World Bank Document

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

World Bank Document The World Bank Report No: ISR10928 Implementation Status & Results Macedonia, former Yugoslav Republic of Regional and Local Roads Program Support Project (P107840) Operation Name: Regional and Local Roads Program Support Project Project Stage: Implementation Seq.No: 8 Status: ARCHIVED Archive Date: 29-Jun-2013 (P107840) Public Disclosure Authorized Country: Macedonia, former Yugoslav Republic of Approval FY: 2008 Product Line:IBRD/IDA Region: EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA Lending Instrument: Sector Investment and Maintenance Loan Implementing Agency(ies): Key Dates Public Disclosure Copy Board Approval Date 13-May-2008 Original Closing Date 31-Jul-2013 Planned Mid Term Review Date 29-Nov-2010 Last Archived ISR Date 25-Nov-2012 Effectiveness Date 17-Oct-2008 Revised Closing Date 31-Jul-2013 Actual Mid Term Review Date 07-Mar-2011 Project Development Objectives Project Development Objective (from Project Appraisal Document) Reduced cost of access to markets and services for communities served by regional and local roads. Has the Project Development Objective been changed since Board Approval of the Project? Yes No Public Disclosure Authorized Component(s) Component Name Component Cost Regional Roads 51.10 Local Roads 51.10 Institutional Support 3.00 Overall Ratings Previous Rating Current Rating Progress towards achievement of PDO Satisfactory Moderately Satisfactory Overall Implementation Progress (IP) Moderately Satisfactory Moderately Unsatisfactory Public Disclosure Authorized Overall Risk Rating Moderate Moderate Implementation Status Overview During the latter part of 2012, implementation of the Project continued to be affected by the decision of the Government to impose a cap on disbursements from the loan which it had imposed on all Bank supported projects in the country as a result of the financialconstraints the Government was experiencing. To address this problem, the Government in Public Disclosure Copy November 2012 decided to transform the implementing agency, Agency for State Roads (ASR), into a public enterprise (Public Enterprise for State Roads - PESR) and to have this entity assume the role of Borrower of the Loan. The effect being that the new entity will be able to implement the Project in accordance with the sector and project needs. These changes triggered a request for restructuring of the Loan in November 2012. Page 1 of 7 Public Disclosure Authorized The World Bank Report No: ISR10928 The proposed restructuring was negotiated with the Government and includes: (a) change of the Borrower from the Member Country Government to the Public Enterprise for State Roads (PESR) through assignment of the Loan from the Member Country to the Public Enterprise for State Roads (PESR) and assumption of said Loan by PESR; (b) Guarantee from the Member Country in relation to the Loan; (c) extend the project closing date by 24 months to enable full achievement of the Project Development Objective (PDO); (d) revise the PDO and results framework to include the following: (i) better reflect project outcomes in the PDO statement and introduce two new outcome indicators and a new intermediate outcome indicator; (ii) amend the target for one of the existing intermediate outcome indicators and incorporate four new intermediate outcome indicators; (e) add new legal covenants in the Loan Agreement; and (f) modify disbursement arrangements. The revised PDO is to reduce the cost of safe access to markets and services for communities served by regional and local roads in the Guarantor's territory, and improve institutional capacity for investment planning and road safety. Locations Country First Administrative Division Location Planned Actual Public Disclosure Copy Macedonia Not Entered Vinica Macedonia Not Entered Vetunica Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Valandovo Macedonia Not Entered Valandovo Macedonia Not Entered Sveti Nikole Macedonia Not Entered Strumica Macedonia Not Entered Struga Macedonia Not Entered Star Dojran Macedonia Not Entered Smojmirovo Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Skopje Macedonia Not Entered Rizanicino Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Resen Macedonia Not Entered Rabrovo Macedonia Not Entered Probishtip Macedonia Not Entered Prilep Macedonia Not Entered Stanica Ovce Pole Macedonia Not Entered Nov Dojran Public Disclosure Copy Macedonia Not Entered Negotino Macedonia Not Entered Krivogashtani Page 2 of 7 The World Bank Report No: ISR10928 Country First Administrative Division Location Planned Actual Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Kratovo Macedonia Not Entered Kratovo Macedonia Not Entered Kozjak Macedonia Not Entered Kicevo Macedonia Not Entered Kavadarci Macedonia Not Entered Istibanja Public Disclosure Copy Macedonia Not Entered Drenovo Macedonia Not Entered Dracevo Macedonia Not Entered Dolno Dupeni Macedonia Not Entered Debar Macedonia Not Entered Davidovo Macedonia Not Entered Makedonski Brod Macedonia Not Entered Ilinden Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Pehcevo Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Dojran Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Berovo Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Centar Zupa Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Debar Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Dolneni Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Gevgelija Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Ilinden Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Kavadarci Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Kicevo Public Disclosure Copy Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Krivogastani Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Makedonski Brod Page 3 of 7 The World Bank Report No: ISR10928 Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Negotino Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Petrovec Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Prilep Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Probistip Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Rankovce Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Saraj Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Sopiste Public Disclosure Copy Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Stip Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Struga Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Strumica Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Studenicani Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Sveti Nikole Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Vevcani Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Vinica Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Vranestica Macedonia Not Entered Opstina Zelino Macedonia Not Entered Kozjak Dam Results Project Development Objective Indicators Public Disclosure Copy Page 4 of 7 The World Bank Report No: ISR10928 Indicator Name Core Unit of Measure Baseline Current End Target Vehicle operation costs on the roads improved Text Value 100% 90% for life cycle analysis. (it under the Project have decreased by at least is noted that the 10 percent. Supplemental Letter indicates 85%). Date 10-Apr-2008 19-Sep-2012 31-Jan-2013 Comments Measurement of the indicator will be carried out upon completion of all planned civil works on regional and local roads. Public Disclosure Copy Intermediate Results Indicators Indicator Name Core Unit of Measure Baseline Current End Target Approximately 330 km of Regional Roads Text Value 0 km About 330 km improved by the end of the project. Date 10-Apr-2008 19-Sep-2012 31-Jul-2013 Comments The total length of the 11 contracts for the regional roads is 284 km and planned road rehabilitation under this component is completed. Some regional roads included during preparation were dropped early during implementation at government request. Approximately 420 km of Local Roads Text Value 0 km 280 km 420 km improved by the end of the project. Date 10-Apr-2008 29-Jul-2012 31-Jul-2013 Comments Fifth tender awarded in August 2012. The FNRR has successfully managed and Text Value NA Yes implemented the investments under the Date 10-Apr-2008 29-Jul-2012 31-Jul-2013 Program. Regular Technical Audits have confirmed that road works comply with Comments Generally, ASR demonstrates Increase in ASR technical contractual specifications. good discharge of its staff level of ASR crucial to responsibilities. Increased ultimate achievement of this staffing needed for additional target. work load not to significantly affect ASR's project management capabilities. Public Disclosure Copy Roads rehabilitated, Non-rural Kilometers Value 0.00 564.00 704.00 Page 5 of 7 The World Bank Report No: ISR10928 Date 29-Jun-2012 31-Jul-2013 Comments Not required at time of project Combines regional roads Initially 330 km of regional approval. Included completed (284km) and local roads but actual measured retroactively. roads completed (280km) contract km was 284 km hence real target is 704 km when local roads target of 420 km added. Data on Financial Performance (as of 02-Apr-2013) Financial Agreement(s) Key Dates Public Disclosure Copy Project Ln/Cr/Tf Status Approval Date Signing Date Effectiveness Date Original Closing Date Revised Closing Date P107840 IBRD-75320 Effective 13-May-2008 21-Jul-2008 17-Oct-2008 31-Jul-2013 31-Jul-2013 Disbursements (in Millions) Project Ln/Cr/Tf Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed % Disbursed P107840 IBRD-75320 Effective USD 105.20 105.20 0.00 63.96 34.97 61.00 Disbursement Graph Public Disclosure Copy Key Decisions Regarding Implementation Approval of the proposed restructuring package. Page 6 of 7 The World Bank Report No: ISR10928 Restructuring History Board/AOB Approval on 11-Jun-2013 Related Projects There are no related projects. Public Disclosure Copy Public Disclosure Copy Page 7 of 7.
Recommended publications
  • Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia in 2018
    ENERGY AND WATER SERVICES REGULATORY COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA APRIL 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 201 8 Annual Report of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia in 2018 ENERGY AND WATER SERVICES REGULATORY COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA ___________________________________________________________________ The Annual Report of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia for 2018 has been prepared in accordance with Article 36 from the Energy Law, which establishes the obligation of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission to submit the Annual Report for its operation during the previous year to the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, not later than 30th of April of the current year. The Annual Report of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission for 2018 contains detailed information on the performance of the competences according to the Energy Law and the Law on Setting Prices of Water Services, as well as information on the material-financial operation. The Energy Law also determines that the Annual Report of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission needs to be submitted to the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Ministry competent for the performance of the assignments within the energy area, so that they could be informed, as well as to the Energy Community Secretariat. The Report contains overview of the activities performed by the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission during 2018, with special review of: − State of the energy markets, − State of the prices and tariffs regulation, − Preparing regulatory acts, − International activities and − Financial Statement of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission.
