Dojran

(Macedonian: Дојран)

Dojran is a city located on the western shore of Dojran Lake in the south-eastern part of the Republic of Macedonia. Dojran is made up of two fisherman's towns; Nov Dojran (settled from the end of World War I to World War II) and Star Dojran, which contains both old ruins and recent construction, especially hotels, resorts and restaurants. Dojran is located 170 km from Skopje and 49 km from the nearest city of Strumica.

Doyran Lake is the smallest tectonic lake in the Republic of Macedonia situated in the south-eastern part of the country, covering an area of 43,1 km2. The bigger - western part (27,3 km2) belongs to the Republic of Macedonia, and the smaller - eastern part (15,8 km2) belongs to Greece. The Lake is positioned at a height of 148 m above the sea level. It is a shallow lake, with the deepest point at 10 metres. The Doyran Lake basin was created in the Neogene’s Quarterly period and is of tectonic-volcanic origin. Actually, the Doyran Lake is a relict remaining of the former Pleistocene Peonic Lake, covering an area of about 127 km2. Doyran Lake is an entropic lake, due to the intensive production of organic matter. The fauna is represented by invertebrates (Protozoa-mono-cellular animals, sponges, warms, molluscs, arthropod, insects, etc.), as well as representatives of vertebrates (fish, amphibian, reptiles, birds and mammals). 12 fauna endemic species have been recorded in Doyran Lake. Out of 15 fish species, 1 is local endemic species. Certain invertebrates (especially dragon flies) and several bird species are on CORINE List. The Doyran Lake is known by the specific manner of fishing with the assistance of birds, in reed enclosures.

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• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT +1)
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You will certainly enjoy in all kinds of food here. Starting from Fish specialities, traditional Macedonian, Greek, Bulgarian whatever you like will be settled in front of you, to make your stay here something that you’ll remember for long.

Dojran, primarily Star Dojran, was first settled in pre-historic times, and the first written record of the city was in the 5th century in which the Greek historian Herodotus, wrote about the Paionians, ancient Thraco-Illyrian people, who started and expanded the city. Herodotus notes how the Paionians, lived in settlements accessible only by boats, settlements which still exist today on the west and the north shores of Dojran Lake, in between the cane zones and the lake itself. The economy of Dojran has always been primarily dependent on fishing and success in the business is attributed to the traditional ancient fishing method used by the fishermen.

Dojran developed according to the Turkish model of an Islamic city. The upper part was profoundly impacted by Turkish influence, with narrow streets; whereas the lower part retained its Macedonian roots, crossed with wide streets and modern public buildings. Houses were usually two-storeyed, arranged amphitheatrically, with a view onto the lake. The style of architecture was so similar to that of Salonica (Thessalonica) that Dojran came to be known as "Small Salonica". The Bazaar, near Dojran Lake, had 300 shops and craft workshops. Many Turkish dignitaries settled there after being stunned by the beauty of the city.

World War I devastated the city physically and economically; destroying many cultural monuments and the fishing business. The population was forced to desert the city to escape bombardment. After the war the population returned and formed Nov Dojran. Today the two villages are seen as one town though most new buildings are located in Star Dojran, and are devoted to attracting tourism.

A lot of courts and pitches where you may perform all the sports you can imagine in an area of a peaceful little lake (sometimes you’ll have an impression you’re at your own swimming pool), meeting some of Macedonian sportsmen preparing here for the upcoming season.

If you’re in a good shape to sing and dance for days and nights, then you’re on the right place. A lot of small night bars, cafeterias working till the sun arise over the other side of the lake, watch the dawn before you take your deserved rest.

• By car: 170 km south – east from Skopje, Udovo exit from the highway or 50 km south from Strumica.
• By plane: www.airports.com.mk (Skopje)
• By bus: www.sas.com.mk (Skopje)
• By train: No railway to Dojran

Just come and see the whole Dojran.