Të dua Dibër ❤️
Debar Lake, North Macedonia 🇲🇰
In 2024, I visited Debar Lake, an artificial lake in western North Macedonia near the town of Debar. Covering an area of 13.2 square kilometers, it is one of North Macedonia's largest lakes. At 92 meters deep and situated 580 meters above the Adriatic, the lake was created between 1966 and 1968 when the dam was elevated to a height of 102 meters. During my visit, I enjoyed watching preparations for an upcoming fishing competition and savored a great coffee at a lakeside restaurant with a perfect view.
Balkan Colors and Celebration
On the right, an oil-painted Albanian girl by Anisa Ozalp; on the left, a lively Balkan wedding circle with coins, costumes, and dance—art and tradition side by side.
BALKAN GIRL OIL PAINTING
Traditional Albanian Girl Oil Painting
PROCESS
OIL PAINTING BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL ALBANIAN GIRL
OIL PAINTING BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL ALBANIAN GIRL
OIL PAINTING BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL ALBANIAN GIRL
OIL PAINTING BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL ALBANIAN GIRL
OIL PAINTING BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL ALBANIAN GIRL
OIL PAINTING BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL ALBANIAN GIRL
Anisa is creating her Oil Paint Piece
BALKAN Tradition
This oil painting captures the essence of traditional Albanian attire, woven into the cultural fabric of North Macedonia and reflecting the shared heritage of Albanians, Turkish, and Macedonians across the region. The girl's outfit features a white blouse adorned with vibrant floral and geometric embroidery, representing designs commonly seen in Northern Albania and among communities in North Macedonia. These patterns enhance the visual appeal and carry stories and cultural identities that connect generations.
The black vest, decorated with colorful circular and linear motifs, is characteristic of traditional Albanian attire, often symbolizing social status and regional heritage. Her elaborate headpiece, adorned with various-colored beads and stones, is typical of the accessories worn during significant celebrations and family gatherings. This element adds cultural authenticity and depth to her appearance.
Anisa’s use of a diverse color palette highlights the vibrancy and intricacy of the attire, drawing attention to each detail. Set against a dark background, the figure’s clothing stands out, honoring Albanian women's dignity and resilience and connection to ancestral customs.
FINDING ARTISTIC INSPIRATION
Anisa Ozalp's artistic inspiration traces back to her roots, with her grandfather hailing from the picturesque and historical town of Debar, also known as Dibër, in the western reaches of North Macedonia, an enchanting corner of Eastern Europe.
Anisa’s Grandfather, Cevdet Bey
Early Life: Cevdet Bey was born on September 1, 1938, in the village of Balanci, Centar Župa, near Debar, in what was then the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (today North Macedonia). Of Albanian origin, he grew up in a family deeply connected to the traditions and culture of the Albanian community in the region.
A Life Shaped by Migration: Like many from the Balkans in the mid-20th century, Cevdet’s life was marked by migration in search of new opportunities:
Turkey: His family first relocated to Turkey, where they built a new future.
Italy: He spent a period in Italy, expanding his experiences and worldview.
New York: In 1967, Cevdet immigrated to New York City,
Career in New York: In New York, Cevdet worked as a supervisor for a building management company. His role carried responsibility and trust, and he earned respect through his reliability, leadership, and strong work ethic. He played a vital role in ensuring the smooth running and safety of the buildings under his care, becoming a valued figure both at work and in his community.
Return to Turkey and Passing: Later in life, Cevdet returned to Turkey and settled in Sakarya to be close to his family. On May 14, 2017, he passed away at Sakarya Training and Research Hospital. He was laid to rest in Yeni Emirsultan Cemetery. His life journey left behind not only memories but also a legacy of resilience and dedication to his loved ones.
Legacy: Before his passing, he returned to visit North Macedonia, the place where his story began, bringing his journey full circle. The life of Cevdet Bey, spanning Yugoslavia, Turkey, Italy, the United States, and back to Turkey, embodies the broader story of migration, adaptation, and perseverance shared by many Albanians from the Balkans in the 20th century. His years of service as a supervisor in New York, together with his devotion to his family, remain an enduring testament to his character and the legacy he passed on to future generations.