    [Show full text]
  • Local Systems Practice (Lsp) Activity Local Works Macedonia | Civil Society Organizational Network Analysis (Ona)
    LOCAL SYSTEMS PRACTICE (LSP) ACTIVITY LOCAL WORKS MACEDONIA | CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORK ANALYSIS (ONA) JUNE 2018 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by LINC LLC and local partner, the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC). USAID Local Systems Practice June 2018 Prepared by: Craig Hempfling, LINC; Megan McDermott, LINC; Jenna White, LINC; Patrick Sommerville, LINC; Aleksandar Krzalovski, MCIC; Emina Nuredinoska, MCIC; Aleksandra Savevska, MCIC; Boris Ristovski, MCIC; Monika Bozinoska, MCIC; and Jasmina Ristovska, MCIC Front cover: Network map of Macedonian CSOs. Acknowledgements: The author(s) would like to acknowledge all of our LSP consortium partners for their input throughout the process, the valuable assistance of MCIC support staff in ensuring a thorough and timely analysis, as well as all of the organizations who took the time to participate in the Network Analysis survey. These contributions are crucial for advancing our mutual efforts towards improved local development in Macedonia. About Local Systems Practice: Local Systems Practice is a USAID-funded activity that directly assists multiple Missions, partners, and constituents to design and adaptively manage systems-based programs in complex environments. The concept has been designed to aid Missions and partners to overcome four specific challenges to effective Local Systems Practice through: a) Listening; b) Engagement; c) Discovery; and d) Adaptation. The Theory of Change underpinning the activity asserts that the application of systems tools to complex local challenges at multiple intervals throughout the program cycle will enhance the sustainability of programming, resulting in better-informed, measurable interventions that complement and reinforce the systems they seek to strengthen.
    [Show full text]
  • Public Notice for Awarding a Contract for Public Private Partnership for Financing, Designing, Construction, Management, Mainten
    PUBLIC NOTICE FOR AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR FINANCING, DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE COMPETITIVE DIALOGUE Notice number 01/2020 SECTION I: CONTRACTING AUTHORITY I.1) Details on the contracting authority I.1.1) Name of the contracting authority: Ministry of economy of the Republic of North Macedonia I.1.2) Address of the contracting authority: str.Jurij Gagarin, no.15 Town: Skopje Postal code:1000 I.1.3) Contact: Goran Nikolovski and Ismail Luma Telephone: +389 2 30 93 517; +389 2 30 93 430 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.economy.gov.mk I.2) Type of contracting authority, its main activity: State authorities – Ministry of economy and Ministry of finance SECTION II: SUBJECT MATTER OF CONTRACT II.1. Subject matter of contract: Awarding a contract for public private partnership for financing, designing, construction, management, maintenance and development of the natural gas distribution system in the Republic of North Macedonia. II.2. Type of contract: The contract for public private partnership shall be awarded by applying the procedure for competitive dialogue which shall be conducted in three phases. This call for request to participate refers to the first phase of the competitive dialogue. The duration of the contract for public private partnership is maximum 35 years, from the date of entry into force of the contract for public
    [Show full text]
  • World Bank Document
    E2120 EMP Checklist for Construction and Rehabilitation Activities General Guidelines for use of EMP checklist: For low-risk topologies, such as school and hospital rehabilitation activities, the ECA Public Disclosure Authorized safeguards team developed an alternative to the current EMP format to provide an opportunity for a more streamlined approach to preparing EMPs for minor rehabilitation or small-scale works in building construction, in the health, education and public services sectors. The checklist-type format has been developed to provide “example good practices” and designed to be user friendly and compatible with safeguard requirements. The EMP checklist-type format attempts to cover typical core mitigation approaches to civil works contracts with small, localized impacts. It is accepted that this format provides the key elements of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) or Environmental Management Framework (EMF) to meet World Bank Environmental Assessment requirements under OP 4.01. The intention of this checklist is that it would be applicable as guidelines for the small works contractors and constitute an Public Disclosure Authorized integral part of bidding documents for contractors carrying out small civil works under Bank-financed projects. The checklist has three sections: Part 1 includes a descriptive part that characterizes the project and specifies in terms the institutional and legislative aspects, the technical project content, the potential need for capacity building program and description of the public consultation process. This section could be up to two pages long. Attachments for additional information can be supplemented when needed. Part 2 includes an environmental and social screening checklist, where activities and potential environmental issues can be checked in a simple Yes/No format.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Potentials and Attractions for the Development of Cultural Tourism in the South-West Planning Region of the Republic of N
