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Kumanovo Куманово
Seal
Kumanovo Location in the Republic of Macedonia
Coordinates: 42°05′N 21°40′E / 42.083°N 21.667°E / 42.083; 21.667
Country	Republic of Macedonia
Municipality	Kumanovo Municipality
Government
- Mayor	Zoran Damjanovski
Elevation	+340 m (1,115 ft)
Population (2002)
- Total	105 484
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
Postal codes	1300
Area code(s)	389 031
Patron saints	St. George
Website	http://www.kumanovo.gov.mk

Kumanovo (Macedonian: Куманово) is thе third largest city in the Republic of Macedonia (after Skopje and Bitola) and is the seat of Kumanovo Municipality which is the largest municipality in the country. Municipal institutions include a city council, mayor and other administrative bodies.

Name

The name of the city in Albanian and Turkish is Kumanova; whilst in Serbian and Bulgarian, it is the same as in Macedonian: Kumanovo (Куманово). The etymology of the name is connected with Cumans' invasion in the area in the early 12th century.

Geography

Kumanovo overview from plane.

Kumanovo is situated in the northeastern part of the Republic of Macedonia, near the capital city of Skopje. The coordinates of the city are approximately 42°05'N and 21°40'E. Kumanovo lies 340 m (1,115.49 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by the Karadag part of Skopska Crna Gora mountain on its western side, Gradishtanska planina mountain on its southern side, and Mangovica and German mountain on the eastern side. Kumanovo has a temperate climate. Skopje airport also serves Kumanovo.

Demographics

The population of Kumanovo municipality according to the 2002 census numbers 105,484, the majority of which are ethnic Macedonians (63.746), with a significant minority of ethnic Albanians (27.290) and Serbs (9062).^[1]

History

Prehistory

The area boasts several prehistoric settlements, among which are the Kostoperska karpa, the Bronze Age Gradiste near the village of Pelince, the Neolithic site of Mlado Nagoričane, the Iron Age tumulus Groblje at Vojnik, the Roman Necropolis Drezga of Lopate, and the Roman Settlement Vicianus at village of Klečovce.

Early History

The city was first mentioned in 1519 in a document housed in a Turkish archive in Istanbul.^{[citation needed]} The most comprehensive and relevant information on Kumanovo is provided by Evliya Çelebi in 1660/1661:

"The colony of Kumanovo is situated on the territory of the Skopje sanjak and represents one county. The city is embellished with many rivers and 600 tile-roofs houses. The mosque in the downtown is beautiful, there are teke, madrassa, hammam, a number of shops and water mills; and the climate is pleasant and agreeable. There are many vineyards and gardens".^{[citation needed]}

Kumanovo became an urban settlement and administrative center of the region at the end of the 16th century or the beginning of the 17th century. Following the turbulent events (notably, the Karposh Uprising in 1689) the city experienced a period of stagnation, and by the end of 18th century Kumanovo epitomized an Ottoman provincial town.

Karposh Rebelion

According to the Turkish historian Silahdar Findikli Mehmed Aga, its leader Karposh initially was a vojvod of haiduks near Dospat, in present-day Bulgaria, but later the Turks named him chief of Christian auxiliary forces in the area between Sofia, Veles, Dojran, Kjustendil and Nevrokop. Initially, he was a vassal of Turks, but when the Ottoman empire began to weaken in 1689 and discontent rose concerning new higher taxation policies, Karpoš became a turning point in the battle versus the Turks. In that period Austria staged an attack on the Ottoman Empire. Then the Karpoš seized upon the situation and the uprising quickly spread to the rebels freeing Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Kumanovo, Kačanik and in other towns. Then, together with the Austrian army, lead by Emperor Leopold I, they fought to liberate Skopje and Štip.