Printed Version - Shared by the Client
Printed version of Albanian Girl Oil Paint
Best craftsmen, woodcarving masters, and builders came from the Debar region. Many fine artists were recognized for creating impressive woodcarvings, painting beautiful icons, and building unique architecture. Debar, Samokov, and Bansko have one of the most famous woodcarving schools. Their work can be seen in many churches and cultural buildings throughout the Balkan Peninsula.
DEBAR PHOTOS taken by ANISA
Colorful Mosque, Tetova
The Colorful Mosque, known locally as Šarena Džamija (Macedonian) and Xhamia e Pashës (Albanian), Alaca Camii (Turkish) is a striking landmark in Tetova (Тетово in Macedonian, Tetovë in Albanian, Kalkandelen in Turkish), North Macedonia. Built-in 1438 by two Ottoman sisters, Hurshida and Mensure, it stands out for its unique design, diverging from traditional mosque decoration by incorporating vibrant floral and landscape frescoes inspired by motifs from the sisters' dowries. Unlike the typical geometric and calligraphic patterns in many mosques, this mosque's decor includes rich floral themes and artistic patterns, giving it a distinctive charm. After a fire in the early 19th century, the mosque was restored in 1833, aided by Abdurrahman Pasha, a local Ottoman official passionate about preserving Tetova’s cultural heritage.
During a later renovation, over 30,000 eggs were incorporated into the paint mixture for the mosque's frescoes, a method used to achieve the vivid and lasting colors that continue to adorn its interior and exterior walls today. Egg tempera was common in historical art for its durability and vibrancy, effectively preserving the mosque's vibrant hues over time.
Colorful Mosque - Side View
Colorful Mosque - Windows
Colorful Mosque - Inside
Colorful Mosque - Dome
Colorful Mosque - Balcony
Colorful Mosque - Chandelier
Colorful Mosque - Beautiful Dome
Colorful Mosque - Cat
Colorful Mosque - Inside Windows
Colorful Mosque - Cealing
Colorful Mosque - Flower Motif
Colorful Mosque - Flower Motif
Colorful Mosque - Side VIew
Colorful Mosque - Balcony
Prayer Beads
Mihrap Altar
Colorful Mosque - Tetova
Sufi Monastery Arabati Tekkë - PHOTOS taken by ANISA
Arabati Tekkë, located in Tetova, North Macedonia, is a Sufi monastery and the center for the Bektashis. The tekkë was founded in the 16th century and features unique architecture, including tile work, carvings, and a serene atmosphere for meditation. It has colorful frescoes, decorative motifs, and spacious courtyards. Additionally, there is a mosque within the complex, adorned with beautiful calligraphy and tile work. The tekkë is situated near Shar Mountain, providing a tranquil atmosphere.
Arabati Tekkë Tombs
Arabati Tekkë Tetova
Artistic Essence
In a rich blend of cultural heritage and artistic skill, Anisa Ozalp has intricately captured the spirit of Debar, North Macedonia, through her oil paintings. Drawing inspiration from her grandfather's hometown, Anisa's series features a traditional Albanian girl clothed in the cultural richness of the Balkans. Debar, a cradle of master craftsmen and woodcarving specialists, significantly influences her artistry, underscoring the artistic prowess that has transformed the town's churches and cultural buildings across the Balkan Peninsula. Experience the fine details and impressive strokes of Anisa's art through her oil paintings, or bring a piece of Debar into your own space by commissioning her artwork. Revel in the historic beauty of Eastern Europe with Debar's unique architectural designs, traditional Macedonian, Albanian, and Turkish greetings, and artistic contributions to the region.
COMMISSION
Discover the process behind Anisa Ozalp's evocative oil paintings by tuning into her Speedpaint videos on YouTube, or reach out to her to commission a piece that encapsulates the essence of Debar's rich cultural heritage.
#albania, #albanian, #albanian flag, #albanian people, #macedonia, #north macedonia, #skopje, #where is macedonia, #where is albania located, #illyrians
