Skopje, 23 October 2024 (MIA) – Poet, essayist and translator Slave Gjorgjo Dimoski is this year’s recipient of the October 23 State Award for lifetime achievements in the field of culture and art.

Dimoski this year is marking two milestones – his 65th birthday and 45 years of being a writer. His poetry has been translated in over 35 languages. He has also written six children’s books and four books of essays and has translated over 30 books by poets from the Slavic language area. Dimoski has also won numerous domestic and international awards. His is the founder and manager of the Velestovo Poetry Evening festival. 

Macedonian identity is founded in the Macedonian language and the Cyrillic alphabet. Language and the alphabet are one of our identity pillars, Dimoski said in his speech after being presented with the award at a ceremony in Parliament on Wednesday. 

“If the poet falls silent, the soul and the language will also fall silent, and the soul of the nation is also the language,” said Dimoski amongst other things. 

According to him, the October 23 State Award is one of the most important recognitions. 

The October 23 award is presented for outstanding achievements in science, culture, education, protection of state interests and promotion of state priorities, values and cultural and historical heritage of public interest of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Photo: MIA