Later there was a change in the military and political situation in the Balkans, which had a crucial effect on the rebellion. The Austrian army was forced to withdraw and powerful Turkish forces, reinforced by Tatar detachments belonging to the Crimean Khan Selim I Giray, attacked the rebels. After fierce battles the Turks took Kriva Palanka, the rebel stronghold, and then attacked Kumanovo and its newly-constructed fortress. Karpoš was captured, removed to Skopje, and put to death on the Stone Bridge across the Vardar.

First Balkan War

Ottoman soldiers, photographed during the battle.

In October 1912, during the First Balkan War, Serbian forces under the command of General Radomir Putnik won a decisive victory over the Ottomans north of the town. The two-day Battle of Kumanovo ended Ottoman authority in Vardar Macedonia and prepared the way for the region's integration into Yugoslavia.^[2]

World War II

Hristijan Todorovski - Karposh.

The anti-fascist insurrection of Macedonians and the struggle for national and social liberation began in Kumanovo and Prilep on October 11, 1941. On 11 October 1941, in Kumanovo and Prilep started the antifashist struggle of the Macedonian people. The struggle ended with victory and formation of the Macedonian federative state inside Yugoslavia Federation (SFRY). One of the famous partizans from Kumanovo was Hristijan Todorovski Karposh shown on the picture. After 1945 Kumanovo experienced fast economic, administrative and cultural development.

Modern history

It developed economically in the late 19th century (agriculture, handcrafts and trade). Still, industrial development occurred only at the end of the Second World War. The rapid economic, administrative and cultural expansion of Kumanovo began in 1945. Today, it is a modern city with approximately 100,000 inhabitants.

2001 Albanian Insurgency

See also: 2001 insurgency in the Republic of Macedonia

The Albanin insurgenccy in Macedonia first started in the mountains otskirts of Tetovo and then spread in May 2001 to the region of Kumanovo mostly to the north.

Economy

The town's metal-processing, tobacco, agriculture, footwear and textile industries have made it an economic, trading and cultural center of approximately 135,529 people. Agriculture and trade developed mainly in the 19th century, but the city's modern look was established after the Second World War.

Roads

A 40 kilometre highway exists between Skopje and Kumanovo, going near Kumanovo in the north and crossing the border with Serbia. A railway also connects Skopje with Kumanovo and Serbia. Another important road goes from Kumanovo to Kriva Palanka and then to the border with Bulgaria.

Culture

Kumanovo has several monuments dating back to the prehistoric period. The most important ones are: Gradishte, an archaeological place of interest that is situated near the village of Pelince and dates from the Bronze Age. Near the village of Mlado Nagorichane is another interesting site dating from the period of Neolith. Near the village of Lopate is the Drezga place that represents a Roman necropolis.

The oldest folklore assemble in the Republic of Macedonia, KUD "Pance Pesev" is placed in Kumanovo. This year the assemble is celebrating 80 years of existence. It has represented Kumanovo and Macedonia on many international folklore festivals in Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Poland, France, etc. The president is Mr. Miroslav Krstevski.

Kumanovo has a library “ Tane Georgievski Library” , cultural center Trajko Prokopiev, museum and national theatre. Several painting colonies and exhibitions take place every year in Kumanovo or in nearby villages. Kumanovo is distinguished by its jazz festival which features bands from all over the world. In 2002 the Macedonian bands Foltin and Dragan Dautovski Quartet, as well as bands from Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro participated in the festival and in 2005 bands from as far as the Netherlands and Norway participated.

Every year Kumanovo has a “Days of comedy” festival, sponsored by the Macedonian Ministry of Culture, featuring comedies from several Macedonian theatres and also from neighbouring Serbia and Bulgaria.

Kumanovo municipality was organizing the manifestation “City of culture 2006”.

Neighborhoods

Goce Delchev, Bedinje, Karposh, Ajduchka Cheshma, Pukovsko, Jane Sandanski (Babin Dol), Sredorek.

Streets

Oktomvriska Revolucija, 3 MUB, Goce Delchev, Narodna Revolucija, Nikola Tesla, Leninova, 11 Oktomvri, Ivo Ribar Lola and Pero Chicho.