    DOI 10.20544/HORIZONS.A.26.3.20.P01 UDC 338.48-6:7/8(497.7-14) ANALYSIS OF POTENTIALS AND ATTRACTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE SOUTH-WEST PLANNING REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF N. MACEDONIA Michael Risteski University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Ohrid, Republic of N. Macedonia, [email protected] Sasho Korunovski University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Ohrid, Republic of N. Macedonia, [email protected] Jordan Kocevski [email protected] ABSTRACT This paper is the result of the conducted research activities in the preparing of a Sub-strategy for Cultural Tourism in the Republic of N. Macedonia in 2019 in which the author was directly involved. The research involved determining the current state of cultural tourism through situation analysis and valorization of various cultural tourism potentials. This resulted in specifying concrete spatial units and values that have the most favorable opportunities for active inclusion in the current tourism offer. Two types of spatial units were defined – existing and new areas which were zoned and mapped. Existing areas have the aim to enrich the current tourism offer in order to make them more attractive. New areas have the purpose for creating new tourism products and services that will be competitive. This paper examines the South-west Planning Region as the most developed in the country with the aim to promote cultural tourism development. KEY WORDS: Cultural tourism, tourism development, tourism potentials, tourism attractions, tourism mapping. 7 INTRODUCTION Tourism as a multidimensional and multifactorial occurrence has become a global phenomenon that is developing at an unprecedented pace.
    [Show full text]
  • VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW North Macedonia July 2020
    VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW North Macedonia July 2020 North Macedonia ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Coordination of the process of the National Voluntary Review and contribution to the Review was provided by Ana Jovanovska - Head of unit for Sustainable Development Unit from the Cabinet of Deputy President of the Government in Charge for Economic Affairs and Coordination of Economic Departments. Coordination of data collection and contribution to the Statistical Annex was provided by Snezana Sipovikj - Head of Unit for structural business statistics, business demography and FATS statistics, from the State Statistical Office. Acknowledgments for the contribution to the review: Office of the Prime minister Refet Hajdari The National Academy of Dushko Uzunoski Elena Ivanovska Science and arts Lura Pollozhani Ministry of Economy Chamber of commerce of Ivanna Hadjievska Macedonia Dane Taleski Marina Arsova Ilija Zupanovski Biljana Stojanovska Union of Chambers of Jasmina Majstorovska Commerce Cabinet of the Deputy Bekim Hadziu President in charge for Sofket Hazari MASIT economic affairs Blerim Zlarku Eva Bakalova Ministry of Health The process was supported by: Elena Trpeska Sandra Andovska Biljana Celevska Ksenija Nikolova Elena Kosevska Daniel Josifovski Mihajlo Kostovski Dane Josifovski Ministy of Education Viktor Andonov Filip Iliev Nadica Kostoska Bojan Atanasovski Ministry of Transport and General Secretariat of the Connections Government – Unit for Jasminka Kirkova collaboration with the Civil Society Organizations Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
    [Show full text]
  • 2. Basic Data for Municipalities Debar , Kicevo , Ohrid and Struga
    0 Title of the publication Analysis of the economy of the Southwest planning region and possibilities for employment Publisher Economic Chamber of North – West Macedonia (ECNWM) Foundation for sustainable economic development PREDA Plus (PREDA Plus foundation) Editor Filip Sekuloski, PREDA Plus foundation Gramoz Shabani, ECNWM Editing Gordana Aceska Design & print preparation Aleksandar Desoski Print Acetoni Copies 400 Prilep, November, 2013 Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation project is financially supported by European Union. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the project partners, Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia and PREDA Plus Foundation, and in no way reflect the views of the European Union. 1 Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 4 1. Basic data for the Southwest planning Region ............................................................................... 6 1. 1. Southwest planned Region ..................................................................................................... 6 1.1.1 History .................................................................................................................................... 8 1.1.2 Geography .............................................................................................................................. 8 1.1.3 Administrative division .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Who North Macedonia Covid-19 Flashupdate 11 July 2020
