Skopje Radio’s Turkish-language program marks 81 years on air
Turkish broadcasts began on December 28, 1944, with the announcement “This is Skopje Radio.” Over the decades, the program has remained a vital platform for the Turkish minority, while also holding the distinction of being the first Turkish-language radio broadcast in the Balkans.
Since its establishment, the Turkish-language service has evolved into far more than a radio program. It has played a crucial role in preserving the cultural memory of the Turkish community, covering a wide range of topics including education, culture, arts, and everyday life. For generations, it has functioned both as an informal school and as a bridge of communication within the community.
Despite staff shortages and an increasing workload in recent years, the Skopje Radio Turkish Program continues its broadcasts with dedication and commitment.
Radio officials stressed that maintaining Turkish-language broadcasts is not merely a matter of programming, but a social responsibility, stressing that “when a radio falls silent, a collective memory falls silent with it.”