Old Neighborhoods

Varosh maalo, Endek maalo, Muhamedbegovo maalo, Ortabunar maalo, Bedinsko maalo, Veleshka maalo, Karapsko maalo, Novo maalo, Lipkovsko maalo, Teke maalo, Tatar maalo and Muandzisko maalo,Sokolana maalo.

Old Streets

Opancharsko sokace, Nagorichki sokak, Proevski sokak, Veleshki sokak, Romanovski sokak, Ukumat sokak and Vranjsko Dzade.

Landmarks

Kokino

One of the most important sites located near the Kumanovo is the 4,000 year old megalithic astronomical observatory of Kokino, located 30 km northeast of Kumanovo and discovered in 2001. It is ranked fourth on the list of old observatories by NASA. Sculpture of Batko Gjorgjija located in the center of the city, Monument Four Poles also located in the center of the city on the main square. Monument Kosturnica. House Museum of Hristijan Todorovski - Karposh. The oldest and biggest church in the town is the Church of St. Nikolas. There are icons from the XIII century in the church. The church represents a masterwork of Andreja Damjanov, an important Macedonian renaissance architect. Church Holy Trinity built in 1902, Church of St. George, Staro Nagoričane, Church of St. Petka in the village of Mlado Nagoričane, the Karpino Monastery, the Ascension of Holy Mother in the village of Matejce, Eski Mosque built in 1751, Monument Zebrnjak, Kumanovo Spa in the village of Proevce and Sports Hall Sokolana. Other landmarks are: staue of Woman Fighter, buildings: Zanatski dom and Kasapski Krug and ASNOM memorial center in the village Pelince.

Sport

Macedonian National Football Team played friendly match with Egypt in Kumanovo on the 29th of September 1998. The game took place at City Stadium Kumanovo and the scorrers for macedonin team were Zaharievski Srgjan and Sainovski Djevdat. The match ended 2:2

FK Milano Kumanovo it is the only team that now plays in the Makedonska Prva Liga from Kumanovo. The club was founded in 1990 and their home terrein is Milano Arena.

Night Life

Clubs: Linka, Club, Tunel, NAMA Cafe, Versaj. Discothèques: Amnesia. Restorants:The Harp Irish Pub, Fra Giorgio and many more.

Crime

see: Macedonian mafia

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Kumanovo is twinned with following cities and municipalities:^[3]

Gallery

Mount Kozjak

Monument Kosturnica

Zebrnjak

Building in Kumanovo's centre

See also

• List of people from Kumanovo
• Kumanovo dialect
• Kumanovo Municipality
• Buildings and Structures in Kumanovo
• Karposh's Rebellion
• Battle of Kumanovo
• Kumanovo Treaty

References

Notes

External links

• Official Web Site of Kumanovo
• Kumanovo FAQ
• Kokino megalithic observatory
• Kokino ancient observatory
• Kumanovo jazz festival
• Web Site of Kumanovo

Cities and towns in the Republic of Macedonia Berovo · Bitola · Bogdanci · Debar · Delčevo · Demir Hisar · Demir Kapija · Dojran · Gevgelija · Gostivar · Kavadarci · Kičevo · Kočani · Kratovo · Kriva Palanka · Kruševo · Kumanovo · Makedonska Kamenica · Makedonski Brod · Negotino · Ohrid · Pehčevo · Prilep · Probištip · Radoviš · Resen · Skopje · Struga · Strumica · Sveti Nikole · Štip · Tetovo · Valandovo · Veles · Vinica

From Wikitravel

Kumanovo is city with about 105,000 people located in the northern part of Eastern Macedonia. Located in the middle of a long valley 35 km to the northeast of Skopje, Kumanovo is one of Macedonia’s larger cities and a place well known for its unique blend of Serbian and Macedonian culture, something which is evidenced by the feisty, fun-loving Kumanovci (as the residents are called). The city and its outlying villages exemplify Macedonia’s unique multi-ethnic blend, containing as they do Albanian, Roma, Serbian and Turkish minorities.

