Republic of Macedonia–Turkey relations

Macedonian–Turkish relations

Macedonia
Turkey

Macedonian–Turkish relations are foreign relations between the Republic of Macedonia and Turkey.

History

Due to historical and cultural mutualities and human bonds Macedonia and Turkey have very close and friendly relations.[1] Shortly after Macedonia declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991 Turkey recognized Macedonia's sovereignty as one of the first countries and also recognizes the latter under its constitutional name Republic of Macedonia,[1] which is recognized by 130 countries worldwide.[2] Bilateral relations were established on 26 August 1992.[3] Macedonia has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate–general in Istanbul, while Turkey has an embassy in Skopje and a consulate-general in Bitola. Also, Turkish is a co-official language in two municipalities, besides of Macedonian. Turkey and Macedonia also have good economic relations. There are several Turkish companies present in Macedonia, notably TAV and Sisecam. Both countries aspire to join the European Union.

Macedonian citizens of Turkish origin

There is a 77,959 people strong Turkish minority in Macedonia, which makes up 3.85% of the total population of the country.[4] The Turks of Macedonia serve as a bridge between the two nationcountries signed a new program for cooperation in the sphere of culture for the period between 2009 and 2011. According to the program both sides shall intensify the cooperation in different segments of culture and art. Additionally, the countries shall promote each other's culture and open Cultural Information Centres - Macedonia in Istanbul and Turkey in Skopje. On that occasion, the Macedonian minister also announced that the Macedonian government decided to renew the house of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's parents, located in the village of Kodžadžik near Debar.[5] The Turkish authorities allowed Macedonian archaeologists to make a copy of the Alexander Sarcophagus that afterwards will be displayed in a Macedonian museum.[6]

Turkish minority issues

Inquiries have shown a rise in the hostility and intolerance by the Slavic Macedonians towards the Muslim Macedonians originating from Turkey and form the 4 percent of the country's population. This has been largely a product of the existence of Ottoman rule in the country for over four centuries. Certain Macedonian politicians insisted on even banning the TV series Süleyman the Magnificent during a session in the country's Parliament.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Republic of Turkey - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (English)
  2. ↑ "Zimbabwe Recognizes Macedonia Under Constitutional Name". Macedonian International News Agency. 2010-01-14.
  3. ↑ Republic of Macedonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (English)
  4. ↑ Republic of Macedonia - State Statistical Office (English) (Macedonian)
  5. ↑ Government of the Republic of Macedonia (Macedonian)
  6. ↑ Dnevnik newspaper
  7. ↑ http://www.todayszaman.com/news-302597-suleyman-the-magnificent-reconquers-the-balkans-by-hajrudin-somun-.html

External links