POSTCARD: Old Bazaar|| Skopje, Northern Macedonia

The largest Bazaar in the Balkans.

Over the past eight months, I have had the unique opportunity to visit and explore parts of the Balkans and Western Europe. I often need help with how I can share those experiences here on Navigate to Your Adventure. Trying to keep with the theme of outdoor adventure for the blog has been hard to do. I must remind myself that exploring a country or culture doesn't have to be some distance trail or mountaintop view.

The reminder I needed is just under the title of the blog. Which is "Celebrating the adventurers and independent thinkers who travel by the human spirit."

My travels have taken me to Skopje several times, and it has only been for short periods each visit. I see something new and different each time I have been there. On this journey, I detour and go through the Old Bazaar to navigate my way to the city's center.  I wished I had the time to stop and check out the different shops and goods that the vendors had to offer. Definitely, this was a missed experience. 

My Postcard series has been a way for me to take a photo that captures my experiences at that moment. It has also enabled me to develop my mobile phone photography skills. I knew when I saw the umbrellas over the market street. The photograph would capture the essence of the Old Bazaar. It also inspires you to explore and seek the experience that awaits you.

The Old Bazaar has been the center of trade since the 12th century. This area has been fought over and ruled for different periods. It has seen Roman, Byzantine, and Serbian rule. During Ottoman rule, the bazaar was Skopje's leading economic and merchant center. The Old Bazaar has also been heavily damaged by earthquakes and fire. The Old Bazaar has been rebuilt many times, and remnants of past architectural styles can still be seen today. The bazaar is recognized and protected as a cultural heritage of particular importance for the country with permanent protections. The Old Bazaar is the largest in the Balkans.

To see more photos in this series, navigate over to Navigate to Your Adventure on Flickr.

Now It's Your Turn-

Have you been to the Old Bazaar? What things did you see or enjoy finding that should be shared? Please leave a comment on your experience.