Understand

Kumanovo today is a modernizing town, where new offices, houses and restaurants are constantly being built. It is well-outfitted with sports grounds, theatres, internet cafes and eateries, and is especially famous throughout the country for its nightlife.

Get in

Kumanovo is on the east-west crossroad in Macedonia. The major road from Serbia to Greece and from Bulgaria to Albania passes near Kumanovo

The Skopje International Airport is located only 17 km. away from Kumanovo.

Kumanovo train station is located at the suburbs on the main railroad from Belgrade to Salonika

Get around

Cheapest and most effective way to get around Kumanovo is by taxi Some affordable and comfortable companies include DeLux taxi, Speed Taxi and other similar ones.

Public transport in Kumanovo is not well organized, but still you will be able to find buses and minivans to all suburbs leaving the center on every 30 min.

• Eski Mosque - the oldest object with public function in Kumanovo, built in 1751.

• Kumanovo Central Square - the central square of Kumanovo features many interesting and historical buildings. Starting from the building of the old cinema Napredok built at the beginning of the XX century as the home of the Manufacturers Association of Kumanovo. Just in front of the building is the statue of Batko Gjorgjija (Brother George) who is the town's mythical person admired as the biggest drunk and ladies-man. Across the streets you will see the nowadays administrative municipal buildings that are called "Kasapski Krug". The town square also features a fountain with a monument called "tumba 4 bandere" that was the symbol of the city center. On the smaller square you will find several monument from the antifascist war as well as a monument dedicated to Tito (Yugoslavia's lifelong President)

Main Square

• Kokino - an important megalithic observatory site discovered in 2001 by archeologist Jovica Stankovski. It is believed that represents an astronomical observatory and a ceremonial place. The site is approximately 3800 years old.Kokino consists of two parts. It includes special stone markers used to track the movement of Sun and Moon on the eastern horizon. The observatory used a method of stationary observation, marking positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstice, as well as the equinox.The importance of the site, detailed by physicist Gjore Cenev, was confirmed by the U.S. space agency NASA. It appears fourth on the list of old observatories compliled by NASA.

St. Nicolas

• St. Nicolas - is surrounded by arcades and has a rich interior with galleries, frescoes and furniture. According to an inscription on the south entrance, it was built in 1851 on the same site as a prior church (with the same patron) in the "Varosh maalo".

• St. Trojca - The Church of St. Trojca (the Holy Trinity) is known as the youngest public religious object built in 1902. This church is a product from the struggles in the XIX century by initiative of the Patriarshy.

The Church of St. George

• The Church of St. George - The church was first constructed in 1071, and reconstructed between 1313 and 1318 by the Serbian king of at that time, Stefan Milutin. During this reconstruction period, the church's walls were painted with frescoes by Mihailo and Evtihij, among which are depictions of Stefan Milutin and his queen, Simonida.

• Kumanovo Jazz Festival

• Days of Comedy Festival - it features comedies from several Macedonian theatres and also from neighbouring Serbia and Bulgaria.

• Kumanovo STREETS Festival - this year from 4-5 July with:

Foltin (MK), Vinsky Project (N), Sopha (B) and Vlatko Stefanovski (MK) Dani Dimitrovska (MK), Kthjellu (KS), Parketi (MK), Negative (RS) on Kumanovo main square for free

Buy

Shopping in Kumanovo can be a diverse experience.

Clothes There are shops such as Springfield, Replay, Van and Nike as well as modern shopping centers such as Nama, Suma and Garnizon Also there are a few designers working in Kumanovo out of which the most popular is Aleksandar Rashkovich Also in Kumanovo you can find cheap fake brands sold at the green market. Get your fake D&G glasses for 5 EUR and experience the sparkling life of the famous.

