Loznani

Loznani
Лознани
Loznani
Coordinates: 41°12′28″N 21°24′14″E / 41.20778°N 21.40389°E
Government
  Mayor Vladimir Taleski
Area
  Total 9 km2 (3 sq mi)
Elevation +600 m (2,000 ft)
Population (2002)
  Total 185
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
Area code(s) 389 047
Patron saints Saint Atanasije Veliki
Website http://www.bitola.gov.mk

Loznani (Macedonian: Лознани) is a village in the Republic of Macedonia. It is located in the Mogila municipality near the city of Bitola.

Loznani, pre-harvest with Selačka Planina in the background

Origin of name

Loznani as mentioned in 1467 by an Ottoman the main features sighted in Loznani were the large presence of vineyards and swine, thus due to the large amount of vineyards in this village the villagers named it Loznani after the Maceedonian word for vineyard being "Lozar or Loznica", hence the name Loznani.

Location and demographics

Loznani is a small village located next to the Crna Reka (Black River) in the southern state of Bitola, but in the municipality of Mogila. The village is located in the central part of the Pelagonian valley, next to Selačka Planina (Village mountain, 777 m). Loznani is located 22 kilometres from Bitola and 19 kilometres from Prilep at 590–640 metres above sea level. The village is surrounded by mountains on both sides which exceed to 2200 metres. Loznani's coordinates are Longitude: 21 ° 24' 14" East Latitude: 41° 12' 28" North. The first mention of the village is in an Ottoman defter of 1467-8, which records seventy-four households and the presence of vineyards and swine.[1] The population of Loznani as of 2002 was 185, all of whom were Macedonians.

Economy

The economy of Loznani is primarily agricultural. Produce includes tobacco, milk (both sheep and cow), meats, and sunflower oil and seeds. A number of vineyards produce a quality wine. The largest agricultural export is wheat which is processed in the local mill.

The area of the village is 9 square kilometres. 563 hectares are arable, 215 hectares are grazing land, and 32 hectares are bush.

Climate

The climate of Loznani, located in the Pelagonian Valley, brings air from the Mediterranean, creating a Mediterranean climate. Summers temperatures are hot, reaching 40 degrees Celsius with little rain. Winters are Continental, reaching -20 degrees with heavy precipitation.

Sport

Loznani is active in Soccer with its own national A league soccer team "FK Hajduk Loznani" (Macedonian: ФК Хајдук Лознани)

Other sports include small and rarely big game hunting, swimming, fishing, basketball and many more.

Attractions

Loznani offers many attractions to tourist which include:

Inside Saint Atanasije veliki church and frescoes, 15th century
After many years of construction and furnishing it has become a well known monastery not only in Macedonia but in the Balkans where women come to pray in the church and drink the holy water from the church tap where the water of the ancient spring flows and has flowed for many generations non-stop. Today the monastery has become a massive highlight of the village where many festivals are held, church services and many other religious ceremonies and a gathering for the villagers to have conversation and for the women to cook in the monastery hall.
The church has one tower in the middle and a 3-D golden crucifix which can be seen at all angles. In the church tower a massive icon of Jesus Christ overlooks the people in the church and wonderful depictions of the Virgin Mary, Christ and many saints.

References

  1. Kravari, Vassiliki (1989). Ville et villages de Macédoine occidentale. Realites Byzantines (in French) 2. Paris: Editions P. Lethielleux. p. 295. ISBN 2-283-60452-4.

External links