МАЈЧИНА ПРЕГРАТКА - РАСКАЗ

Зимски студен ден. Ивана седеше крај огништето и упорно гледаше во вжарените дрвја кои даваа некој посебен црвен сјај. Беше Петок, еден часот попладне кога наеднаш некој заѕвона на влезната врата. Ивана дури тогаш се свести дека многу далеку замина со своите мисли.

- Ех, како сум се замислила, заминав на крајот на светот со моите мисли...хм...не заџабе велат, Умот е најбрзо нешто на светот. Поита до вратата да отвори.

 Добар ден девојко, ти ли си Ивана? – праша човекот на вратата, беше новиот поштар за кого Ивана слушна од мајка си дека го заменува стариот Стојан.

Да, јас сум – одговори малку возбудено Ивана.

Еве писмо за вас. Како што гледам од амбасадата е, сигурно и ти ќе ни одлеташ преку океан! – се насмеа и гледаше во Ивана дали ќе каже нешто.

-          Е, ви благодарам, ете конечно стигна и тоа писмо. Па видете, јас не се ни радувам многу на тоа но можно е да одлетам преку океан, се зависи што одлучиле од амбасадата... срамежливо и малку несигурно му одговори Ивана и се поздрави љубезно со поштарот.

-          Со среќа во новите неизвесности, само тоа можам да кажам, кој заминал еднаш од родното огниште, назад не се вратил. Догледање Ивана.

ВО ОХРИД ПРОМОВИРАНА СТИХОЗБИРКАТА „ШАРЕНИ ДИЈАМАНТИ“ ОД НАУМ ТРАЈЧЕСКИ

Во рамките на своите редовни промотивни активности и поддршка на роднокрајните автори, а во присуство на бројни љубители на поетската реч, роднини и пријатели, како и директорот на Агенцијата за иселеништво, Горан Ангелов,  на 18 август – четврток, во Прличевата одаја на НУ Библиотека „Григор Прличев“ во Охрид беше промовирана новата стихозбирка „Шарени дијаманти“ од Наум Трајчески,од Квинбијан, Австралија, чиј  издавач е Агенцијата за иселеништво на Република Македонија.

Промотори на делото беа м-р: Милчо Јованоски, Мирко Томовскии и Билјана Костова, а свое обраќање имаше  и авторот Наум Трајчески. На настанот присуствуваше и директор на Агенцијата  за иселеништво Горан Ангелов.

 

 Поетот Наум Трајчески е роден во село Издеглавје, Дебрца, во 1952 година, а од 1977 година живее и работи во Квинбијан – во демократска и мултикултурна Австралија. Зад себе има шест стихозбирки. Во 2017 година  стихозбирката „Одминато време“ му ја донесе наградата„Стојан Христов“ за најдобра книга од поет иселеник со македонско потекло што ја доделува Агенцијата за иселеништво, а во рамките на Струшките вечери на поезијата.

12TH - CENTURY JEWISH TRAVELER BENJAMIN OF TUDELA IN MACEDONIA

The 12th-century Jewish traveler Benjamin of Tudela visited Macedonia and described the Jewish community in Salonica (Thessaloniki), noting they worked in the silk industry and lived under difficult conditions. His detailed account of his travels, The Itinerary of Benjamin of Tudela, provides valuable insight into the Jewish communities and geography of the Middle Ages. 

Benjamin of Tudela's Journey Through the Region

After traveling through Greece, Benjamin moved north into Macedonia, specifically the city of Salonica.

He noted a community of 500 Jews in Salonica, highlighting their work in silk manufacture and their oppressive living conditions.

"MACEDONIAN SHIELD" HOSTS ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN BALL 2025

Почитувани членови и браќа и сестри Македонци, комитетот на МАКЕДОНСКИ ШТИТ МЕЛБУРН по втора година по ред организирaат Хуманитарна игранка на 11 Октомври 2025 ден на народното востание на македонскиот народ познат и само како 11 Октомври — државен празник што се празнува на 11 Oктомври во Македонија. Востание против фашизмот ден кога започнува борбата за ослободување на македонскиот народ.

"МАКЕДОНСКИ ШТИТ" - МЕЛБУРН е организација за хуманитарна помош за деца во Македонија и дијаспората каде што заболуваaт и му трeба итна помош.

Dear members and fellow Macedonians, Macedonian Shield Melbourne is proud to host its second annual humanitarian gala on October 11, 2025, in celebration of the Macedonian people's national uprising, a significant event marking the resistance against fascism and the start of the Macedonian people's liberation struggle, observed as a state holiday in Macedonia.

