The Macedonian community in Albania celebrated the 15th anniversary of the newspaper “Ilinden” in Tirana this April, marking a milestone for a publication that has become a strong voice for Macedonians in Albania and the diaspora.
Founded on March 1, 2011, by the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana, the newspaper started as a modest print publication and expanded to online distribution in 2017, reaching readers across Albania, Macedonia, and worldwide.
The anniversary event brought together community leaders, cultural figures, and supporters who recognized the paper’s role in maintaining Macedonian identity through promoting the language and cultural heritage and addressing issues affecting Macedonians in Albania. Unlike Macedonian minorities in Greece and Bulgaria, who face severe restrictions, Albanian Macedonians enjoy relative cultural freedom.
The 2023 census recorded only 2,281 Macedonians in Albania, while community organizations estimate the real population to be between 120,000 and 350,000, highlighting persistent undercounting that limits resource allocation and language rights. Speakers at the event emphasized that “Ilinden” serves as both a symbol of community survival and a bridge between generations, with the message that traditions and language must be passed to future generations to ensure continued existence.