    WHO NORTH MACEDONIA COVID-19 FLASHUPDATE 11 JULY 2020 COVID-19 in North Macedonia - Update 64 In North Macedonia, from Feb 26 to 10 July 2020, 22:00 CEST, there have been 7,777 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 368 deaths. NORTH MACEDONIA COVID-19 EPI SITUATION NORTH MACEDONIA COVID-19 HEALTH RESPONSE NORTH MACEDONIA COVID-19 SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT AND RESPONSE SUPPORT TO NORTH MACEDONIA COVID-19 EMERGENCY WHO SUPPORT TO NORTH MACEDONIA COVID-19 EMERGENCY EUROPE AND WESTERN BALKAN COVID-19 SITUATION WHAT IS [NEW] SUBJECT in FOCUS LEARNING SESSIONS FOR THIS WEEK NORTH MACEDONIA COVID-19 EPI SITUATION Over the last 7 days – Data as of 10 July 2020 22:00 - Daily tests performed ( % positive): Total:9581 (1728 (11.9%), and daily : 1470 (11.4%), 1794 (9.1%), 1367 (8.8%), 894 (8.7%), 1032 (11.1%), 1296 (11.3%) on each day respectively since Saturday). - New cases: 996 (205, 168, 163, 120, 78, 115 and 147 new cases registered on each day, respectively) - Recovered: 1084 COVID-19 patients - Fatalities: 40 new COVID-19 deaths in one week Cumulative registered COVID-19 as of 10 July 22:00 – 7777 (Incidence rate: 388.85 per 100 000 ) – see daily curve - Tests performed: 74 562 SARS-CoV-2 tests. - Patients recovered: 3960 (51%) COVID-19 recovered patients. - Active cases: 3449 (44.3%) COVID-19 active cases - Fatalities: 368 COVID-19 fatalities (CFR 4.7%) registered. - Death Rate per 1 Million Population: 173.7 per 1 000 000 population - Hospitalization: 92 patients are hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of which 59 are on oxygen support and no patients are on respirator.
    [Show full text]
  • Angliski Nareden.Qxp
    innovative solutions. innovative on constructively continuingtocollaborate will thatcontinuedsuccess comeonlyfrom remember heorshehasadded.Eachmust success thepieceoflarger for partner istobecongratulated ontotheworldstage.Each thatcanbringtheeconomy aseriesofinnovations for the way paved on. Macedonia andlives inMacedoniabelongsto EconomicDevelopment for iscoming toanend,thePartnership funding activities todate.Although American changedbecauseoftheproject thathave stories oflives theirowneconomicfutures. for theirownresponsibility partners nowrecognize The forms. inmany initiative learnediscollaborative they have approach solving. Themostcritical tojointproblem approaches tolearnandadopteffective together atthenationalandlocallevel worked enterpriseandlaborsectors.Theyhave private thepublic, socialpartners from of key theproject. to fund agreed (USAID) Development International StatesAgencyfor The MacedoniamissionoftheUnited jobs. tonewjobs,andhelpsave jobs,assisttransition tocreate initiative community ofstimulatingindividualand ways ofdoingbusiness.Theseare ofnewways introduction intensive an butrather jobsorquickfixes, short-term afew countries. TheUSDOLmodeldidnotpromise inotherEastEuropean goodresults adjustmentthathadgiven workforce toaddress strategy USDOLtohelpthe countryimplementacomprehensive datamanagement.Itasked to computerized converting like Bureauanditslocaloffices, making somebasicupdatestotheNationalEmployment the upcomingeconomicchanges. toadjust measures labormarket andtouseactive ineconomic development role active
    [Show full text]
  • A Newly Discovered Early Christian Barrel-Vaulted Tomb in Demir Kapija
    Ordanče PETROV A NEWLY DISCOVERED EARLY CHRISTIAN BARREL-VAULTED TOMB IN DEMIR KAPIJA UDK: 726.821(497.714)”653” PSI Institute of Old Slavic Culture – Prilep [email protected] Abstract: This paper concerns a newly discovered barrel-vaulted tomb in the site of Kale-Strezov Grad the village of Čelevec. This archaeological find simply confirms the idea about the availability of this type of sepulchral monuments on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, which has twice been the to- pic of interest of professor Lilčić-Adams. The tomb was open and raided in the Middle Ages or earlier and it started to be reused in the 13th-14thcentury. According to the typological characteristics of the tomb form and the stylistic characterisations of the painted decoration which is preserved in the interior, the building of the tomb is dated from the 6th century. Key words: barrel-vaulted tomb, painting, Early Christianity, Demir Kapija, Prosek, Middle Аges The Late Antiquity was a period of changes that would essentially affect all as- pects of life. The mass conversion to Christianity would change the belief in the af- terlife, too. As a result, the idea of Heaven as a place abounding with material earthly riches and luxuries (represented through the Elysian Fields) was transformed and turned into a perception of the Christian Heaven of an afterlife, the main goal of which was to save the souls of the righteous.1 The new religion reflects the essential belief that the grave is a place where the dead sleep until the Last Judgment, when it is expected for the dead to resurrect; the righteous will inhabit the Kingdom of Heaven and the human souls will be saved.2 Starting with the 4th and lasting until the 6th century, the Late Antiquity necro- poleis clearly show the changes brought about by the Christian religion in terms of burial rites, grave forms, goods and burial images and symbols.
