As one enters the city centre of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia (known as Macedonia before 2019), the impressive architectural features and sculptures immediately stand out. Central to the square is the gigantic statue of The Great Warrior, which depicts Alexander the Great riding a horse with a sword raised skyward. Nearby, the Skopje Fortress, built in the sixth century, offers a stunning view of the Vardar River and the numerous towering statues that line its banks.
Among the prominent statues are those of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great; the Founders of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, showcasing key religious figures; Justinian I, the Byzantine emperor; and Tsar Samuil, the medieval Bulgarian/Macedonian ruler. The statues also celebrate everyday life, with representations such as the Beggar and the Shoe Shiner, alongside the statue of Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje. Additionally, there are statues commemorating local revolutionaries.
The city, which has a population of about 600,000, features modern architectural buildings alongside traditional neoclassical styles and several bridges. Notable structures include the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, and the National Theatre. The city's bridges, such as the Art Bridge, the Freedom Bridge, the Eye Bridge, and the Revolution Bridge, further enhance its architectural diversity.
Porta Macedonia, a triumphal arch on October Street, is a significant symbol of this urban transformation. This arch, which stands 21 metre tall, commemorates the long struggle for Macedonian independence. It is adorned with 32 reliefs portraying historical events ranging from pre-history to the independence of the Republic of Macedonia.
The 1963 Skopje earthquake devastated about 80 per cent of the city, destroying most of the neoclassical buildings in the central area. Following the disintegration of Yugoslavia, North Macedonia also struggled with its identity, prompting some intellectuals and leaders to advocate for a reconnection with the nation's proud past. As time passed and opportunity occurred, the Skopje 2014 project was launched as part of the government's "antiquitisation" policy, constructing 136 new structures between 2010 and 2014.
Historically, statues have honoured leaders, revolutionaries, and cultural icons who shaped a nation's history, helping people connect with their past and reinforcing shared narratives. The Lincoln Memorial in the US symbolises unity and democracy. At the same time, the Statue of Liberty represents freedom; Lenin embodies communism, and Mahatma Gandhi stands for peace, truth, and non-violence.
When funded by public resources in democracies, such projects can spark controversies regarding costs, ideology, and the representation of historical figures; the Skopje 2014 project is no exception. Critics argue that the focus on specific historical figures, such as Alexander, amounts to appropriating historical icons, which creates tensions with neighbouring countries, notably Greece and Albania. Nevertheless, it is a striking example of how statues can be used to construct and express national identity
_**The author is Ambassador of India to Bulgaria and North Macedonia**_