POSTCARD: Old Bazaar|| Skopje, Northern Macedonia

The largest Bazaar in the Balkans.

Over the past eight months, I’ve had the unique opportunity to explore various parts of the Balkans and Western Europe. However, I’ve often struggled with how to best share those experiences here on Navigate to Your Adventure. Staying true to the blog's outdoor adventure theme has proven challenging at times. But I’ve had to remind myself that exploring a country or culture doesn’t always require hiking a remote trail or summiting a mountain.

The reminder I needed is right under the blog’s title: "Celebrating the adventurers and independent thinkers who travel by the human spirit."

My travels have taken me to Skopje several times, though each visit has been brief. Yet, every time, I discover something new and different. On this particular journey, I took a detour through the Old Bazaar, navigating my way to the heart of the city. I only wish I had more time to explore the shops and goods offered by the local vendors. It was a missed opportunity.

My Postcard series has become a way for me to capture moments that define my experiences. It’s also allowed me to improve my mobile phone photography skills. When I saw the umbrellas hanging over the market street, I immediately knew the photograph would capture the soul of the Old Bazaar. It also serves as an invitation to explore, inspiring others to seek the experiences waiting to be discovered.

The Old Bazaar has been the center of commerce since the 12th century, and it has seen its fair share of conflict and rule under the Romans, Byzantines, and Serbs. Under Ottoman rule, it became Skopje’s primary economic and merchant hub. The bazaar has endured earthquakes and fires over the centuries, and it has been rebuilt numerous times. Yet, remnants of past architectural styles still stand today. Recognized and protected as a cultural heritage of great importance, the Old Bazaar remains the largest of its kind 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.