    [Show full text]
  • Notes on the Continuous Multi-Confessional Use of Shrines
    Notes on the continuous multi‐confessional use of shrines, cult places, Christian relics and springs of holy water in the Republic of Macedonia Snežana Filipova Faculty of Philosophy University of St. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje [email protected] ABSTRACT Most Medieval and Late Medieval churches were built over or in the vicinity of Ancient temples, synagogues and domus ecclesiae, Early Christian churches, or powerful water sources. Shared shrines in the Balkans brought Christians and Muslims together around objects, tombs and sites believed to deliver spiritual protection. Travel writers tell us of how mosques were erected above some churches by pulling the church buildings down or changing the upper part. One of the most prominent travel writers of Ottoman times, Evliya Çelebi, writes that there were 24 Muslim shrines in the town of Štip during the second half of the 17th century, amongst which he mentions the mosque of Husamedin‐Paša. The shrine, called the Husamedin‐Paša Mosque by the Muslims and the Church of Saint Elijah by the Christians in Štip, is revered equally by both religious groups in the town, and each group claims priority for its use. Еxamples of religious shrines shared by Christians and Muslims include the Church of St. Nicholas/Hʹdʹr Baba Tekke in Makedonski Brod, the St. Naum monastery near Ohrid. (The large number of Muslim visitors to this shrine, especially at the tomb of Saint Naum, is due to their belief that the face of Saint Naum in the painting entitled ‘Saint Naum Reins in a Bear Instead of an Ox’ actually belongs to the Bektashi saint, Sarʹ Saltʹk).
    [Show full text]
  • Albania the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
    NATO/EAPC UNCLASSIFIED RELEASABLE TO UN AND EU RELEASABLE FOR INTERNET TRANSMISSION EADRCC Executive Summary REGARDING FOREST FIRES IN ALBANIA AND THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA1 03 August 2007 13:00 UTC ALBANIA • Italian Civil Protection Department is ready to deploy two fire fighting aircrafts (Bombardier Canadair CL 415). Operational and technical contacts are in progress between Italian and Albanian Operational Centres. • The Ukrainian aircraft “Antonov 32” operates in fire extinguishing missions: in the region of Lezhë, near the port of Shëngjin and in the district of Pukë. • Two fire fighting helicopters with Bambi Bucket from two German private companies operate in and around the area of the hot spots of Pukë. • Albania received or is going to receive fire fighting equipment assistance from Czech Rebublic, Austria and Sweden (in more details vide EADRCC Situation Report No.5). Sweden is going to send an expert to Albania to facilitate the handover of the equipment and perform training where necessary. • The overall evolving situation has been monitored by the Emergency Steering Committee and by local, regional emergency management commissions. • Aerial testing and aerial fire fighting operations have proved effective. In the affected areas and around them police forces have taken control of the situation by safeguarding human lives and property. • The overall situation has a slight tendency to improve (Elbasan, Berat, Korçë, Vlorë and Fier). • The fire in Valmor in the district of Mirditë and the fire in Sotira in the region of Gjirokastër have been put under control. • Problems still persist in Northern and North-Eastern Albania regions (district of Pukë, Valbona valley, village of Stoberd and White Lake).
    [Show full text]