PM Gruevski in Krusevo

[Truth Bearer]

PM Gruevski in Krusevo: Let's make Macedonia successful, prosperous country
Friday, 03 August 2007
Let's make Macedonia a successful, powerful, and dignified, because only united we will win our battle, the battle of this generation, of out ideas and aspirations, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said Thursday in his address at the locality Meckin Kamen near Krusevo.
This is the Ilinden of Macedonia's future where success is a prerequisite, where we must not fail, something that we have been persistently working on. This should be a message that raises self-awareness, highlights responsibility of each and every one of us and strengthens the spirit. The message that will build the state and its future, Gruevski said, pointing out that if the battle of our predecessors - our Ilinden fighters - was for free and independent Macedonia - the current one is for prosperous and economically powerful Macedonia.This is a battle for us, our children and Macedonia, Gruevski said, calling on all to join the efforts for turning this goals into reality, as only unity can lead to success. If Ilinden 1903 was the Ilinden of Macedonian unsubmissivness, Ilinden 1944 - of Macedonian sincerity and uniting, Ilinden 2007 is the one of Macedonian aspiration, battle for success, economic development, better and more dignified life of all citizens, Gruevski said.The fact that we are celebrating the great Macedonian Holiday here today speaks about Ilinden's victory. The oath 'freedom or death' is a portentous source, defined by Dame Gruev's words 'better horrible end than endless horror', Gruevski said, pointing out that these words incorporate the energy and awareness of independent, sovereign state - the Republic of Macedonia. Today we are celebrating a double National Holiday of Macedonia. The first Ilinden 1903 of Goce, Dame, Jane, Karev and Pitu is the symbol of Macedonian unsubmissivnes - demonstration of the commitment to fight for victory. The second Ilinden 1944 of Brasnarov, Cento, Racin and Kuzman, brought together the old and new Ilinden supporters, united the generations, scored victory and created our modern state, which on September 8 - 1991 emerged as the independent and sovereign Republic of Macedonia - a unitary state of free and equal people, legitimate member of the United Nations and unitary state organizam that is heading towards generally accepted Euro-integration, Gruevski said.Opening of the ASNOM session by survived Ilinden 1903 revolutionary Panko Brasnarov has been symbolizing the Ilinden's continuity. The great Ilinden idea was accepted by the young intelligence that entered the National Liberation War with the Macedonian flag and thought for the Second Ilinden. The first ASNOM session took place on August 2, 1944, at the Prohor Pcinski" Monastery, declaring the modern Macedonian state, the Prime Minister said.He underlined that principles of the Krusevo Manifest presented historical proof of the democratic, tolerant, brotherly and cosmopolitan orientation of the Macedonian people for a battle, along with all ethnic communities, for creating the Macedonian state.Today, those values have been incorporated in the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia. They are guarantying fundamental human rights and freedoms, equality and coexistence of the Macedonian people with their compatriots - Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Bosnians, Vlachs and all others that live in Macedonia. Equal right, as well as obligations, for preserving the common property, Gruevski said.At the beginning of the 20th century Macedonia aspired for freedom and creation of own state, today - the new generation of Macedonians is facing different challenges - preservation of the nation's identity and dignity and creation of a stable, functional, economically developed and prosperous Macedonia, integrated with NATO and the European Union, Gruevski said. The highest sacrifice of Ilinden fighters - their lives - is obliging us to reach the finish line - we owe it to them - but also to the future generations. Let's open a new modern Ilinden page for political activity. Let's try to work together on the platform for the stable, independent and democratic Republic of Macedonia, with developed market economy, a state where the law rules, solid and respected neighbor and ally. Political differences are always present, such as the case with all other democratic societies. But we should find strength to set aside the political differences in moments significant for realization of the state's vital interests, Gruevski said. Referring to the Government's activities, Gruevski said that it was investing great efforts in order to complete necessary reforms, deal with corruption and organized crime, and boost the country's economic development. Development, better standard and economic growth are the Government's top priorities, Gruevski said. Many measures have been introduced in this respect, which are expected to attract foreign investors, open new jobs and improve the living standard of the citizens of Macedonia, the Prime Minister said.The Government has been also working on educational reforms - the pillar of a society and key to success, as well as on health care reform, which should put an end to problems the citizens have been facing in this sector so far. The agricultural sector is our pride. We consider the farmer as our protector, Gruevski said, adding that reforms in this sector are aimed at providing decent life to all of those engaged with such activity. Speaking about judicial reforms, Gruevski said the process had been burdened with numerous problems and obstructions.However, he expressed satisfaction with the successful defense reforms, which, as he said, were being implemented in accordance with projected dynamics, enabling Macedonia to be part of peacekeeping operations abroad. The Government will also keep on implementing the Framework Agreement - an important pillar of Macedonia's multiethnic democracy. The Ilinden celebration in Krusevo was attended by representatives of the Government, Parliament, President's Cabinet, Macedonian Army, Macedonian Orthodox Church, diplomatic corps, Council of the Scientific-Cultural Meetings "Ten Days of Krusevo Republic" political parties, mayors and associations.