Our organization Macedonian Shield Melbourne, focuses on delivering humanitarian aid for children in need of medical assistance in Macedonia and abroad, requiring immediate support.

Dear members and fellow Macedonians, the Macedonian Shield Melbourne committee is proud to host its second annual humanitarian gala on October 11, 2025, in celebration of the Macedonian people's national uprising, a significant event marking the resistance against fascism and the start of the Macedonian people's liberation struggle, observed as a state holiday in Macedonia. MACEDONIAN SHIELD MELBOURNE is an organization for humanitarian aid for children in Macedonia and the diaspora where they are sick and in need of urgent help. Dear members and fellow Macedonians, Macedonian Shield Melbourne is proud to host its second annual humanitarian gala on October 11, 2025, in celebration of the Macedonian people's national uprising, a significant event marking the resistance against fascism and the start of the Macedonian people's liberation struggle, observed as a state holiday in Macedonia. Our organization Macedonian Shield Melbourne, focuses on delivering humanitarian aid for children in need of medical assistance in Macedonia and abroad, requiring immediate support.

Macedonian Timeline Australia

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE PARTITION OF MACEDONIA (22) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

    PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

According to Goyko Yakovleski, alias Goyko Delchev Rafkin - Gotse of Macedonia, tо write about the past and present of Macedonia is responsible task, but also very pleased. It is for reasons often said that Macedonia is the most beautiful country in the Balkans. It is not accidental, because in that area was once the headquarters of the Macedonian state of Philip and Alexander and of a great number of known and unknown heroes. That is why their descendants shine the horizons of the Macedonian emigrant galaxy with charisma as it may have only the stars of the Macedonian sky.

In spite of the Macedonian people having risen in 1903 to fight for their freedom and to create an Independent Macedonian state, only ten years later, Macedonia was brutally invaded, occupied and partitioned by its neighbours Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria; a partition validated by the European Great Powers on August 10, 1913 by the Treaty of Bucharest.

that Macedonians existed even before that because they read about them in their newspapers. The entire world read about the 1903 Ilinden Uprising and how the Macedonian people were struggling to free themselves from Ottoman oppression! Today we have hundreds of newspaper clippings from that time, from practically every major newspaper in the world, which, without a doubt, proves that Macedonians existed in 1903, only a decade before Macedonia was brutally invaded, occupied and partitioned by the neighbouring countries.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS SINCE MACEDONIA'S PARTITION (21) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS SINCE MACEDONIA'S PARTITION (21)

    PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

In the history it is noted that the Macedonian people from the Aegean part of Macedonia, together with all its ethnic brethren from Macedonia in 1903 rose to a rebellion to fight for their freedom and an independent Macedonian state. Only ten years later Macedonia was brutally attacked, occupied and divided from its neighbors Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria, and later from Albania; division confirmed by the European great powers, of August 10, 1913, with the Treaty of Bucharest.

It is known that the Macedonians existed in 1912 and in 1913. In fact, the whole world knew that the Macedonians existed even before, since read about them in history books and other information media. The whole world read about the Ilinden Uprising of 1903 and how the Macedonian people are trying to get rid of the yoke. Today we have hundreds of newspaper clippings from the time, practically every major newspaper in the world, which, no doubt, prove that the Macedonians existed in 1903, only a decade ago that Macedonia be brutally invaded, occupied and divided from neighboring countries.

VISITES OF ANCIENT LOCATIONS IN MACEDONIA (20) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

VISITES OF ANCIENT LOCATIONS IN MACEDONIA (20)

    PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

           We welcomed our friend frm Canada emphasizing that Macedonia is eager to receive a guest such as Steve Pliakes who bears Macedonia in his heart and soul and we headed to Skopje, to our home located in the centre of the capital of Macedonia. We welcomed him once again wishing him pleasant stay in Macedonia and toasted with a tasteful Tikvesh yellow rakija, and luscious Macedonian specialties.

Next morning we went to the Archbishopric of the Macedonian Orthodox Church where we had a scheduled meeting with the Metropolitan of Polog and Kumanovo Eparchy, H.E. Cyril, who was a friend of Steve Pliakes; they were friends for a long time and used to meet both on the North American continent and in Macedonia. The meeting was in Christian manner, friendly, warm and very important for Steve, who on that occasion handed to the Bishop Cyril the presents from his family, and gave him many regards from the Board of the Macedonian Orthodox Church “St. Clement of Ohrid” and from the numerous mutual friends and distinguished Macedonian emigrants who live in Canada.

