores of which belong it was depopulated intentionally in order to three countries – Macedonia, to preserve its rich cultural heritage and and Greece – and the Small, which lies unique nature, including rare plant species, entirely in Greece. It is home to many birds and reptiles. Galicica National Park is birds, such as cormorants, pelicans, herons quite a popular destination for paragliding and egrets. Some of the most beautiful enthusiasts. Most often their take-off point sections of the park are not as easily is on Mountain, and the safe landing accessible as the island of Golem Grad in ground is the beach at the auto-caravan Lake Prespa – its only island in Macedonia. park “Ljubanista”. The island today is totally uninhabited, but

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 19 Nature

The peak of the pigeon communities. There are many plants, some Bitola, the second largest city in the of which are ideal for a cup of winter tea: country, gives the tourist a convenient Pelister’s crocus, sky dew, St. John’s Wart access to Macedonia’s oldest national park, and heartsease. Mushrooming aficionados Pelister, stretching between Pelagonia can look for many specific species. The Valley and Prespa Lake. This amazing best known among the Pelister flora is the region with several peaks over two autochthonous species of the five-needle thousand meters high and deep valleys molika pine (pinus peuce), belonging to was proclaimed the first national park in the Tertiary geological period. This species Macedonia in 1948. The name Pelister is was discovered by the Austrian botanist derived from the Ancient Greek περιστερα August Grisebach in 1839. Although molika meaning “pigeon”. From these mountains is also found in other mountains of the one can enjoy wonderful views over Balkans, Pelister has one of the oldest and Pelagonia Valley, Lake Prespa, mountains most compact forests comprising three Nidzhe, Galicica and Jakupica, and the molika subspecies. The whole mountain city of Bitola. Interestingly, Pelister is one between the altitudes of 600 and 2200 of the most southern mountains in the metres is covered with molika forests. Balkans with alpine flora. Walking on Pelister one may find trees Pelister national park is characterized over 230 years old. The molika pine was by many interesting natural phenomena the primary reason for declaring Pelister a including unusual structural features, national park. geologic formations, mountain vegetation, Another emblematic feature of Pelister as well as specific climatic conditions. is the so-called stone rivers, which are These mountains contain 30% of the total slopes filled with different rocks, such as forest to be found in Macedonia, with over massive granite slabs and sharp quartz 88 wood species and more than 21 flora wedges. The most impressive stone rivers

20 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Nature

up to three kilometres long are to be wild life including bears, wolfs, mouflons, found to the north of the village Nize Pole deer, wild boar, rabbits, a few kinds of on Crveni Steni mountain. eagles, partridges, red beak jackdaws and Mountain sources are situated in the endemic Macedonian Pelagonian trout. upper parts of the mountain Baba, Recently, rural tourism has developed between the altitudes of 2 000 and 2 200 in the villages at the foothills of Pelister. metres, while mountain rivers with clear The old Vlach villages of Trnovo and and cold waters have distinct mountain Magarevo offer traditional food in a characteristics. Spectacular views can be domestic ambient. Local specialities enjoyed from around the two glacial lakes, include special thick yoghurt with the Big and the Small, also called Pelister vegetable pie baked in a clay oven as Eyes. Both lakes can be reached on foot. well as pig fat prepared according to old On the shores of the Big Lake there is a recipes. While Macedonia’s national parks mountain house where visitors can stay enhance its potential for the development even for a few days. of rural tourism, they are not sufficiently The best approach to the mountain is protected from illegal exploitation. The via Bitola, through the villages of Trnovo biggest problems threatening the national and Magarevo. The road leads to the parks are illegal construction, dumping beautiful “Molika” hotel which is only a and tree cutting, especially around Lake fifteen-minute walk away from “Kopanki” Mavrovo. Several catering facilities, and mountain lodge. Winter tourism is chemical and construction warehouses organized around “Kopanki” and hotel operate illegally along the Radika River. “Molika”, which for over twenty years has There are many instances of damage been the architectural pearl of Pelister. inflicted on the landscape and wild life by Located in a beautiful molika forest, it the extraction of sand, limestone and clay, was built according to high ecological especially from the basin of the Radika. standards using natural materials. It offers Lake Ohrid also faces the problem of the a peaceful retreat to lovers of healthy illegal construction, especially near the clean air and tranquillity. The natural village of . beauty of the area is enhanced by the rich

