Make Macedonia Great Again! The New Face of Skopje and the Macedonians’ Identity Dilemma
Make Macedonia Great Again! The New Face of Skopje and the Macedonians’ Identity Dilemma

Author(s): Arianna Piacentini
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, Ancient World, Middle Ages, Modern Age, Recent History (1900 till today), International relations/trade, Nationalism Studies, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Macedonia; identity; Skopje; urban image; Greece dispute;
Summary/Abstract: Implemented by the Macedonian national party VMRO-DPMNE the project “Skopje 2014” renewed the urban image of Skopje, capital city of the (Former Yugoslav) Republic of Macedonia and promoted a narrative of direct descent from the Ancient Macedonians, epitomized by the figure of Alexander the Great. Impressive statues, fountains, a triumphal arch, and new massive buildings now stand in all their grandeur in the city centre of the small republic’s capital city. Although apparently meant to give a new face to Skopje, these urban changes are also strictly tied to a “great” national narrative concerning the Macedonian nation – its roots and origins, and are apparently shaping and changing, not only the urban image of Skopje but also the national identity of the Macedonians.

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