At the meeting with the first bishop of the American-Canadian Macedonian Orthodox Eparchy H.E. Cyril, they discussed many issues of essential importance for the Macedonian Orthodox Churches in Canada and USA, the role and progress of the Macedonian communities in the Diaspora. The meeting ended with an invitation by the bishop to visit the Leshok monastery, which invitation was accepted and realized during Steve’s stay in Macedonia. Their conversation lasted for few hours, and the guest from Canada was very satisfied with the meeting and full of beautiful memories.

CHRONOLOGY OF IMPORTANT EVENTS IN MACEDONIAN HISTORY (19) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

CHRONOLOGY OF IMPORTANT EVENTS IN MACEDONIAN HISTORY (19)

    PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

240,000 B.C. - A fossil of Homo erectus was uncovered in Patraloni, Chalcidice near Solun..

10,000 B.C. - Latest ice age retreats from the Balkans.

7,000 B.C. - First “tell” type settlements built with clay bricks appear near Solun. First signs of agriculture appear in the Aegean part of the Balkans over the Vardar River along the Danube and widening towards Europe. The Lepenski Vir cult and paleographyisms begin to appear. 

6,000 B.C. - Footsteps of human culture appear in the terrain along the flow of the Vardar, Bistritsa, Tsrna and Bregalitsa Rivers.

5,500-3,500 B.C. - Neolithic settlement found in the village Dupjak on the shore of Lake Kostur. First paleographyisms appear. Macedonians are settling on the shores of the Bistritsa River.

3,500 B.C. - Pelazgians traveling over Asia Minor arrive and settle in Balkan Pelazgia.

3,500-2,500 B.C. - Diminit culture in Magnesia (Macedonian tribes) and Minoan tablets appear. 

 Podunavtsi, (Minoans, Lapits, Tirons, Flegeans in Eolia) (Thessaly).

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF MACEDONIA (18) - by Slave Nikolovski - Katin

      It should be pointed out that there are many historical and archaeological findings that have confirmed the numerous facts of great importance to the Balkans, Europe and the world originating from Macedonia. Therefore we, the Macedonians, should be proud of them. Here are some of those unique and distinctive characteristics of Macedonia:

•   Ancient Macedonia was the first organized state in the Balkans and beyond that had established borders;

• Philip II of Macedon and Alexander III of Macedon (the Great) were the first rulers to introduce the following military parts: infantry, cavalry, and navy;

• The Macedonian Phalanx was the most disciplined and trained army armed with long spears unknown until that time. It fought for several decades, often fighting battles with armies that outnumbered them by several times, but they didn’t lose a battle;

THE ROYAL ARGAED DYNASTY OF RUPIŠTE IN KOSTUR (16) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

THE ROYAL ARGAED DYNASTY

OF RUPIŠTE IN KOSTUR (16)

    PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

            As we have shown, the earliest inhabitants of Orestis were Macedonians belonging to the Paleo-Balkan Neolithic family. The antroponym or tribal name comes from the word oros-oros meaning forest, mountain, boundary, or border. They were also named ‘Gorans’ meaning mountaineers, border dwellers, or frontiersmen. Their legendary eponymic hero was their king Orest (Goran) from whom, according to Strabo (VII, 326), the Macedonian Argaed Royal family descends. This is also confirmed by Appian (Historia Romana, 1907, 63) who also claimed that “the Macedonian Argaeds are from Argos in Orestis” (Argos to en Orestiai, othen oi Argaedai Makedones). Orestis, a border region located in Western Macedonia, bordered with Eordaya and Elomea in the east, with Enhelida in the west, with Desaret in the north, and while bordering in the south with the Brigits, Lihnida and Lyncus respectively in the past, it now bordered with Paravaya, Timfaya and Tesprotia.

Orestis, today known as Kostur Region, was located in Upper Macedonia in the upper basin of the river Bistritsa (Haliakmon). This region was a plateau with a 650 meter elevation at its lowest point, surrounded by the  Pind, Gramos (2520m) and Voion (1802m) to the south, Askio (2111m), Verno (2128m) and Vičo (2124m) to the east, Varnous (2354m) to the north and Galičica (2288m) to the west.

Argos Orestikon, or Argos of Orestis (Starbon, VII, 326), was the oldest city and capital of Orestis. The city was located on the flatlands of the Argaed Plain, “Argeasteum campun” (Livy, XXVIII, 33). The city today known as Rupište still exists and can be found in the Kostur Region flatlands only 9km away from the city of Kostur, in the northeastern part of the river Bistritsa (Haliakmon). This city is not only the birthplace of several of the Argaed Dynastic kings but is the city that produced a large number of “heters” for the Macedonian phalanges.