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 21 Archaelogy The Golden Path to Eternity

acedonia is famous for a mask, but with many precious objects its rich cultural heritage. was discovered nearby a few years later, It has extraordinary proving the importance of the burial site. archaeological findings A golden mask, a golden hand, and from all periods of human numerous other golden, silver, bronze, Mhistory. But it shares the predicament of amber and ceramic items associated with several other countries that have their royalty and nobility were discovered. The most precious artefacts dwelling in other body in the tomb belonged to a young nations’ capitals. This is the case with the female. Particularly impressive was the golden masks from Trebenista near Ohrid. set of gold foil items, all decorated in the Two golden masks were discovered during same manner with interlinked lines in the World War One by Bulgarian soldiers shape of number eight. The golden foil and taken to Sofia, where they are still in the shape of eye-glasses is likely to exhibited in the National Museum. Two have been placed over the eyes of the more were found later, in the 1930s, by deceased woman. The golden rhomboid the then ruling Yugoslav authorities and plate was on her mouth and a big discoid were placed in the Belgrade National plate decorated with a rosette covered Museum. Macedonian archaeologists were the heart. A wide golden belt covered frustrated, but their instinct was saying the upper abdomen. Besides these, two that there were more precious artefacts golden earrings with conical granulated to be unearthed. And then, as in a good pendants were discovered near the head. movie, the fifth mask was discovered, Four bronze and silver bracelets with although not in Trebenista, but in a tomb snake heads would have been placed on at the utmost royal site of Macedonia, her arms and two bronze spiral anklets at Gorna Porta (Upper Gate) in the on the legs. It was clear that the female Ohrid Fortress. Another tomb, without buried there had the highest social rank.

22 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Archaelogy

But why was such treasure placed in the has yielded a wide spectrum of remarkably tomb, and was there any secret behind rich funeral accessories including vessels, this? goblets, silver rhytons, decorated helmets, cuirasses, shields and swords alongside the famous golden masks. These findings point to the existence of a mighty dynasty that ruled over a bigger territory and lasted for centuries. Funeral masks and gold leaf plates have been found at other sites of ancient Macedonia as well: in Beranci near Bitola, in Eani in Greece, near Gevgelija, near Thessaloniki, etc. They were part of the funeral cult of Macedonian tribes. Is there a connection between Macedonian masks and the more ancient Phoenician masks? What about the famous Mycenaean masks? There are some scholars who believe that this funerary cult came to Macedonia from Egypt via Crete, connecting it with the legend of Minos and his search for Daedalus. But because All these golden items were obviously not of the huge chronological distances, the merely decorative, but had a function to most logical explanation is that the people protect the face and the upper part of the living in distant territories independently body. According to some archaeologists, came to similar solutions for similar needs. covering the body with skilfully executed The question about the origin of other golden sheets in the shape of a mask or funerary objects was easier to answer. body part covers are related to a complex During the Archaic period to which the concept of immortality. The artistic burials belong, Corinth was the centre value of golden artefacts testifies to a of bronze manufacturing that traded sophisticated ancient Macedonian culture. with kingdoms on the “barbarous” The necropolis discovered near Trebeniste periphery. So the bronze vessels (such as craters decorated with a frieze of horsemen or cows) found in Trebeniste were manufactured in Corinth, whereas the silver rhythons and skyphoi are believed to have come from the eastern Mediterranean. They were manufactured in the Ionic-Persian style appealing to the taste of the local population. The elaborate jewellery can be traced to the workshops on Chalcidice. Similar designs continued to be popular even up until the time of the famous Philip II.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 23 Archaeology Marvellous Terracotta Icons

he small town of Vinica in 40 icons. In 2008 besides new terracotta Eastern Macedonia joined artefacts, the eastern and the western the list of top sites for bulwarks of the walled town, as well as cultural tourism in 1985, after four semicircular towers, one square and archaeologists uncovered the one pentagonal towers were unearthed. Tnow world-famous terracotta icons, two This discovery opens a new page in the antique female statues, and the walls of history of early Christian art in Macedonia an immense city. Vinicko Kale, the fortress and beyond. The terracotta icons from of Vinica, was erected at a strategic Vinica are clay plates, moulded so that location. It seems that the city flourished their front contained a raised impression in the early Christian times. Its expansion with a specific iconographic content. The through the Roman period is connected to icons are rectangular, almost square in the intensification of trade, mining, metal shape (31 cm high, 29 cm wide, 4.5 cm processing and pottery, of which there are thick or 30 cm high, 28 cm wide and 4 cm significant traces. thick). The motifs on the icons include Old The 1985 excavations revealed 26 Testament scenes, illustrations of psalms, whole, 20 fragmentary and more than 100 Christological notions and representations smaller and larger fragments of unique of Christian saints and scenes from famous terracotta icons. Further 14 icons were battles. All the reliefs are indicative of a subsequently restored from the fragments, profound comprehension of Christianity, so that at present the collection consists of which one rarely encounters outside the

