Makedonium monument controversy leads to museum director's resignation

Makedonium monument Don Xhoni Krushevo cultural heritage controversy North Macedonia

The filming of Kosovar rapper Don Xhoni’s music video, ‘Sexy Mama,’ at the Makedonium monument in Krushevo has sparked significant public outcry in North Macedonia. The monument, a protected cultural heritage site and memorial to the Ilinden Uprising, was reportedly rented for approximately 500 euros for several hours of filming.

In response to the controversy, Miha Oxhaklieski, the director of the National Historical Museum – Krushevo, has submitted his irrevocable resignation. Oxhaklieski stated that while no laws or regulations were broken and the rental followed established institutional practices, he felt a moral and ethical responsibility toward the public and the institution.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has condemned the incident, calling it an unacceptable lapse. He announced that he will request the dismissal of both the museum director and the institution's Board of Directors. Mickoski also issued an apology to the citizens, emphasizing that national cultural institutions should not be used for such commercial purposes.

Minister of Culture Sedat Sulejmani noted the sensitivity of the case, stating that while renting space is legally permitted, directors must exercise caution regarding the content of the programs being hosted. Meanwhile, the Administration for the Protection of Cultural Heritage reported that they were not notified of the filming. The incident has reignited debates regarding the commercial exploitation of historical landmarks and the adequacy of state funding for the maintenance of cultural goods, as the Makedonium has previously been declared a cultural good in danger due to structural damage.

Entities

Don Johnny · Don Xhoni · Historical Museum Kruševo · Hristijan Mickoski · Makedonium · Makedoniuom · Miha Oxhaklieski · Mihail Odžakliskis · Ministry of Culture and Tourism · National Historical Museum – Krushevo · Nikola Karev · Sedat Suleimani

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] The production paid approximately 500 euros to film at the Makedonium complex. almakos.com · panoptikum.mk · prv.mk · opserver.mk · orainfo.net · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The Makedonium monument has been declared a cultural good in danger due to structural and mosaic damage. utrinskivesnik.mk · vocentar.com · zurnal.mk
[● 8 SOURCES] Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski requested the dismissal of the museum director and the Board of Directors. almakos.com · sinjali.com · 360stepeni.mk · orainfo.net · portalb.mk · +3 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The use of the Makedonium space did not violate any existing laws or regulations. informim.net · sinjali.com · opserver.mk · kanal77.mk · faktiditor.ch
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Administration for the Protection of Cultural Heritage was not notified of the filming. prv.mk
[● 5 SOURCES] Minister of Culture Sedat Sulejmani stated that while renting is legally permitted, directors must be careful regarding content. almakos.com · 360stepeni.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · telegrafi.com · libertas.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Kosovar rapper Don Xhoni stated the music video shoot was an artistic project and not intended as a provocation. opserver.mk
[● 8 SOURCES] Miha Oxhaklieski, director of the National Historical Museum – Krushevo, resigned from his position. informim.net · sinjali.com · opserver.mk · faktiditor.ch · portalb.mk · +3 more