Recent archaeological excavations in Orestis and the surrounding region have unearthed artefacts originating from the Neolithic age and even some originating from the Palaeolithic age. Most of these were found in the present day Armenovo (Armenohori) locality, located about 1.5 km away from Rupište (Argos Orestikon). Archaeologists consider this to be the primeval Argos. Other localities in this region include Nestram (Nestorio) located on the northeastern slopes of Gramos, Želegože (Pendavrison), Prešteni (Avgi),  Gorentsi (Korisos) and Krpeni (Krapeni) located near the southeastern coast of Lake Kostur, Korešta (Korestis) located near the upper basin of  the River Bistritsa (Haliakmon) and others (Daskalaki, 1928, 14). 

Stone Age settlements of special significance include the village Dupjak (Dispelio) (Dispelio) located on the southern coast of Lake Kostur about 8 km from Kostur City. Settlements such as this were also found on the coastlines of other Macedonian lakes including Lakes Ohrid, Prespa, Dojran and others. In this locality however, where investigations were conducted starting in 1938 and were continued through 1940, 1974, 1992, 1993 and 1994, large walls were found made of huge processed stones and wooden palisades (fences made of piles driven into the ground) under the surface of the lake which were used to attach wooden houses. Stone tools such as axes, land cultivation devices, household and other tools were also found underwater. Among those artefacts a very interesting and important palaeographic syllabary written on a wooden board was found, carbon dating to 5260 B.C. (Hourmouziades, 1996).

MACEDONIA - FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO TODAY (15) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

MACEDONIA - FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO TODAY (15)

PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

Many foreign and domestic authors have written about the historical development of Macedonia from ancient times until today. Some of them tried to fake the Macedonian history while others did not hesitate to present the real historical facts about Macedonia and the Macedonian people. From the vast of literature we can conclude that during this long period rich in various events and turmoil, only two peoples have called themselves Macedonians: the ancient Macedonians and the present Macedonians, who now live in the area of ethnic Macedonia and all the continents.

In a conversation with Gojko Jakovleski, alias Gojko Delchev Rafkin – Goce Makedonski he said that the rich history of Europe it is difficult to find a people such as the Macedonian, who has had so much turmoil with its national constitution. 

            It is difficult to find other people in the world who have had such a stormy history. Each storm hit the Macedonian people leaving certain consequences. Not one war has avoided Macedonia. During its history Macedonia was in the middle of all misfortunes which occurred in that region, and the Macedonians received the first heavy strikes.

The destiny of many people was their history and the history of the Macedonians was their destiny. According to the chronology of the last thirteen centuries, Macedonians have been under various occupations for nine centuries. They were under Ottoman rule for 517 years, 225 years under Byzantine rule, 76 years under Bulgarian occupation, 83 years under Serbian occupation, and Macedonians have only felt freedom in the last 72 years.

MACEDONIA IN TRANSITION – DEVELOPING INTO A CIVILIZATION (14) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

MACEDONIA IN TRANSITION – DEVELOPING INTO A CIVILIZATION (14) 

PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

     For some time the Balkan peoples led a life of ease until it was disrupted during the 12th century B.C. migrations in the northwestern part of the Peninsula. The new migrants at the time were nameless barbarian tribes which later became known as the Illyrians, Epiriotes and Dorians.

According to Tukidid (I, 12) “… even after the Trojan War the Elines were still moving to this region and establishing new settlements, so that Elada could not calm down and rise.” This period of history is defined as a transitional period since much has been speculated about it, especially in recent times. This research too will dedicate some space to it.

            The invasion of the new migrational hordes (nomadic tribes) made a strong impression on the Dinarida causing sheer panic all through the Balkans, Asia Minor, Palestine and Egypt. These migrations of “peoples from the sea” took place around 1190 B.C. and are verified by the epigram in the Medinet Habu temple in Egypt written by Ramses III.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MACEDONIA (13) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

THE TRUTH ABOUT MACEDONIA (13)

PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

          It is an irrefutable fact that the Macedonian has managed to survive despite every form of pressure for his assimilation. This illustrates that this people, as a Biblical one, have managed to confront and endure every conquest, oppression, and negation. Macedonia is one of the exceptional countries with long and ancient history. Its roots are the Ancient Macedonians, and its leaders Phillip and Alexander of Macedon. 

          Since their time, throughout the rule of Rome and Byzantium, and throughout the great migrations of the Slavs to the South, followed by the Ottoman and other periods, Macedonia has always been the landmark and crossroads of various civilizations, cultures, languages, and religions. Again, it is an irrefutable fact that when Europe was in darkness, it was enlightened only by the torch of the Macedonian culture. Among other things, St. Clement’s University in Ohrid shone as a symbol of the oldest civilization on the continent. 