24 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Archaeology

Byzantine metropolis. The common theme fortress. Numerous archaeologists and of most icons is victory over evil and death, art historians are still trying to solve the and triumph over all enemies of the faith. puzzle left by the former residents of the Vinica icons were made by casting in town. In order to answer some questions moulds executed in technique of high about the origin of these extraordinary relief, which gives an extraordinary artefacts, an extensive physical-chemical plasticity to this expressive provincial investigation was undertaken. Several art, in which Roman artistic and stylistic analytical methods were deployed: standards had been abandoned in favour emission spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, of local stylistic expression formed under fluorescent spectroscopy and atomic the strong influence of the Orient. All spectroscopy. On the basis of the findings, icons, however, have Latin texts around it was concluded that the old artists had the edges. The texts are describing the used clay material from the Vinica region, scenes or incorporate concise theological and their creations were associated with messages. Paleographic analysis points the local workshop discovered within the to the absence of a unique criterion ancient city complex. in arranging the inscription around The quality of terracotta icons from representations. Varied forms of letters Vinica is comparable to that of terracotta may point to creation by different masters. icons from the Loire Valley in France, and The presence of Latin texts speaks of the the famous Tunisian terracotta icons in dominant influence of the Roman Church in the National Bardo Museum. The Vinica Bregalnica area during the Early Byzantine treasure shows exceptional mastery period. Several identical imprints of each of the techniques as well as enormous mould were made. creative potential and fantasy of ancient It is believed that the icons were artists. The icons are currently part of incorporated in the walls of sacred buildings the permanent collection of the Museum as some of them preserve fragments of of Macedonia in Skopje, but there is an original wall finishing and plaster. The full initiative seeking to fund the construction of significance of these artefacts cannot yet a museum in Vinica to house them in the be established, because their purpose future. The icons have been presented in and exact function are still covered in over 25 cities all over the world, the latest mystery that lies hidden beneath the vast major exhibition having been in the Utrecht unexplored areas in and around Vinica Museum, the Netherlands, in 2009.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 25 Holidays Patron of Land, Cattle and Waters

he day of St. Nicholas, or Nikola, combined with the Christian tradition. in Macedonian, is among the most Thus, the Supreme god of lightning Timportant Christian winter feasts. and thunder, Perun, survived in St. Ilija It is celebrated on 19 December, the day (Elijah), Morena was integrated in the cult of the death of Nikolaos, Bishop of Myra. of St. Petka, while the god of agriculture The life of this devout Christian was unlike and livestock, the mighty Veles/Volos, was that of other Christians who lived in the transformed into St. Nikola. Such adoption violent 3rd century. He devoted his whole of traditional pagan divine powers by life to “comforting all sufferers“, but Christian saints, in a sense, compensated escaped the storm of persecution against for the loss of polytheism. the Christians unleashed by the emperors All Christian saints, to a greater or lesser Diocletian and Galerius. He lived long and extent, have incorporated some folk beliefs died quietly. Pilgrims have been visiting his and rituals, and adapted them to Christian tomb ever since his death, for the healing perceptions. In popular imagination myrrh exuded by his relics. Protector Macedonian saints “specialise”, in and miracle worker depicted as an old particular areas of nature and human man with white hair and beard, he was activity - rain, hail, wind, medicine, death the prototype for Santa Claus created by and so on. Thus, St. Nikola is believed to modern imagination. As Santa Claus he is be the patron of water (seas, rivers and part of every Macedonian family New Year lakes), protector of ships, sailors and celebration, but this saint also features passengers on the water. He also protects in many other folk traditions and official people from drowning. One legend says religion. that when St. Nikola’s boat sank, he spent It is generally accepted that older pagan six weeks on a piece of rock in the water. gods, in the Macedonian case the Slavic He kept praying to be saved, so God ones, entered Christianity during the not only saved him but appointed him long period of adopting the new religion, protector of seamen. and a number of legends and narratives Many other powers attributed to St.