..:: MRT.com.mk ::.. - PM Gruevski in Krusevo: Let's make Macedonia successful, prosperous country (http://www.mrt.com.mk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3361&Itemid=27)

[Truth Bearer]

Bulgaria Celebrates Ilinden

http://www.novinite.com/media/images/2007-07/83275.jpg

Bulgaria marks Friday the 104th anniversary since the legendary Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising, organized to fight the fractioning of the country.

The 1878 Berlin Congress preceded the rebellion. It broke in 1903, on the day when the Holy Prophet Iliya is honoured - "Ilinden."

In Bulgaria, this is also Name's Day for those named Iliya, Iliyan or Iliyana.

In Bulgarian folklore, the face of Prophet Iliya is a hybrid of Christian and pagan mythology. He is believed to be the master of summer storms, hail, rain, thunder and dew.

Icons usually picture him riding in a gold-plated chariot, with four white horses in harness.

[Dikigoros1981]

Interestingly, the majority population in Krusevo at the time was Hellenic (although Vlach speaking). It should be noted that the principles and identification these people applied was purely Hellenic.

The Bulgarians only controlled a small fragment of Krusevo. When the Turks crushed the uprising, the Bulgarians solidified their position with the Turks and ensured their lives were spared. The Bulgarians managed to strike this deal with monies stolen from their unlawful raids of Hellenic homes. The fact that this uprising is even celebrated is a disgrace by all involved. Not only was the uprising crushed, but fellow Christians (although Hellenes) were slaughtered unnecessarily.

The Bulgarians are eternal losers, and the fact that this cowardly uprising is celebrated yearly speaks volumes. Pitu Guli (the Vlach traitor to Hellenism) did not die a hero of this uprising, but an idiot who endorsed Bulgarian propaganda and betrayed his Hellenic ideologies.

Zito Ellas

Dikigoros1981

[Victor]

Pitu Guli (the Vlach traitor to Hellenism) did not die a hero of this uprising, but an idiot who endorsed Bulgarian propaganda and betrayed his Hellenic ideologies.

At least he and most of the other vlahs who joined the uprising fought to the death.Respect for that.
ANother group who will remain nameless turned and ran to the safety of a country to the east,who will remain nameless.

[Truth Bearer]

How is it that 2 seperate countries 2 seperate ideologies and yet celebrate the same day of revolution?Do we and the Italians celebrate 25 March together?Or us and the poms?Why can't these blockheads who claim hatred towards ther Bulgarian brethren see that isn't a bit too coincidental?I mean why don't the Serbs celebrate the Ilinden Uprising with their Slavic brothers?Why has Bulgaria nmaed a town in honor of Goce Delchev if he wasn't Bulgarian and only "Macedonian"??GreekSlav,Jordan anyone one can you answer this question also?

[Spartan]

The whole Krushevo uprising had nothing to do with "Ethnic Macedonians"! The 3 main groups in Krushevo were Greek, Albanian and Bulgarian NO "MACEDONIAN".

These people celebrate something that wasn't even a success. So with them celebrating the uprising that was quickly crushed what does that say about their economic success which Gruevski was trying to hype up?

