Gostivar History, Macedonia

The city of Gostivar is situated in the region known as the Polog Valley in the republic of Macedonia. The city is the capital of Gostivar Municipality, which is one of the biggest in Macedonia. The city is connected by railway with other cities such as Debar, Kicevo, Ohrid, Skopje, and Tetovo. Learn more about Gostivar History that contributed much to the transformation of this place.

Gostivar History – Stone Age

Based on archaeological findings, the earliest settlements in the area where Gostivar is located dates back 8,000 years ago (61000 BC). Archaeologists are able to unearth many artifacts such as pots and sacrificial cult plastic and figures in honor of the female cult.

The prevailing cultural group which settled in the area in the Neolithic Era was the Anzabegovo-Vrsnik while the Velusina-Porodin dominated during the early Neolithic Age. During the Late Neolithic Era, it was the Vinca culture that dominated in the area.

Gostivar History – Metal Age

The Salkutsa-Bubanj-Krivodol or the grassland people from Central Asia formed settlements on the Balkan region by the end of 4th century BC. During the Bronze Age, the Mycenae culture also began to appear in the region. The area became stable during the Iron Age thus leading to its trading success.

Gostivar History – Roman Occupation

The Polog Region together with other places in Dardania and the north fell under the Roman power in 29 BC. Following the occupation, the life in Gostivar and other places in the region became calm as trade and development started.

The region experienced attacks from the barbarians like the Celts, Huns and Ostrogoths during the course of the 3rd century and the subsequent years. With these outside threats, the Roman Empire ordered the construction of city walls and fortifications on the hills. At around the same time, the building of churches in the region began. There are 4 churches built in the Gostivar area. In the latter part of the 6th century, although not totally destroyed, all the fortifications were forsaken after the strong Avaric-Slavic attacks.

Gostivar History – Foundation of Gostivar and the Ottoman Occupation

The name Gostivar was first cited in a 1313 document. According to the record, Gostivar is a big settlement found in a plane south of Polog with roughly 200 residents.

The town, just like other Macedonian towns and cities, was not able to escape the attacks of the Turks. It also fell under the Ottoman Empire. The development and prosperity in Gostivar stood still for centuries. It was not until the last years of the 19th century that the settlement experienced wealth and progress. The small settlement transformed in a little town and the Gostiar Bazaar was established. Merchants and craftsmen from the neighboring towns moved to Gostivar and this helped greatly the town’s development. When the Ilinden Rebellion broke, Gostivar patriots and revolutionaries joined in the fight in Krusevo.

Gostivar History – World War II

To a great extent, the residents of Gostivar suffered from the extreme horror brought by the fascist leaders from Albania. The people of the city loathed these leaders and what they were doing. This is the reason why when one of these Albanian leaders was killed in a place close to Gostivar, the Macedonians from the city celebrated upon hearing this news.

Gostivar History brought a lot of twists and turns to the city and to the entire continent. If you want more information on cities situated near Gostivar, you may find facts through Thessaloniki History.

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