          Starting from the 4th century, Christianity has prevailed in these areas. This is confirmed by the archeological findings and by the great number of Christian churches, episcopal cathedrals, basilicas, baptisteries and other sacral facilities of huge dimensions that prove that Christianity has been rooted deeply and organized well in Macedonia since its very beginning up to the present times.

          One of the greatest things that ever happened in Macedonia in the past was the first alphabet of Saint Cyril of Thessalonica (Solun), which has a historically significant role for all Slavic people. Thus, the first translations of religious books to Old-Slavic, i.e. to the Old-Macedonian tongue, marked the period in which this language, with its letters, found itself among the dominant languages alongside the Latin, Hellenic, and Jewish. Then, God’s word began spreading in our tongue, too, and people began writing and reading books written in the Pan-Slavic and Old-Macedonian letters and tongue. 

          Undoubtedly, this event was of epochal significance for the Macedonian people. First, because the brothers, Saints Cyril and Methodius, came from Thessalonica, Macedonia, and second, because the first books written in the Old-Macedonian and Pan-Slavic tongue were written in the tongue of the Macedonian Slavs. Obviously, Saints Cyril and Methodius could not use any other but the language of the Macedonians who lived in their city, Thessalonica. 

           Another epochal event for the Macedonians took place at the beginning of the 11th century when the Macedonian Czar Samuil moved his capital first to Prespa, the birthplace of the Metropolitan Kiril, and then to Ohrid. Witness to this are the remnants of his fortresses that we still see today as a permanent mark of our glorious past. This was also the center of the Ohrid Archbishopric until it was abolished in 1767. Namely, along with the declaration of the Patriarchate it was no coincidence that Czar Samuil was declared to be Emperor by the first Ohrid patriarch. 

           Before the arrival of the Ottomans to the Balkans in the 14th century, there had been a lot of construction work in Macedonia. Witnesses to this are the numerous medieval churches and monasteries, which are now part of the treasury of the European and world culture. It was no coincidence that the Ottomans did not revoke immediately the autocephalous state of the Ohrid Archbishopric, but instead they showed tolerance towards the Christian faith. 