26 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Holidays Nikola are connected with water. In Gevgelija, believers appealed to him to stop rains and prevent floods. On Dojran Lake fishermen refrain from fishing on the day of his feast. In Ohrid, it is believed that St. Nikola has a great mysterious power to “unfreeze the frozen sea and has the power to protect churches and monasteries”, and fish is offered to the saint when a new church is built. This is also connected with the custom to eat fish during the feast of St. Nikola, which in Macedonian Orthodox tradition takes place during the Christmas fast. Many families celebrate the feast of St. Nikola considering him the protector of the home. He is also believed to protect people in all sorts of troubles, help the poor and protect wrongfully convicted prisoners. And in our country there is even the only town in this part of the world town named after this saint: Sveti Nikole.

Archaic Cult of Tiveropolis By Jasmina Mazgalieva n arcane but tenacious religious martyrs and believe in its healing powers. cult survives in the south-eastern They pray for health and righteous life and Acorner of Macedonia in the kiss the icon on the saints’ day. The story Strumica region. Its recognition by the of the strength and health giving power of official church canon is a reminder of the the martyrs has persisted since antiquity, important role Strumica had in the old as different populations passed through topography of the southern Balkans. The this town. old name of Strumica is Tiveriopolis, after The cult dates back to the times when the Roman Emperor Tiberius (14-37 AD). Christianity, although officially declared The Fifteen Holy Martyrs of Tiveripolis the religion of the Roman Empire, still are venerated on the 11th of December, fought heavy battles with the still dominant when thousands of residents of Strumica pagan beliefs amongst the majority of and surrounding villages come to the the population. The fifteen martyrs were church devoted to the martyrs on a kind of important people of the Christian history. pilgrimage. The church is a multifaceted Among them was St. Theodor, one of the site with foundations and tombs that 318 holy and blessed God-bearing Fathers were built in different periods. The bodies at the Great Council of Nicaea in 325. of all fifteen martyrs had been buried The story of the fifteen martyrs starts in the vicinity of today’s church. Local in Nicaea, which they left, disappointed people worship the icon of the fifteen holy by the predominance of pagan beliefs.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 27 Holidays

They settled in Thessaloniki, but after a very short period decided to leave for the very same reason: the local population was worshipping idols, and their faith in Jesus Christ had been chased away. The custom forbade even the calling of the name of Jesus. So, again, they were on the move. Arriving power of Christ and his saints. Later, she in Tiveriopolis, they started spreading the took the hand to Thessaloniki, leaving it in faith and providing positive example to the Monastery of Anastasia. the local population with great success. The earliest known reference to the But, when the news of the impact their Fifteen Holy Martyrs is in the 10th-century Christian faith and virtues made ​on the Ohrid Glagolitic Gospel. Another mention local population reached Thessaloniki, the in the beginning of the 11th century is Roman ruler Julian the Apostate ordered attributed to St. Constantine Cabasilas, their death. He ordered two soldiers from Bishop of Ohrid. During the Bulgarian his guard, Valent and Philip, to cut off their Empire, Emperor Michael ordered the heads with a sword and to dismember important relics of the saints to be dug up their bodies. Obeying the commandment and reburied in the diocese of Bregalnica. As of the ruler, Valent and Philip, chased the soon as the town of Stip became diocesan Christians and slew all the fifteen of them in headquarters, a new temple was built and the vicinity of the town. their relics were placed there, but today But as in so many other cases in history, the exact location of that church cannot paradoxically, this heinous act resulted be determined. Only one arm of Peter in the growth of Christian faith among was left in Srumica, but during the Balkan the people of Tiveriopolis. According Wars in 1913, Greek and Greekophile to the legends, the remnants of the population moved to the town of Kukus martyrs possessed miraculous powers, (today’s Kilkis, Greece) taking the relic and through them the glory of Christ was with them. They kept worshiping it in their revealed to the residents of this area. new homeland and erected a church in When one of the martyrs called Peter was the martyrs’ honour. The tradition persists killed, and his hands were cut off and there as well. Strumica has also kept the thrown to the dogs, one woman, blind memory of the martyrs. Today’s church of from birth, feeling a hand falling at her the Fifteen Holy Martyrs of Tiberiopolis is feet, picked it up, wrapped in a scarf, and one of the most renowned in the region. took it home. Not really knowing what to The fresco with the fifteen figures of the do with the hand, she prayed and after martyrs, recently uncovered inside the accidentally touching her eyes with it, church, is one of the oldest known frescos regained the eyesight. After that miracle in Macedonia. she never stopped speaking about the

