OLD SKOPJE TODAY

The Old Bazaar is your closest destination in Skopje, no matter where you enter the city from. Placed in the heart of Skopje, the Old Bazaar has specificities and dynamics of its own kind. A survivor of many wars and occupations, the Bazaar remains the oldest living witness of the history of this region. Every kingdom and empire, every regime and every rule have left their traces on the rocks of Skopje’s Old Bazaar. And yet, it continues to stand as a symbol of cosmopolitanism of Skopje: many cultures and civilizations, many religions and many traditions come across and meat each other in the Old Bazaar. There are artistic waves from classicism to modernism brought up there and at the same time, the traditional crafts and most techniques crafts such as jewelry or production of quilts are cultivated there.

The Skopje bazaar today is eyewitness to a long and complex process of social development which unfolds with the expansion of trade and is comes to its peak with the cultural development of the capital of Macedonia. Historical data show that Skopje Bazaar was began its formation during the XI and XII century, which is the time when the creation of first storing locations for the merchandise begins. This is also the time when taxes begin to be introduced for the utilization of city land and when the retail of stock in shops during market days is introduced (as part of this tradition, Tuesday and Friday are still considered as market days). This way, the bazaar sustains continuity in the development and it gradually begins its transformation into a genuine trade center.

Stretching in the heart of the capitol of a European country, the Old Bazaar is a proof of the oriental culture that developed and was cultivated by the residents of Skopje. It actually represents the best proof for the functioning of multicultural and multi-religious societies.

The Skopje Bazaar offers a variety of tourist attractions, from food to cultural and historic testimonials. In a word, you can spend a day full of interesting activities in the bazaar! If you are hungry, do try the kebab, a typical Turkish dish which is nurtured as a tradition a generation after another by several famous families in Skopje. It is impossible for you to miss the many kebab shops which are at the bazaar: just follow the delicious smell and it will surely bring you to the source- minced meat on grill served with fresh onions, a traditional tomato, cucumber and cheese salad (The Shopska), or hot peppers to make it taste yummy and just totally irresistible!

The modern cafeterias are replaced by traditional tea shops in the Bazaar. Sit in the closest tea shop for a glass of traditional Turkish tea served in the small elliptic glasses or have an orolet- a warm sour sweet drink with the taste of orange. In there you will always receive a warm and friendly welcome by the esnafs from whom you could also learn interesting stories about the bazaar.