Demir Kapija

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Demir Kapija

Demir Kapija on the map of Republic of Macedonia

Demir Kapija (Macedonian: Демир Капија) is a town in the Republic of Macedonia, located near the ominous limestone gates of the same name. It has 4,815 inhabitants. The Vardar river makes a wonderful gorge close to Demir-Kapija, while the "Bela Voda" cave is very interesting to see at 955 m long. When passing "The Iron Gates", the road leads to the Valandovo and Gevgelija valley. It is the most picturesque region in Macedonia, as well as the most varied with its agricultural products. This valley is under the influence of the Aegean climate. It is also a national monument of nature and an ornithological reserve, home to many rare species of birds and endemic plants.

[edit] History

Demir-Kapija is a place already mentioned in Classical times under the name of Stenae (Greek for gorge). In the Middle Ages it was known as a Slav settlement, under the name of Prosek, while today's name originates from the Turkish reign, meaning "The Iron Gate".

The town of Prosek was used as a fortress due to its good strategic position. In the thirteenth century Prosek had become the seat of Dobromir Hris, and Strez was its well-known commander.

The former settlement was fortified by walls, and it is considered that it was used to exist in the Neolithic Age. Burial grounds of the Paeonian Empire have been dicovered, one of only 3 known places in Macedonia with such ancient artifacts. Demir Kapija is hiding numerous localities and invincible remains. The research up to the present has proved that all the pass periods have left their traces: the Paeonian, Hellenic/Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the period of the Bulgarian Tsar Samuil the Turkish as well as the early Christian period.

The former Yugoslavic King Aleksandar Karadjordjevic had his summer home and winery built here. The winery is the oldest on the Balkins and still produces quality wines under the privately owned Agropin name. Newer wineries, like Popova Kula, have opened up additionally and paves the way for exports and economic stimulus of the region. Demir Kapija is also home to the flour mill Dekamel and has a modern farm for production of eggs known as Salmak.

[edit] Demir Kapija Today

Demir Kapija is an outdoors haven for sports and recreational activities. Moutaineers often enjoy hiking the area for thier favorite tea plants. Formerly, the national and regional Kayak competitions were held here because of the natural rapids formed by the river into the canyon. Alpinists climb the rock towers to see the most impressive view of the canyon beyond. Trails are also made to hike to these points, as well as to the remains of the forementioned ruins of the fortress Prosek. Possibly the most interesting hike, noted in The Brandt Guide to Macedonia, is the stopping point between the 2 tunnels on the highway. Parking exsists, and it is very interesting walking along the small river inbetween 2 rock faces, like an open-ended cave to some unique Turkish Villages. You may even be invited for tea.

Demir Kapija is also home to the largest mental institute in the state, The Specijalen Zavod. The Special Olympics team from this institute is well noted in football and track and field events. The continued support of foreign aid such as UNICEF and the British Embassy continues to educate families and the community in general to the contribution and awareness of special needs.

[edit] External links

Cities and Towns in the Republic of Macedonia
Berovo \| Bitola \| Bogdanci \| Debar \| Delčevo \| Demir Kapija \| Demir Hisar \| Gevgelija \| Gostivar \| Kavadarci \| Kičevo \| Kočani \| Kratovo \| Kriva Palanka \| Kruševo \| Kumanovo \| Makedonski Brod \| Makedonska Kamenica \| Negotino \| Ohrid \| Pehčevo \| Prilep \| Probištip \| Radoviš \| Resen \| Štip \| Skopje \| Struga \| Strumica \| Sveti Nikole \| Tetovo \| Valandovo \| Veles \| Vinica