[Victor]

The whole Krushevo uprising had nothing to do with "Ethnic Macedonians"! The 3 main groups in Krushevo were Greek, Albanian and Bulgarian NO "MACEDONIAN".

Greek VLAH and Bulgarian.I think there were 2 members of each group in the Krushevo REPublic council.

[Dikigoros1981]

Greek VLAH and Bulgarian.I think there were 2 members of each group in the Krushevo REPublic council.


There was a small Albanian element who were Orthodox Christians. The Vlachs were Hellenes and sent their children to schools where GREEK was taught. See Ditsias accounts in Keith Brown's book.

Dikigoros1981

[Victor]

See Ditsias accounts in Keith Brown's book.

DO you know the title?

[Dikigoros1981]

DO you know the title?

"The Past in Question". The book focuses on collective memory and how groups remember. The Krousevo uprising and its varying interpretations is discussed at some length.

A very good read.

Dikigoros1981

[Spartan]

Your correct about Albanian not being in there! There were actually 60 representavie that were made up of the 3 most populous groups in the area.

[Victor]

"The Past in Question". The book focuses on collective memory and how groups remember. The Krousevo uprising and its varying interpretations is discussed at some length.

A very good read.

Dikigoros1981

I will check it out.
Thanks!

[Spartan]

From a MAK web-site that discusses the Krushevo uprising and who was involved. The funny thing is that due to it being a MAK site they don't mention what the groups were! Pay attention to the BOLD words.

The Ilinden Uprising and the Krushevo Republic (http://www.unet.com.mk/mian/ilinden.htm)

The Ilinden Uprising and the Krushevo Republic

The dissatisfaction of the Macedonian people was expressed through the revolts and rebellions of the first half of the 19th century; but by mid-century, it found its release through the organization of a movement for national liberation. This movement culminated in the formation of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO) at the end of the century.
VMRO was preceded by a wide national unification movement led by a group of young Macedonian intellectuals writing for the periodical Loza (Vine) in 1892, later called Lozari. Distinguished members of this group included Petar Pop Arsov, Dame Gruev, Krste P. Misirkov and Grigor Hadzhitashkovich; Goce Delchev and Gjorche Petrov likely belonged to this movement as well. Misirkov writes that the members of the movement "...recognized the danger of Macedonia's partitioning between those two states if the Macedonians did not arm and gain freedom by themselves, with their own strength and means, counteracting thereby the division of Macedonia..."

On October 23, 1893, in Thessaloniki, Ivan Hadzhi Nikolov, Dame Gruev, Petar Pop Arsov, Hristo Tatarchev, Anton Dimitrov and Hristo Batandzhiev founded the Secret Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (TMORO, later renamed the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, or VMRO), to effect the liberation of Macedonia within its GEOGRAPHIC and historic borders. The movement was to work within these borders, [B]OPEN TO ALL FAITHS AND NATIONALITIES, in the quest for NATIONAL AUTONOMY. Following the decisions of the 1896 Thessaloniki Congress, the Smilevo Congress of the Bitola Revolutionary District held on May 2 to May 7, 1903, resulted in the decision to launch an uprising.

In response to the Smilevo Congress, a meeting of VMRO's General Staff held on July 13, 1903 O.S. (July 26, N.S.) planned a general uprising to begin on July 20, 1903 O.S. (August 2, N.S.). The proclamation issued on July 15 O.S. (July 28, N.S.) reads that "THE PEOPLE OF ALL MACEDONIA MUST COME OUT WITH GUN IN HAND AND MEET THE ENENEMY... On that day, hasten, BROTHERS-FOLLOW YOUR LEADERS and flock beneath the flag of freedom! Have courage, brothers, in the fight! Only by persistent and lengthy struggle can we be saved!"

The Central Committee's representative office in Sofia informed the Great Powers that an uprising had begun, explaining that the plight of the CHRISTIAN POPULATIONS IN MACEDONIA had worsened and forced the population to rise up. A request was made for the "appointment, with the consent of the Great Powers, of a chief administrator for the Christians who was never a member of the Ottoman administration and who would be independent from the Sublime Porte in fulfilling his duties", as well as the "establishment of continuous, collective international control with broad powers to sanction".

