Islam spread in Macedonia during the Ottoman occupation which lasted for 5 centuries. Not many converted into Islam during that time and when Islam reached Albania... more than 80% of the Albanian population became Muslims.
Many of these Albanians,during the Ottman Rule emigrated to Macednonia, making a significant minority percentage in the present republic of Macedonia of 33% (Muslims in Macedonia include Turks, Muslim Macedonians, Roma and Bosniaks along with the Albanians)The Albanians themselves are 25% of the population.
Today, Macedonia.. with its both ethnicities.. and religious groups.. is proud of its heritage of Islam and Orthodox Christianity.. compared to many European countries.. Muslim minority enjoy equal rights as Muslims in Muslim countries. Freedom of expressing their faith, building Mosques, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are public Holidays, and Islamic religion is taught in schools.
Macedonia, is taking another step forward towards coexistance.. between Muslims and Christians by promoting the Religious Heritage of Orthdox Christianity and Ottoman Islam and protecting these temples by law.. as national treasure to be protected and taken care of.
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