Yane Sandanski as a political leader in Macedonia in the era of the Young Turks

Abstract

Yane Sandanski has been a hero among the Macedonian population in his lifetime, and after his death a legend in the region and the subject of many folksongs in the region. However his image is today very controversial in national historiographies in the Balkan states. Revolutionary, politician and businessman in the end, he was killed by the Bulgarian nationalists in 1915. Now it is difficult to give an absolute evaluation of his role and his political aims. Was he a betrayer of the national Bulgarian interests in Macedonia? definitely yes! But his alliance with the CUP protected his region from any oppression from this part. He was sure for an autonomy of Macedonia, but this does not mean that he regarded the Slavic Christians in Macedonia as a separate nation, namely a “Macedonian nation”.

Keywords

• Sandanski Yane (1872-1915)
• Macedonia
• Salonika
• Drama
• Istanbul
• Monastir