THE SUN OF KUTLESH - A SYMBOL OF LIFE AND ACTIVITY OF BUSINESSMAN GEORGE ATANASOSKI (12) PART OF THE BOOK “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA” BY SLAVÉ KATIN Only the Sun is older than Macedonia, say George Atanasoski. Therefore, the symbol from Kutlesh (Palatica) of the ancient Macedonians, Philip and Alexander, whose descendants are we the Macedoni- ans, was a symbol on the official flag of the Repub- lic of Macedonia since its independence on Sept. 8, 1991. Regretfully, under pressure from the Greek chauvinists and a year-long blockade of Greece, the sixteen-ray flag was changed on October 5, 1995. The new flag of the Republic of Macedonia is an eight-ray sun, which means “a new sun of liberty”. As of September 19, 2004, however, the an- cient symbol – the sixteen-ray sun - has been also flying on the flag before the municipal building of Pustec, Mala Prespa. The World Macedonian Congress and the twin-municipality of Gazi Baba of Skopje have certainly deserved credit for this ancient symbol being on the municipal flag. The decision for the Macedonian symbol adopted by the Municipal Council of Pustec and approved by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Albania has made it a unique municipality, having the Macedonian sixteen-ray sun as its official symbol. The official ceremony of displaying the symbol of the mu- nicipality symbolically marked the introduction of the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet in administrative use in the Republic of Albania as well, because the name of the municipality is written in both Macedonian and Albanian on the coat of arms of this municipality. However, the greatest custodian and defender of the symbol of Kutlesh is, of course, business- men George Atanasoski. That sun has been constantly leading him all his life, and he has confirmed this through the newspaper The Macedonian Sun whose historic development is closely connect- ed with the ideas of a number of Macedonians in the diaspora. Motivated by their patriotic feeling to prove to the world that the ancient Macedo- nian civilization would revive in parallel to the independence of the Republic of Macedonia, a few Macedonians patriots living in Germany, led by Mr. George Atanasoski, decided, in autumn of 1993, to issue a Macedonian weekly. It was decided that the magazine would have global significance because it would be distributed worldwide where Macedonians live. Atanasoski’s idea for issuing a newsletter occurred to him 25 years before the first publication of “The Macedonian Sun”. He felt the need for an independent newspaper which would inform, as objectively as possible, not only the readers and the public in the Republic of Macedonia, but also Macedonian immigrants. Working in his private business abroad more than in his homeland, he had frequent meetings with Macedonians in America where they used to exchange and convey news and information orally, thus misinforming each other more than informing. However, after several meetings with Macedonians in Germany in 1993, the idea of having a Macedonian national weekly was finally realized. It would also have a lobbying role in the recogni- tion of our century-old existence and continuation through its well-argued historical contributions. A year of preparations followed after which Atanasoski finally founded the global Macedonian weekly, "The Macedonian Sun", whose first issue came out on June 24, 1994. Although the newspaper’s editorial office is located in Skopje, part of the Macedonian public believed that "The Macedonian Sun" was a magazine intended only for Macedonian emigrants. This incorrect conclusion persisted until readers actually read the paper. After the first edition of this weekly was published, Atanasoski stated with satisfaction that the efforts of he and his associates, along with the desire of Macedonians to raise their patriotic spirit, not only among Macedonians emigrants but also in their homeland, were finally rewarded. From a modest circulation of 2,000 copies, the paper reached 7,000 to 8,000 copies, and several times this figure was even above 10,000 copies. As a founder of this global weekly, Atanasoski is trying to make it fully independent, non-partisan and without his influence over the editorial policy. It should be known that "The Macedonian Sun" is an independent, national magazine, which "tells the truth flat out", poking fun at negative matters, but at the same time it is also full of humanity and brotherly love towards its favorites – the Macedonians. At the same time the magazine accords respect to other minorities living in Mac- edonia. It is not by chance that it keeps on publishing the heading titled "Our Christian Faith". It is a result of the fact that Mr. Atanasoski believes in God, believes in himself, and believes both in his people and his country. To him Florida is beautiful, but Macedonia – it’s a God's paradise! Therefore Atanasoski says that it is humane and moral to respect all people in the world, but it is even better to love your own nation first, and then the others. The first issue of the weekly "The Macedoni- an Sun" was published on June 24, 1994 and from then until today it has been published continuously, with some fluctuations. On two occasions its format was changed. Thus, from number 493 on December 12, 2003 to number 763 on February 13 in 2009 it was published in color, with 64 pages The newspaper "The Macedonian Sun" was distributed and marketed in printed form in the Republic of Macedonia and around the world where Macedonians live – in Europe, America, Canada, and Australia. Since 2003 - Director: Elizabeta Hadji-Sto- janova Kosturska, Aleksandar Keltanoski, editor in chief; Editorial staff: Kokan Stojchev, Zhaklina Mitevska, Mileva Lazova, Mishko Taleski, Miro- slav Georgievski; Associates: Frosina Tashevska- Remenski, Dejan Savovski, Aleksandar Vuchevski, Zhivanka Filipovska; Sinisha Karic; Technical Editor: Vladimir Stojkovski, Silvana Blazheva; Proofreader: Zorica Kmetovska; Typist: Suzana Josifovska, and secretary of the editor’s office. As of 2008 the editor in chief is Aleksandar Keltanoki, while the editorial staff consists of: Ko- kan Stojchev, Zhaklina Mitevska, Mileva Lazova, Mishko Taleski, Miroslav Georgievski; Associates: Frosina Tashevska-Remenski, Dejan Savovski, Aleksandar Vuchevski, Zhivanka Filipovska; Sinisha Ka- ric , technical editor; Vladimir Stojkovski, technical editor; Silvana Blazheva, proofreader; Zorica Kme- tovska, typist; Suzana Josifovska, secretary of the editor’s office, and Mile Ocevski, distributor. New horizons have opened up in the informa- tion activity of the Republic of Macedonia with the publishing of the weekly “The Macedonian Sun”. Its first edition was actually a holiday for journalism in Macedonia. Therefore, on the occasion of the release of the first edition and the promotion of "The Macedonian Sun", the President of the World Macedonian Congress of North America, Mr. George Atanasoski, founder and owner of the magazine, addressed the newspaper readers and the entire Macedonian public in the Republic