The uprising began on August 2, 1903, the Feast of St. Elias. The fiercest fighting centered around the Bitola Revolutionary District, where the rebels severed telegraph and telephone lines, blocked roads and attacked Turkish garrisons and estates of the beys. But the Krushevo Revolutionary District possessed the best strategy, laying out exactly-defined objectives and an elaborate plan to capture Krushevo by eight rebel detachments. Communications between the general headquarters of Nikola Karev and the individual detachments and guerrilla bands were maintained despite the rigors of war.

On August 2, the Krushevo staff announced that "We are burning with impatience, waiting for night to fall so that we may come and take Krushevo and then, together with ALL THE PEOPLE OF MACEDONIA, let out a thunderous victory cheer! God and justice are on our side! Long live Macedonia!" That night, the cutting of telephone wires signaled the attack. Rebels struck strategic sites such as military barracks, the post office and the town council building; by August 3, the town had been wrested from the Turks. That afternoon an assembly was convened, attended by "ABOUT 60 REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL NATIONALITIES, in order to elect an executive body for the liberated territory. After short consultation, it was decided to establish a temporary government consisting of 6 members-representatives of the THREE MOST NUMEROUS NATIONALITIES IN THE TOWN." These distinguished citizens constituted the council of the Krushevo Republic, while the Krushevo General Staff of TMORO represented the military authority of the new republic.

The temporary government was "to impose taxes on citizens by temporary order, to requisition food for insurgents and the population of the town and surrounding villages, requisition clothing and footwear for insurgents and militarized citizens, and materials for their armament; to take care of wounded and sick insurgents, citizens and peasants; to maintain order and peace in the town and alike."

Concurrently to the establishment of the temporary government, several commissions were formed to carry out the tasks assigned by the government. These included an Internal Commission, to maintain public order; a Food Commission; a Civil Commission responsible for construction and hygiene; a Clothing Commission; a Financial Reform Commission; and a Financial Commission. In the establishment of both the temporary government and the commissions, THE PRINCIPLE OF THE PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION OF ALL NATIONALITIES was applied. As Aleksandar Hristov notes, "the temporary government in liberated Krushevo, although not provided for in the insurgents' constitution, was A LEGITIMATE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INSURGENTS. Its electio n and the revolutionary acts passed by it legitimized it as a fully legitimate, supreme authority on the territory of the [Krushevo] Republic."

The Krushevo Republic created by the insurgents represented a potential projection of "the future autonomous state of Macedonia. It is characteristic that all [governmental] bodies were constituted by the people of Krushevo, from among ALL THREE NATIONALITIES IN THE TOWN..."
One of the most important acts of the Krushevo Republic was the manifesto issued by the Krushevo General Staff, "representing a declaration of the aims and goals of the insurgents, OUTLINING A BASIS FOR BROTHERLY COEXISTENCE AMONG THE NATIONALITIES DURING THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM" The Krushevo Manifesto was part of the civil orientation of the Krushevo General Staff; ADDRESSING THE MOSLEM POPULATION it states: "We have raised no gun against you. That would be to our shame. We do not raise our guns against the peaceful, hard-working and HONEST TURKISH MAN honest Turkish, as we do, by blood and sweat-he is our brother. We have together lived with him, and want to so live again..." Continuing, the staff summoned ALL CITIZENS OF MACEDONIA to a struggle against tyranny: "Come brothers, Moslems, come and fight against your and our enemies! Come, under the flag of autonomous Macedonia! Macedonia is our mother and she calls for our help. Come and help break the chains of slavery and free ourselves from misery and suffering so that streams of blood and tears are dried up!" The Krushevo Manifesto "represents the most mature political document of the either the Krushevo revolutionary authorities or the Ilinden Uprising in general." In this respect, Dimitar Mitrev argues that "The Krushevo republicans declared, in their own vernacular, in the Manifesto and in their political accomplishments, that there could be only one Macedonia for them-a free, democratic one, WITH FULL EQUAILITY OF ALL NATIONALITIES. A heavier blow could not have been delivered to Vrhovism [Supremacism]: the Republic was built in order that they could fully be masters of their own fate, not merely to be annexed to Bulgaria."

