Architecture as a Political Tool. Case of the Macedonian Identity Policy (2006-2017)
Architecture as a Political Tool. Case of the Macedonian Identity Policy (2006-2017)

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents the effects of the research on the identity policies led by Macedonia’s government in 2006-2017. The historical method was used. This work is based on paper publications, as well as on the author’s experiences from several field trips to the Balkans (2013-2014). The aim of this article is to analyze the mechanism used by the ruling VMRODPMNE to create and strengthen national identity through architecture. The visual arts were always an important tool of transmission of political content. Many governments across the globe have started an ‘architectural policy’ with the purpose of building a nation: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan being an example. In every case, architecture was part of the social engineering process. Macedonia’s identity policy was based on the concept of antiquization: an idea which assumes that modern Slav Macedonians are descendants of the ancient Macedonians. The government started transforming public space. The intention was to change its function and make it a part of a propaganda system. In the entire country, many structures were built. Large national flags, monuments of Alexander the Great and pseudoclassical buildings, were considered to be the best means of creating the ethnic Macedonian identity. Controversy over the ‘Skopje 2014’ Project caused a decline of support to VMRODPMNE and led it to lose power. The new social-democratic government started to change the policies which led to an agreement with Greece and admission to NATO.

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