The Macedonian Question

The Macedonian Question refers to the complex political and national disputes over the region of Macedonia, which lies in the Balkans. Historically, it was a crossroads of various peoples—Slavs, Greeks, Bulgarians, and others—each claiming cultural and national ties to the area. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, competing national movements sought control or influence, leading to conflicts, migration, and territorial changes. Today, the term often relates to the controversy over Macedonia’s national identity and name, affecting diplomatic relations between Greece and North Macedonia. Overall, it highlights regional struggles over ethnicity, sovereignty, and historical legacy.