Souvenirs

You can buy souvenirs at Biba Ethno Shop located in the "Kasapski Krug" area. Also some postcards and smaller souvenirs are available at the small multi-product shops and libraries in town

Eat

Surely one should not miss the famous Kumanovo Irish Pub http://www.restaurants.com.mk/restoran.php?restoran=84

Also popular is the Nama Kafe http://www.nama.com.mk/

For a more elite service and fantastic ambient in the old "Kasapski krug" area please visit Fra Giorgo restaurant http://www.restorani.com.mk/restoran.php?restoran=158&language=2

Of course Kumanovo has many more options for dining out. The prices are relatively cheap and the food offered contains the finest Macedonian and international cuisine.

Pizza places: Aktuelle, Laguna, Arbesha, Manos, Gino (Tus)

Local Balkan restaurants known as "Kafana" that mainly serve barbecue: Baba Cana, Adzi Trajko, Batko Gjorgjia and many more

While in Kumanovo try the famous "Kumanovo sudzuk" - a sausage produced in Kumanovo and available at all barbecue places.

Drink

Numerous cafes and bars are at your disposal in Kumanovo.

-Irish Pub THE HARP: The Irish Pub of Kumanovo, 100% Irish owned, the only authentic Irish Pub in Macedonia. Music Type: International Work time: 08:00-24:00/ 08:00-01:00 You can also eat there.

-Nama Café: located on the main square, it is a new cafe, quite big, with space, a nice place to take a coffee, chatter with friends or enjoy a good meal.

-Agora: located in “Garnizon”, Music Type: Alternative and rock

-Cube: located in the building called “Garnizon”, small but nice bar, Music type: rock

-Harisma: located in “Garnizon”, with free internet access, modern cafe

-Carigrad: turkish style cafe, located in “Garnizon”, quiet and good ambient.

- Amnesia - disco playing mainly electronic music or Macedonian pop music

- Versaj - disco and club with interesting live performances from DJs and singers

- Tunel - a club with turbo folk music and Yugoslav pop music.

Sleep

Hotel Rim-Pariz - in the center of the town ; a small hotel easily connected with main town attractions

Hotel Satelit - on the road to Bulgaria a calm place with affordable price

Hotel Hills - in the suburbs of Zelen Rid - calm and welcoming

Hotel Mimoza - One of the most exclusive accommodation facilities in town.

Hotel Lav - Near the railway station

Info about the hotels on:

http://www.hotelimakedonija.com.mk/kumanovo.html

• Beljakovo monastery - an old church and a spring of water with healing power were located. Today the church is very well preserved, while the monastic quarters are almost destroyed. The locals claim that the church was built in Roman times, and was restored more than 100 years ago. The elderly remember that the monastic life was renewed by a Russian monk Anatolij, who retreated in Macedonia after the October Revolution. The rites related to Christian holidays Mala Bogorodica, Gjurgjovden, Holy Trinity and Duhovden are performed even today in the yard of the monastery. A large congregation was held here where people from all surrounding villages would join up to 30 years ago. The village people tell the story of the church restoration: “It was a Roman church, and later restored. The Turks wouldn’t let us build a church. ‘What are you building’? ‘A pen, for livestock”. And later, it was renovated. In the past century, there was an old man, Stamen, who moved from village Rudare and he healed the people who would come for remedy with the healing water. The people from the village also donated money for restoration of the church. It was finished in 1894.

• Pelince is a village in the Republic of Macedonia near Kumanovo and the border between the Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. It is in the Staro Nagoričane municipality.

The village became popular among the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia in 2004 when a new national commemorative of ASNOM was built in the village, where the annual celebration of the Macedonian statehood (The Second Ilinden of 1944) has taken place ever since. This decision was brought due to the countinious refusals by the Serbian Orthodox Church authorities to allow Macedonian delegations to visit and celebrate the holiday in the actual venue of ASNOM, the Prohor Pčinjski monastery which is on Serbian territory near the Macedonian border and near the village of Pelince.

• Skopje - Macedonia’s capital city.

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

English

Proper noun

Wikipedia has an article on:

Kumanovo

Wikipedia

Kumanovo

1. A city in the north of the Republic of Macedonia.

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