Association 'Ilinden' Launches Campaign for Macedonians in Albania to Declare Ethnic Origin


Tirana-­based Macedonian Association 'Ilinden' has launched a media campaign to stimulate Macedonians living in Albania to openly declare their ethnic origin.

The campaign, dubbed 'Hold Your Head Up - Declare Yourself as Macedonian', is launched in Macedonian, Albanian and English language, Ilinden chair Nikolla Gjurgjaj says.

"Macedonians are mainly concentrated in Mala Prespa, Gora, Golo Brdo. Ethnic Macedonians also live in Tirana, Elbasan, Durres, Korca and other cities," Gjurgjaj says.

The associations of ethnic Macedonians estimate that about 120,000 to 150,000 Macedonians live in Albania. Only about 4,000 Macedonians living in Mala Prespa are officially recognized as a minority population.