28 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Skopje Literary Residency October in Skopje By Darija Žilić many buildings in neoclassical style and everything looks very monumental and beautiful, especially at night, when central streets and squares are brightly lit and full of people. I took part in one panel on politics and in a literary evening, both of which took place in the art cafe bar Menada in the Čaršija lying across the bridge from the main square. Menada is very popular gathering place for young artists and activists. Čaršija is populated mainly by Albanians and it looks like part of Istanbul. In Skopje there is a mixture of several styles, mostly oriental, classical and modern... It is obvious even to tourists that Albanians and Macedonians live separately. I also took the bus tour of the city. The guide told us about the past of the Macedonian nation, and about its very interesting mythology. We could also learn about many famous people from Macedonian past. In the city I found some interesting bookstores. One literary evening took place at the Faculty of Philosophy. In Skopje there are many interesting young intellectuals, such as Igor Isakovski, editor and poet, Robert Alagjozovski, writer and cultural manager, Goce Smilevski, writer who had won European awards. One afternoon I spent in the Museum of the Holocaust, where I discovered many interesting Last October I spent in Skopje in literary facts about Sephardic Jews who lived in residency organised by the international Macedonia. One day I spent in Šutka, an Traduki Network and Goten Publishing House area where Romas live. In the market there from Skopje. The aim of the organizers was you can buy everything, from foreign brands to present Macedonian culture to writers to local imitations. and translators from Eastern and Central Skopje was inspiring for me, because Europe. As I was housed in a nice flat in I noticed that culture is a very important the centre of the city, everything was close: part of Macedonian identity. But I did not main squares, museums, monuments, and miss out on the beautiful nature, too: at the bridges. Skopje was ruined in the earthquake end of my residency, I visited the stunning of 1963, but in the past few years the city Canyon Matka, a heavenly mystical place has been renewed. In the centre there are with monasteries and gorgeous nature.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 29 Theatre When Excellence

Is the Best Identity by Jasmina Mazgalieva

The theatre has its roots in the 19th century, when Skopje and Macedonia were still part of the Ottoman Empire. It was a time when the modernization of the Empire was going on, and the European cultural traditions had a strong influence over the Turkish intelligentsia. Istanbul was the centre of new projects, but the other European Ottoman cities like Thessaloniki, Skopje and Bitola also took the first steps towards creating a theatre culture of their own. As the cultural monotony of the provincial cultural life was The Turkish Theatre of Skopje is a most challenged by touring theatre companies, interesting cultural institution and the only a need for a specialized theatre building professional theatre of its kind outside emerged. The idea was realized when Turkey. It was established in 1949 and Mahmut Sefket Pasa educated at the over more than six decades of its existence Berlin Military Academy became Skopje it has become one of the best theatres in governor (Vali). The first Turkish theatre the country regardless of the fact that it is minority-based. Its performances received important awards, and the theatre has grown professionals, such as directors, actors and technicians, who are regularly invited to other theatres and productions in Macedonia and abroad. The theatre has its faithful audience in Skopje, and is often invited to guest performances, festivals and on tours. One of the burning issues for the theatre is the lack of its own building. The question became urgent after the theatre became an independent institution in 2006, and the stage it had was thus established in 1906. The building been sharing with the twin institution, was located in the city centre, where the Albanian Theatre, became too small for Macedonian National Theatre is located at the two growing troupes. The Ministry of present. The new building housed not only Culture has planned a new three-storey theatre performances, but also cinema building with two stages, a bookshop shows, balls and various celebrations. The and café. The administrative formalities hall had over twenty lodges and was lit completed, it is hoped that the Turkish by gas-lamps. Coffee was prepared in the Theatre would move to their new home lodges and outside the building. Salep by the end of 2014. and boza sellers circulated between

