Turkish accepted official language in Vasilevo, North Macedonia

An important step was taken towards the official use of the Turkish language and alphabet in the city of Vasilevo, North Macedonia. Turkish was declared the second official language.

The decision was taken after the population of Turks living in the city exceeded 20 percent in the population census held in the country last year.

With the decision taken by the Vasilevo Municipal Council, Turkish was accepted as the second official language after Macedonian. The decision will enter into force from 1 January 2023.

2 thousand 95 Turks live in the municipality with a population of approximately 12 thousand. With this number, the Turks, whose population ratio exceeded 21 percent, obtained the right to formalize the Turkish language.

"I am proud as a Turk"
City Council Member Bülent Isinov expressed his satisfaction with the decision as follows:

“Of course, as a Turk, I can say this here. I'm proud. For many years, there were not so many Turkish members in the parliament. This time we are 3 people, albeit from different parties. On behalf of myself, on behalf of my people, on behalf of my friends here and on behalf of the Turkish world, I would like to thank you very much."

With the application, the use of Turkish in official documents and signage becomes mandatory. In addition, the employment rate of Turks in official authorities is expected to increase.

Vasilevo Turks are satisfied with the decision
After the officialization of Turkish, it is aimed to raise Turkish classes up to the sixth grade to the high school level.

Teacher Enis Şavle stated that he dreams of having Turkish classes from the 6th to the 9th grade and said, "It is very nice for everyone to be educated in their mother tongue."

Turkish; In the municipalities of Gostivar, Vrapchishte, Jupa, Plasnitsa, Çayır, Studeniçan, Kırçova, and Dojran, it is recognized as an official language besides Macedonian.