Macedonia and in the Macedonian diaspora. He gave more details about the mission and goals of “The Macedonian Sun" and, among other things, he said: My dear readership, The launching ceremony of ‘The Macedonian Sun’ on June 24, 1994 in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, is an exceptional act in the Macedonian national, spiritual, cultural and economic unity. The emer- gence of the first Macedonian global weekly marks the beginning of an authentic, long awaited forum for information and communication for Macedonians from all continents. ‘The Macedonian Sun’ is now an integral part of the written Macedonian thoughts, but, at the same time, it is a leading impetus in the promotion of Macedonian journalism. The Macedonian Sun’ belongs to the Macedonian people completely. Your participation in the pages of this newspaper is its strongest qualitative trait, its greatest asset. Therefore I’m especially glad that you have accepted ‘The Macedonian Sun’ with great enthusiasm and that you have started to actively in- volve yourselves in the processes of communication with other Macedonians around the world. The large number of letters that arrive in our editor’s office with contents to be approved, your greetings and wishes for personal participation in these processes proves that information uniting Macedonians should continue to be successfully developed. The pages of this newspaper are wide open for all Macedonians from all political options to communicate their information, suggestions and opinions, their analytical reviews and creative ideas relevant to the democratic development of the Macedonian naIt seems that the sun (‘sonce’ in Macedonian) of Kutlesh is a symbol of the life and work of the American businessman George Atanasoski and his investments in the Republic of Macedonia: the magazine “The Macedonian Sun” (Makedonsko sonce), TV-station “Sonce” and Hotel “Sonce GA”. In addition, there is a large number of organizations, insti- tutions clubs, associations and other institutions in Macedonia and throughout the world whose sym- bol is the sixteen-ray sun, including the name of the restaurant of businessman Risto Gushterov in Na- ples, Florida, named “Palatica” (Kutlesh). tion and culture. We use this opportunity to encour- age the Macedonians in the Republic and abroad, regardless of their political and religious affiliation, to actively join in global communication in all fields of interest to our fatherland Macedonia. Since only a tolerant dialogue among us, the Macedonians - which in its essence is an open discussion of ideas for specific solutions to problems that Macedonia faces – is a guarantee of its long-term economic and educa- tional development. Before a large audience, founder Atanasoski said that he was deeply convinced that conditions were ripe for something which had been discussed in Macedonian history so much, but was poorly im- plemented in practice. He spoke with conviction that The Macedonian Sun was born for the Mace- donian people with the vision of becoming a lead- ing forum which would replace the bland quarrels from the every day life of the Macedonian politics and journalism. It would put forward tolerance and concrete proposals on how best to achieve Mac- edonian national interests. Continuing, Atanasoski stressed that, "We categorically reject the current separation and schisms that are a shadow over Macedonian unity, as the sword of Damocles. In parting, we offer that "The Macedonian Sun": will multiply the rich potential of ideas from the Macedonian people with whose assistance, it is widely known, answers to all challenges will be found; even in the toughest moments of stubbornness; to establish continuity of long-term efforts of Macedonians to create their own authen- tic newspapers throughout history immortalizing the existence of their nation; and to raise the level of civilization in Macedonia. Our mission is to use, to the maximum, the enormously rich and diverse in- tellectual and spiritual potential that has made the Macedonian people a distinctive nation in history, in order to open up new horizons in their existence and continuation. ‘The Macedonian Sun’ has guaranteed that opportunity far into the future." On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of pub- lishing The Macedonian Sun, in July 1999, the found- er of this weekly, George Atanasoski, expressed his satisfaction and addressed in writing the reader- ship and the public in Macedonia in general, saying: My dear readership! Five years have passed since June 24, 1994 when the weekly "The Macedonian Sun" first threw light on Macedonians at home and abroad. The need for "The Sun" existed then as it exists today because we still cannot say that our news outlets are completely free, as is the case with "The Sun" which does not depend on any party and is therefore a unique, to- tally independent newspaper. As a result, it could be freely called "a newspaper of truth. The development of the newspaper is one of the few things of which we can be extremely proud. This newspaper is the first voice in defense of Macedoni- an interests at home and abroad. We are among the first in Macedonia to publish it on the Internet, and we have about 65,000 internet visitors per month. From today's issue onwards we will continue with this new format. Soon we will expand our Internet coverage to better inform the world about Macedo- nia and to promote Macedonian culture and national interests. For several months thus far "The Sun" has been providing its Media-Monitor, pieces of informa- tion and articles for Macedonia and about Macedo- nia published in the international media to inform all those interested in Macedonia through e-mail on a daily basis. For two years we have been publishing a monthly Internet magazine "The Makedonika" for Macedonian history and culture where articles of eminent historians who deal with this topic are col- lected and published in English and Macedonian. Two weeks ago we opened a "chat forum" on the Inter- net where Macedonians and friends from around the world can gather and discuss the problems in Mac- edonia. Plans are many. A lot of work is waiting for us but with your help, my dear readers, we are going to realize the ideals of our ancestors for a free, united and strong Macedonia. As founder of the newspaper, I would like to thank all readers worldwide who have supported and are supporting us now. I’m sending a message to all of them that we will tirelessly continue to fight until Macedonia fulfills the dreams of our ancestors," wrote George Atanasoski. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the weekly "The Macedonian Sun", however, its edition number 548/549 dated December 30, 2004, which was published in color, presented extensive material on the work and staff of the newspaper. In his special address Mr. George Atanasoski, founder of "The Macedonian Sun", stated that he had been following the idea of the great Macedonian who did not enslave but rather united nations - Alexan- der III of Macedon (the Great). To be continue By Slave Nikolovski-Katin