30 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Theatre

as schools, halls, and courtyards, staging school plays and shows by other amateur performers. Such amateur activities continued after the liberation and the Second World War. The most crucial year was 1949 when the cultural policy of Yugoslavia encouraged the formation of professional theatre troupes of the minorities. So, following the formation of the Hungarian Theatre in Vojvodina, and Albanian Theatre in Pristina, Turkish and Albanian Theatre was formed in Skopje in 1949. The first generation of professionally trained actors, directors and managers the lodges and the gallery. Designed in became part of the new institution. The Dusseldorf, the theatre interior was richly theatre developed a regular programme decorated. The archives inform us about with a diverse repertoire cultivating its regular touring and guest performances. own devoted audience. The new building The theatre had its own mobile cinema for the Turkish and Albanian theatre was projector. Consuls used the hall for their built in 1953 and that was another impetus receptions and festivities. for the development of the troupe. Fully During the Young Turk Revolution in professional stage enabled the theatre 1908 the theatre was used as a gathering to become widely known in Macedonia place for the revolutionary and progressive and Yugoslavia, receiving many awards forces. Those young intellectuals at festivals, performing in other towns, formed the first amateur group that inviting guests from the other theatres used the theatre building to stage their from Yugoslavia, as well as from Turkey. performances. Some of the plays were In the new cultural ferment of the 21st written by local authors like Kemal-Beg. century the theatre is eagerly waiting the His patriotically inspired The Fatherland new building, which would support its or Silistra communicating the feelings further growth. of the new, modern, Turkey to the local inhabitants was enthusiastically received. (abridged from a research All the Turkish high officials as well as monograph by Risto Stefanovski) the European consuls present in the city saw the show. After the Revolution, the theatre continued with its cultural program, which included circus, jugglers, karagoz theater, and guest performances of professional theatres from Belgrade and Sofia. In 1909, the Serbian Royal People’s Theatre staged the popular play Kostana evoking grand ovations, singing and tears in the audience. Between the two wars, the Ottoman rule collapsed, and the newly formed Turkish minority continued to pursue its theatrical interest at ad-hoc locations such

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 31 Art Nikola Martinoski

ikola Martinoski was born in Martinoski continued to paint all his life Krushevo in 1903 and graduated until his sudden death on 7 February Nfrom the School of Fine Arts in 1973. Even though many of his works had , , in 1927 as the best student of his year. In 1927 and 1928 he stayed in , where he visited Académie de la Grande Chaumière and Académie Ranson. Having returned to Yugoslavia, he became a prolific painter, teacher and organizer of the arts in his native Macedonia. Martinoski left an imprint on the whole fine arts and broader cultural establishment in Macedonia, having managed the Fine Arts High School in Skopje, the Artists’ Association, and the Art Gallery of Skopje that later became the National Gallery of Macedonia. He was also involved in the establishment of the Macedonian Academy of the Sciences and Arts, of which he became a member in 1967. Despite growing administrative responsibilities,

32 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk Art the Balkans and represented Macedonia and Yugoslavia abroad. He received many awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1964 and the Award of the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia in 1967. As the Halide Paloshi, Director of the National Gallery of Macedonia has remarked, Martinoski’s most important contribution to Macedonian art has been the introduction of elements of European to his native soil. Having received academic education and then worked in Paris, Martinoski was well acquainted both with academic painting and the latest artistic trends. In his own art he combined elements of expressionism and symbolism, having thoroughly reworked them with his own creative imagination. Mirjana Taleska, perished in natural disasters and during the curator of the recent retrospective the war, his art is well represented in exhibition of Martinoski at the National various museums and galleries, as well as Gallery credits him with the role of the in private collections at home and abroad. founder of Macedonian contemporary art. The largest collection of his paintings While being influenced by contemporary is to be found in Nikola Martinoski European art, particularly French and Gallery in his home town of Krusevo. German expressionism, Martinoski also Martinoski exhibited all over Yugoslavia, developed Macedonian artistic traditions.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 33

2013 Dobredojde Macedonia Welcome Centre International Charity Bazaar “Be the change you want to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi

This year “Dobredojde” Macedonia the Down Syndrome Center, and H.E. Welcome Centre (DMWC) once Ambassador Dr. Robert Kirnág, Charge again celebrated the International d’Affairs of the Slovak Republic in the Children’s Day. Participants were Republic of Macedonia. The programme Embassies in the Republic of Macedonia, started with performances of children from many local businesses and artists, as well Nova, QSI, and ASM international schools, as individuals who felt they can contribute Cvetan Dimov Macedonian Culture and to changing the life of the Down syndrome Arts Performong Society and Piano Forte people in Macedonia and have fun at the music school. They were followed by Bazaar. poetry reading by Aleksandar Matovski- 2013 DMWC International Charity Bazaar Cako, piano piece performed by Darko took place on Saturday, 8 June, from Arsov, painting, fun games, shopping and 16:00 to 20:00, on the second floor of presentations at the stands. The Bazaar Skopje City Mall. It was opened by Ms. concluded with the Lottery and tasting Emilija Miladinova Avramcheva, President wines from all around the world at the of DMWC, Ida Manton, Chairperson of “Wines of the World” stand.

