The Ilinden Monument – Споменик Илинден, also known as the Makedonium – Споменик Македониум
This historical landmark and the symbol of Kruševo (Крушево, Krushevo) is a monument to the Ilinden Uprising in 1903 against the Ottoman Empire. The term Ilinden derives from Sveti Ilija (St. Elijah) as it was on the 2nd of August (the day of celebration of St. Elijah on the Orthodox calendar) in 1903 that the Krushevo Republic (Крушевска Република) declared its independence. This monument was created by Jordan Grabuloski and Iskra Grabuloska in 1974.
In total, the entire complex covers 12 hectares (30 acres). The monument opened on 2 August 1974, the day of the 30th Session of ASNOM (Anti-fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia) and the 71st anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising. “The Ilinden monument signifies disobedience, fighting and the eternal aspiration of the Macedonian people for freedom and an independent state”. Inside the monument is the tomb of Nikola Karev, Macedonian revolutionary and President of the Kruševo Republic.1
In the early 1990s, this monument was featured on some of the bank notes first issued by the Republic of Macedonia. In the series issued in 1992, the monument was on the reverse side of the 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 Denar bank notes.
In the series issued in 1993, the monument was featured on the obverse (front) side of the 10 Denar note.
Another famous monument connected to the Ilinden Uprising is Mechkin Kamen and it is located very close by to Krushevo.
Makedonium Night Shots
Exterior Shots of the Monument
Inside the Monument
Black & White Photos
Pictures Taken at Dusk
Pitu Guli’s Grave