THE SUN OF KUTLESH - A SYMBOL OF LIFE  AND ACTIVITY OF BUSINESSMAN GEORGE ATANASOSKI (12)

PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

Only the Sun is  older  than  Macedonia, say George Atanasoski. Therefore, the symbol from Kutlesh (Palatica) of the ancient Macedonians, Philip and Alexander, whose descendants  are we the Macedoni- ans, was a symbol on the official flag of the Repub- lic of Macedonia since its independence on Sept. 8, 1991. Regretfully, under pressure from the Greek chauvinists and a year-long blockade of Greece, the sixteen-ray flag was changed on October 5, 1995. The new flag of the Republic of Macedonia is an eight-ray sun, which means “a new sun of liberty”. As of September 19, 2004, however, the an- cient symbol – the sixteen-ray sun - has been also flying on the flag before the municipal building of Pustec, Mala Prespa. 

The World Macedonian Congress and the twin-municipality of Gazi Baba of Skopje have certainly deserved credit for this ancient symbol being on the municipal flag. The decision for the Macedonian symbol adopted by the Municipal Council of Pustec and approved by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Albania has made it a unique municipality, having the Macedonian sixteen-ray sun as its official symbol. 

The official ceremony of displaying the symbol of the mu- nicipality symbolically marked the introduction of the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet in administrative use in the Republic of Albania as well, because the name of the municipality is written in both Macedonian and Albanian on the coat of arms of this municipality.

MACEDONIANS IN PAKISTAN (11) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

MACEDONIANS IN PAKISTAN (11)

PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

At the Himalayas, in the easternmost part of Pakistan, lives a tribe that differs from all those around. They are tall and have blond hair. They have their own autonomous country called Hansa or Najza-Kut and speak Burushasky language and considered themselves Macedonians, descendants of Alexander. The Macedonian public first learned about them in 1992 through contact show on MTV. Macedonians from Australia, America and Canada have long manifested interest in them and this summer an exploration team was sent to collect initial data on the spot. 

According to the book by Canadian John Tobin “People of Hansa” in the constitution of this Himalayan country it is written that they are descendants of Alexander of Macedon and his generals. Their flag is red, with golden eight-ray sun. More recently they’ve adopted Islamic religion, but they keep their old traditions. 

The book THE MACEDONIANS IN PAKISTAN “Diary of Colonel Lorimer” published in Norway in 1934 contains a fund of words of this people. German Sanskrit expert Dr. Hermann Berger published a study in 1935 in which he says that the language of the Hansa, burushasky language, resembles Basque by its melody. 

On the other hand, the Basque language has its emphasis on the third syllable from right to left, just like the Macedonian has, and Dr. Olga Lukovic-Pjanovic, after thirty years working at the Sorbonne, wrote that the Basques ‘speak Serbian’, referring to the Cvijic’s thesis from 1937 according to which the “Serbian” language from the region of Veles has most archaic words. Dr. Herman Berger rejected the possibility of similarity of that language with the Greek language. 

THE MACEDONIAN KINGDOM IN THE BALKANS (10) - By Slave Nikolovski - Katin

THE MACEDONIAN KINGDOM IN

THE BALKANS (10)

PART OF THE BOOK   “SELECTED PAPERS FOR MACEDONIA”

BY SLAVÉ KATIN

             Ever since 700 B.C., when the Macedonian prehistoric kingdom was established in the Balkans by Perdiccas I and ruled by the Argaed Dynasty there had been a continuous existence and expansion of Macedonia; an expansion which Alexander extended to include parts of Asia and Africa, a large Macedonia which continued to exist until Roman times.

When Alexander left for his eastern campaigns against Persia he left his trusted general Antipater (Antipatros) to govern and defend Macedonia. Antipater was a high ranking Macedonian officer and friend of the Royal Family. He was born in 398 B.C. in Orestis, Kostur region and had two sons, Cassander the older and Iolas. Antipater, being of the same dynasty, had a good relationship with both Philip II and his son Alexander. 

He was very successful during Philip II’s rule, a success that continued to grow during Alexander’s rule. As Alexander’s deputy in Macedonia, Antipater was a civilized and superb diplomat who closely cooperated with Ozocrates, an orator and teacher from Athens. He also wrote books including a history book entitled “The Illyrian War”. 

After Philip II’s murder, Antipater immediately recommended that Alexander take his place as king of Macedonia and gave him all his support. While Alexander was fighting the Persians on land during the Asian campaign, Antipater fought the Persian fleet at sea and kept the peace in the Balkans by putting down riots and insurrections in Elada, Thrace and Illyria.