36 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk 2013

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 37 Participants in the DMWC International Charity Bazaar 2012

Several embassies participated by having a stand and selling their national products, contributing to the “Wines of the World” stand, supporting the pre-event (Art Exhibition in NLB Tutunska Banka) and providing prizes for the Lottery. Participating Embassies Stands Embassies of: Republic of France, Republic Republic of France of Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, The Kingdom of the Netherlands and The People’s Republic of China.

Republic of Poland

The Kingodm of the Netherlands

Romania

The People’s Republic of China

The Chinese Embassy highly appreciates the hard work of Macedonia Welcome Center for organizing the 2013 DMWC International Charity Bazaar.We would like to express our thanks to you for offering us this opportunity to show our concern for vulnerable children. Slovak Republic

38 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk 2013

Lottery American School Macedonia was delighted The Embassies of: Federal Republic of to be part of your event. We greatly appreciate Germany, Republic of Bulgaria, Republic the professionalism of all DMWC members. of Poland, Slovak Republic, and Kingdom Knowing that our performance was for a of Sweden, and EU Delegation. good cause made the experience all the more worthwhile and enjoyable. We thank you for establishing such a wonderful new tradition in Macedonia.

Pre-event The Embassy of Slovenia assisted in organizing the pre-event on 29th May, Art Exhibition and sale of over 20 prominent Macedonian painters.

Thanks to the suporters of 2013 Bazaar Wine Stand Austrian, Bulgarian and Hungarian “Dobredojde” Macedonia Welcome Centre Embassies offered their wines for this and the Down Syndrome Center would like stand. to express deep gratitude to all those who took part in and supported the event.

*This year’s DMWC Bazaar was hosted by Skopje City Mall. *Re-Medika supported “Tree of Happiness” art workshop. *Acibadem Sistina supported the organization of the event by covering the costs of the printed materials and providing prizes for the Lottery.

The Lottery was made possible thanks to: “The Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje actively Adrijana Alacki, Alchemist, Balizza, participated in the charity projects, Deko, Dentizar, Derma Beuty, Etno organized by DMWC. Our efforts are very Selo, Atanasovski family, Hotel much devoted to help the children in the Bistra, Mavrovo, Hotel Drim, Struga, host county, especially the children in need. Hotel Porta, Skopje, International For that reason the Bulgarian mission was Women’s Association (IWA), one of the main supporters of 2012 and 2013 Jasmina Bosevska, Mama’s, Noa Charity Bazaars, having in mind that the Tours, Ramstore Macedonia, Semos, collected money went to the children with Skopski Pazar, Sony, Vila Dihovo, special needs and Down syndrome. DMWC Vitrum Art, Wolford and Zaneta can rely on our support for future projects as Gelevska-Veljanoska. well!”

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 39 Art Exhibition and Sale

Art Exibition and Sale within the and Mikica Trujanovik. framework of the 2013 DMWC International “Nikola Kolev, a person with Down Charity Bazaar took place on 29 May 2013 syndrome, exhibited his art work and at NLB Tutunska Banka’s Gallery. It was sold most of it. He enjoyed the attention opened by H.E. Dr. Robert Kirnág, Charge of people from different cultures and d’Affairs of the Slovak Republic in the professions and had an opportunity to Republic of Macedonia, who was also the explain the paintings he creates on his Honorary President of the Charity Bazaar. computer. These prominenet Macedonian painters All the proceeds from the sale of art donated their paintings to be sold at the works were contributed to the 2013 DMWC exhibition: Bazaar Charity Fund used to finance the Vasko Taskovski, Pavle Kuzmanovski, seminar and workshop organised by the Reshat Ameti, Sergej Andreevski, Danco Down Syndrome Center (DSC). Ordev, Milos Kodzoman, Zaneta Gelevska- Veljanoska, Miroslav Masin, Simonida Filipova-Kitanovska, Stefan Hadzi-Nikolov, Maja Raunik-Kirkova, Toni Sulajkovski, Osman Demiri, Kasiopeja Naumovska, Goce Bozurski, Tanja Tanevska, Burhan Ahmeti, Dijana Tomic-Radevska, Dita Starova, Bogoja Angelkovski, Teuta Hoxha-Imeri, Trajce Nikolovski, Marjana Kojstojcinovska-Uzunovska, Ali Sinani, Ilija Kochovski, Dimitar Kochevski-Micho, Dragan Najdenovski, Stefan Malbashic, Maja Kovachevska, Vladimir Simonovski, Bedi Ibrahim, Zaklina Gligorieva Kocovska

