Greece Is Forcing Macedonia To Change Its Name And They Are Furious

The last month has seen protests in The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece over the use of ‘Macedonia’. Culture Trip investigates why a name is causing so much debate.

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), as the country has formally been recognised by international bodies such as the United Nations since 1993, is a direct neighbour of Greece.

The country was created after the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991. However, Macedonia is also the name of a region in Northern Greece. The use of the name Macedonia has cast the question of national identity in both countries, and engendered fierce debate over who has rights to the name.

Both sides draw from ancient history to prove ownership. The Kingdom of Macedonia was ruled by Alexander the Great. FYROM argues that Alexander the Great therefore represents the nation’s founding father. The former Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski, erected a 22 metre high statue of Alexander the Great in the central square of Skopje back in 2011.

This ongoing debate has erupted again as The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia renews efforts to join the EU and Nato, under their new left-wing Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. Zaev has been in power for less than a year and has reportedly expressed that finding a resolution to the ongoing dispute around the name is a high priority. The contentious issue of the name Macedonia has previously played a role in halting the country’s efforts to join the aforementioned organisations.

The last month has seen Greek protests in Athens and Thessaloniki as discussions around the topic began again. The Athens protest was rumoured to bringca a million people to the capital. Although on the day the number of protestors was far less, around 140,000, the tension around the topic continues to be a nation-wide grievance. Greek nationalists argue that the only use of Macedonia should be in relation to Greece.

However the sense of nationalism is strong on both sides. At a recent rally in FYROM’s capital Skopje, protestors argued that they were Macedonian and should be named as such. FYROM nationalists are instead demanding that the name Macedonia be given recognition by the United Nations.

The desire of Zoran Zaev to resolve this debate certainly offers a new sense of optimism. The Prime Minister has already made concessions, such as changing the name of the airport from Skopje Alexander the Great airport to Skopje International Airport. Proposed names by Zoran Zaev include Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Upper Macedonia, Republic of Vardar Macedonia and Republic of Macedonia (Skopje).

However with strong nationalist sentiment from both sides, it may yet prove difficult to come to a final agreement.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.