As part of the Traces of the Ancient Project, we were in North Macedonia.

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

Supported by the Turkish National Agency and coordinated by the Türkiye Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), the Traces of the Ancient   Macedonia Youth Exchange Erasmus project aims to preserve cultural heritage that is on the verge of disappearing, recording it before it fades, and making it publicly accessible through documentaries and articles published in digital media.

For the fourth phase of the project, we visited North Macedonia during the month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. With 40 participants, we conducted field research in Skopje, as well as in the cities of Gostivar, Tetovo, Radoviš, Ohrid, and Kičevo. Having received oral history training, our participants documented the cultural heritage of the Muslim communities living in these regions. In line with the principles of youth exchange, they completed their learning process using both informal and non-formal education methods.

Project participants also had the opportunity to closely observe the work of various active organizations in the region, including Köprü Association, Maarif Foundation, Ensar Association, TİKA, MATUSİTEB, Yunus Emre Institute, and TRT Balkan MK. At the conclusion of the project, Youthpass certificates were presented to the participants.

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