40 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk 2013

Art Workshop – Tree of Happiness The result was fascinating – a colourful, vivacious tree that is now hanging on the wall in Remedika. It is actually the first image mothers sees after leaving the delivery room. We are very grateful to Remedika for supporting this art workshop by buying the painting in advance and placing it at a most significant place in their hospital. The transfer of the painting to its final destination was a reason for Remedika to host an event to which the Down Syndrome Center was invited and those who participated in creating this art saw where its permanent home would be.

Among the many activities at the Bazaar, the most colorful was painting the “Tree of Happiness”. Children from all the participating schools joined the children with Down syndrome were led by Zaneta Gelevska-Veljanoska in painting a tree that symbolizes the life fulfilled with happiness, the life that is equally valuable to all of us, the life that everyone has a right to. We wanted to make the visitors think about this, to realize that the Down Syndrome people have the equal right to participate in the Macedonian society with any other member of the community.

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 41 Funded by the 2013 Bazar Charity Fund: Retreat for Families with Children with Down Syndrome

and friendships made. The unselfish love The money collected in the Charity and skills development were offered by Fund - 129,704 MKD was spent for Irina Gjorgieva during her outdoor Yoga implementing the projects of the Down sessions, by Zaneta Gelevska-Veljanoska Syndrome Centre, which included Working and Mirjana Kjuka at their creative art Retreat in Bitola and a Seminar in Skopje. workshop, Nermina Numanovic at her Both events were planned and partially Brain Gym and with and Ida Manton during executed with the money raised at the her story-telling session. The group was 2013 DMWC Charity Bazaar. joined by the local Institute for Speech and Hearing Development, and their staff was Down Syndrome Retreat in Dihovo actively and with dedication supported (Bitola area) all the activities, including hiking. Among A three-day retreat was organized in the other activities it is worth mentioning Dihovo from 20th to 22nd September in the collecting of stones for painting on Villa Dihovo, Villa Ilinden and Villa Patrice. the river bank, pizza making, and cooking There were different workshops that with our amazing host Pece Cvetkovski. made the three days very full, exciting and unforgettable. There were 10 persons with “Down Syndrome: Macedonian Down syndrome, accompanied by their story and Its Challenges”, 13-14 family members, and it was a valuable December, Hotel Porta, Skopje bonding opportunity for all of them. It The goal of this seminar is to map out was a great pleasure to have the financial the services offered at the moment to the means to accommodate all the families persons with Down syndrome and their who responded to the invitation. Many families, to assess what is needed and initiatives were born, ideas were shared what can be done to improve the current

42 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk 2013

situation. Participants from both Anyone interested to join public and private medical institutions the seminar or recommend a person and parents will share their stories or institution that may be invited to and experiences of Down syndrome in participate can visit the Down Syndrome Macedonia. Therapists, social workers Center’s website for more information: and advocates for improving the life of www.downsyndrome.mk, their facebook the DS people in Macedonia will exchange page, or simply write to: downsyndrome. opinions and coordinate their activities. [email protected].

www.dmwc.org.mk • December 2013 43 LIFE UNLIMITED

Over 50 years of establishing new visions for urban regeneration, for urban renaissance founded on principles of design excellence. 50 years of activities and a reputation of completing projects on time and to the highest international standards and now, Cevahir Holding is constructing Macedonia’s most prestigious development and highest luxury towers to present Macedonia a new view of Skopje. Decision to live in Cevahir Sky City towers is decision to live among the clouds…Decision for a life unlimited.

Arrange Private meeting: + 389 (02) 15 511

Delegation of the European Union

Blvd. Srbija bb. 1000 Skopje, R. Macedonia | [email protected], www.cevahirskycity.com.mk 44 December 2013•www.dmwc.org.mk