Concluding Remarks
The question of Macedonian identity is extraordinary in a way because there are so many different points of view on the same problem. It is extraordinary in a way how such a small territory in the middle of the Balkans can be the cause for so much tension and conflict between the Balkan states even leading to a Balkan War at the beginning of the 20th century. Nationalism in the Balkans as a whole has led to more division and conflicts than unification of people. It was and is the reason for some of the worst and most complicated crises in history such as Kosovo and Bosnia. The most astonishing thing, however, is the fact that Balkan people have very similar cultures because they have managed to live next to each other and learn from one another for centuries during the time of the Ottoman Empire. Foreigners are amazed to see the same meals on a Turkish, Greek, Bulgarian, Serbian or a Macedonian dinner, or go to a restaurant or pub and listen to the same songs in all of the Balkan languages, or participate in the same dances and feel the very similar culture.
History of Macedonia
Bulgarian Claims
Dispute with Greece
Serbian Influences
"Baklava" is a traditional dessert that was most likely originally brought by the Turkish, but now it is widely made in Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia and other countries.
Macedonian Point of View
It is typical for many people from the Balkans to get together for dinner and spend a lot of time talking, eating and drinking together.
Stuffed cabbage or grape leaves with rice is a dish that probbaly originally came from Syria, but now it is widespread all over the Balkans.
Conclusion
One of the people who is trying to show the things that unite instead of divide Balkan people is Goran Bregovic. He was born in Sarajevo, but considers himself Serbian. He wrote the scores for Emir Kusturica’s films Time of the Gypsies, Arizona Dream and Underground. He uses themes from traditional South Slavic and Romani music and adds some modern elements to them. Many of his songs have been translated into several Balkan languages. He travels to different countries and plays these songs and this way creates a more positive image of the Balkans as a fascinating and unique place with a very distinct and interesting culture.
