CULTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION IN FOCUS: WORKING VISIT BY MINISTER SEDAT SULEJMANI TO THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION CENTER
On September 9, 2026, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sedat Sulejmani, paid a working visit to the National Conservation Center in Skopje, where he met with its director, MA. Aleksandar Jordanoski.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Jehona Spahiu Janchevska, an art historian and conservation advisor who heads the Department for Research and Conservation Design of Immovable Cultural Heritage, and MA. Vlado Mukovski, a painter and conservation advisor who heads the Department for Conservation and Restoration.
During the visit, Director Aleksandar Jordanoski presented the specific activities of the National Conservation Center, its organizational structure, sectors, and departments, as well as its workspaces. Special emphasis was placed on the specialized studios for wall painting and mosaics, icons, wood and stone sculpture, and easel painting, as well as the Information and Documentation Center (INDOK), the Physico-Chemical Laboratory, and the library. During the meeting, the director briefed the minister on the institution’s operations, ongoing projects, and professional activities regarding the research, documentation, conservation planning, conservation, and restoration of immovable cultural heritage.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the 2026 Annual Program for Realizing the National Interest in Culture, as well as to planning and setting priorities for upcoming annual programs, with the aim of ensuring continuous and systematic funding and execution of cultural heritage protection projects.
The discussion also addressed the need to strengthen professional staff and further enhance the human resource capacities of the National Conservation Center. It was emphasized that securing appropriate, professionally qualified personnel is crucial for the successful execution of complex conservation and restoration projects, as well as for preserving institutional knowledge and ensuring continuity in professional operations.
Furthermore, Director Jordanoski briefed Minister Sulejmani on the institution’s achievements to date, the organization of professional work, and the need to improve project implementation conditions; discussions also covered opportunities to upgrade technical and material working conditions, which are essential for the modern and efficient execution of conservation and restoration activities. The working visit provided an opportunity for a direct exchange of information regarding the current situation and needs in the field of immovable cultural heritage protection. Particular emphasis was placed on creating conditions for continuous professional work, implementing planned projects, securing ongoing funding and support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and strengthening the capacities of the National Conservation Center as the lead national institution for the protection of immovable cultural heritage.
Prepared by: Dr. Jehona Spahiu Janchevska, Art Historian – Conservation Advisor for Artistic Heritage of the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Periods (IX–XVIII centuries) and Head of the Department for Research and Conservation Planning of Immovable Cultural Heritage
Photographs: Viktor Irvin Ivanov, Photographer
