Traces of the Ancient – North Macedonia

As part of the Traces of the Ancient Project coordinated by TÜRGEV, we were in North Macedonia to research Ramadan culture.

As part of the Traces of the Ancient Project coordinated by TÜRGEV, we were in North Macedonia to research Ramadan culture.

With the support of the National Agency and under the coordination of the Türkiye Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), the Erasmus project titled Traces of the Ancient North Macedonia Youth Exchange aims to document disappearing elements of cultural heritage before they are lost and to make them publicly accessible by publishing them digitally in the form of documentaries and articles.

During the fourth phase of the project, which coincided with the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, we were in North Macedonia. Together with 40 participants, we conducted field research in cities including Skopje, Gostivar, Tetovo, Radovish, Ohrid, and Kičevo. The project participants, who received training in oral history and conducted on site research, documented the cultural heritage of Muslim communities in the region and completed the learning process using informal and nonformal educational methods in line with the goals of youth exchange programs.

Participants also had the opportunity to closely observe the work of various institutions actively operating in the region such as Köprü Association, the Maarif Foundation, Ensar Association, TIKA, MATUSITEB, Yunus Emre Institute, and TRT Balkan MK. At the end of the project, participants were awarded Youthpass certificates.

Holding the project in North Macedonia, where people from diverse religions and cultures live together, is expected to contribute to the understanding and development of intercultural dialogue.