The Ottomans dispatched a sizable army to suppress the uprising. By the middle of August, Ottoman military power in Macedonia had reached a total of 239 battalions of infantry, 39 squadrons of cavalry and 74 batteries of artillery-a grand total of some 167,300 infantry, 3,700 cavalry and 444 cannons. Capturing Krushevo was the greatest problem facing the Ottoman commanders. Any counteroffensive against this center of this Macedonian rebellion would not be easy: the revolutionaries were solidly organized and the 1,200 insurgents fortified the town, preparing to repulse any Ottoman attack.

Not until August 9 and 10 did Turkish troops begin to move against the town; the main body of the Ottoman army, consisting of 10,000 troops with supporting artillery under the command of Bahtiar Pasha, advanced over the Prilep plain towards Krushevo. There, it emplaced around the village of Krivogashtani and placed 7 or 8 cannons at Topolishte. The second part of the Ottoman army, advancing from the north, was stationed by the villages of Vrbovec and Trstenik. The third column was to occupy the Monastery of the Holy Salvation, as a base for further operations. In addition, an Ottoman detachment of 4,000 soldiers arrived from Bitola and divided into two columns near the village of Pribilci. One advanced along the road from the village of Ostrilci to Krushevo, the other along the Zhaba River towards Koyov Trn. A final detachment of 5,000 soldiers approached from Kichevo, including several pieces of mountain artillery. The overall strategy of this army, which may have numbered nearly 20,000 troops, was to encircle Krushevo and capture it through a series of coordinated attacks. On August 12 the encirclement of the town was complete and Bahtiar Pasha called on the rebels to surrender. The Krushevo General Staff debated the merits of surrender, but settled on defending the town. Bahtiar Pasha then unleashed an artillery bombardment of Krushevo, followed by simultaneous infantry assaults.

The Ottoman troops encountered violent and heroic resistance. Although the General Staff ordered a retreat west to Osoy, individual fighters remained in the town to resist the Ottoman attack. The most notable was Pitu Guli who, together with his detachment, fought to the last. He and his fighters repulsed continual attacks; particularly fierce were the battles at Sliva and Mechkin Kamen, where most of the rebels died defending the town. The fighting for Krushevo itself lasted the entire day of August 12, with Ottoman victory coming that evening. Staff members led by Nikola Karev managed to break through the Turkish cordon and escape. On August 12 and 13, the Ottoman army entered the town and began reprisals, massacring and plundering the people of Krushevo.

While the Krushevo Republic was quickly brought to an end, "in spite of its short existence, it represents one of the most significant phenomena in [the Macedonian] national-liberation movement. Created in the flames of the struggle against the feudal system of the Ottoman state, it was at the same time an expression of the desire of [the Macedonians] for the creation of a national state. Hence, the proclamation of the Krushevo Republic represents the highest accomplishment and one of the most important state-legal acts of the Macedonian insurgents."

=======================

With all these things mentioned they STILL claim that the uprising was an "Ethnic Macedonian" uprising! :nono: Quite sad!:dry:

[Truth Bearer]

DELLUSIONAL is more of an appropriate word.....

[Cabalero]

Krusevo was important probably because of its location, it is the town with the highest elevation of all of macedonia and this made it a symbol of freedom . The town had some bulgarians and greek and even some albanians. I think at the time bugaria and greece had a church rivalry, and wanted to convert the peoples to their churches. Bulgaria supported the rebellion in macedonia and had representatives in Krusevo.

The town of Krusevo was founded centuries before the actual ilinden rebellion of 1903 by pastoral and merchant vlachs from different areas of macedonia. The town of Krusevo still has vlach speakers and i think today it is recognized as an official language in Krusevo. The town is a tourist center today.

[Draco]

Um, Calabero, one question: Skopjanec li si?

[Cabalero]

No I am not Skopjanec. I am a New Yorker.