The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today awarded the Order of Merit for Macedonia to the National institution Turkish Theatre – Skopje, for the outstanding results in their long-year activity in the area of dramatic arts, the significant contribution in building the multiculturalism in the Macedonian society, as well as for the advancement of the friendly relations and cooperation between Macedonia and Turkey.

“This Order of Merit is applause for all the comedies, tragedies, all the antic and contemporary dramas that you have presented us. Bur, this recognition also represents an encouragement to continue creating, nurturing art, which does not distinguish languages, borders or divisions. The art is one and universal, and you are a part of it,” said President Ivanov to the representatives of the Turkish Theatre at the awarding ceremony.

What made us really proud, highlighted the President, is that the long-year fruitful work of the Turkish Theatre best shows that in Macedonia there is a respect for the fellow citizen and inclusion of the best features from the system of values of the other.

“That is the power of our country - that requires everyone to show tolerance and respect for the culture of the others. The fact that the Turkish Theatre in Macedonia is the first and still the only professional theatre in Europe that operates in Turkish language outside of Turkey, proves this statement,” President Ivanov underlined.

The Director of the Turkish Theatre – Skopje, Atila Klinche, has shared the impression that the Order of Merit for Macedonia, as the highest recognition the Turkish Theatre has ever received, represents great honor and priceless motivation for all the generations of artists that have been part of the theatre.

The Turkish Theatre – Skopje this year marks 60 years of existence. So far the theatre has received many awards in the country and abroad, among which around dozen for best director, best male and female role, best young actor, also the awards “13 November”, "11 October" and many more.