The History of Struga, North Macedonia



Struga is a small town located in the Ohrid region of North Macedonia. It is situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Ohrid, one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe. Struga has a long and rich history, having been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The town was an important trading center during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, and it has been a part of the Republic of North Macedonia since its independence in 1991.

The earliest known inhabitants of Struga were the Illyrians, who settled in the area around the 4th century BC. During this period, the town was known as Enchele, and it was an important trading center for the Illyrian kingdom. In the 1st century BC, the Romans conquered the region and renamed it Strymon. During the Byzantine period, Strymon was an important fortress and trading center, and it was a major stop on the Via Egnatia, an important Roman road.

In the 14th century, Strymon was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the town was renamed Struga and it became an important center for trade and commerce. The town was also known for its beautiful mosques, churches, and other religious buildings. Struga was also an important center for culture and education, and it was home to a number of renowned scholars and writers, including the great poet Konstantin Miladinov.

During the 19th century, Struga was an important center for the Albanian nationalist movement. In 1912, the town was the site of the famous Struga Poetry Evenings, which was attended by many prominent Albanian intellectuals and writers. After World War I, Struga was incorporated into the newly formed Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

After World War II, Struga became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The town was an important center for industry and tourism, and it was also home to a large number of refugees from the Greek Civil War. After the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991, Struga became part of the newly independent Republic of North Macedonia.

Today, Struga is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and rich history. The town is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Ottoman-era Struga Mosque and the Struga Clock Tower. The town is also home to the Struga Poetry Evenings, which are held every year in August and attract poets from all over the world. Struga is also a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and other outdoor activities.