North Macedonia

Islam in North Macedonia is the second-largest religion in the country and plays a significant role in its cultural and social landscape.

1. Muslim Population
About 33-40% of North Macedonia’s population identifies as Muslim, making it one of the most Muslim-populated countries in Europe (by percentage). The majority of Muslims are ethnic Albanians, who make up around 25% of the country’s total population. Other Muslim groups include:

  • Turks.
  • Roma (Gypsies).
  • Bosniaks.
  • Macedonian converts to Islam (called Torbeši or Macedonian Muslims).

2. History of Islam in North Macedonia

  • Islam was introduced in the late 14th century during the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into the Balkans.
  • For over 500 years, the region was under Ottoman rule, during which Islam spread widely among local Slavic and Albanian populations.
  • After Ottoman decline, Islamic influence diminished, but the Muslim population remained a significant minority.

3. Religious Life and Practice
Most Muslims in North Macedonia are Sunni (Hanafi school). There is also a strong Bektashi Sufi order presence, particularly among Albanian Muslims. Islamic practices include:

  • Observance of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
  • Regular prayers at mosques.
  • Halal dietary laws.

4. Mosques and Islamic Institutions
There are over 600 mosques across North Macedonia. Famous mosques include:

  • Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Skopje — an important Ottoman-era landmark.
  • Isa Bey Mosque — one of the oldest in the region.

The Islamic Religious Community of North Macedonia (IRC) is the official body managing religious affairs, mosques, and education.

5. Role in Society
Muslims are well-represented in areas such as:

  • Politics — several political parties, like the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), represent the interests of the Muslim Albanian population.
  • Education — Islamic religious schools and faculties exist.
  • Commerce — many Muslims are active in business and trade.

6. Challenges and Issues

  • Ethnic and religious tensions have occasionally flared, particularly between Macedonian Orthodox Christians and Albanian Muslims, most notably during the 2001 armed conflict.
  • Muslims sometimes report discrimination or underrepresentation in public institutions.
  • Interethnic relations remain a sensitive issue in the country’s politics.

7. Islamic Education

  • There are Islamic high schools (madrasahs) and the Faculty of Islamic Studies in Skopje for training imams and scholars.
  • Islamic education is part of the school curriculum for Muslim students.

8. Sufism in North Macedonia

  • The Bektashi Sufi order is influential, especially among Albanians.
  • The Harabati Baba Tekke in Tetovo is a major Sufi religious site and pilgrimage destination.

9. Religious Freedom
The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but religious disputes over mosque property, political representation, and minority rights continue to shape Muslim-Christian relations.

10. Fun Fact
North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, has a unique skyline where mosques and Orthodox churches stand side by side, reflecting its rich multi-religious history.

North Macedonia
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .mk
Country Code: +389