Skopje, 15 April 2026 (MIA) – President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova at a ceremony in Skopje on Wednesday posthumously decorated doctor Anastas Kocarev with the Ilinden 1903 Order for his exceptional contribution to medicine and the fight for independent Macedonia. 

Born in Ohrid in 1890, Kocarev is considered as being one of the pioneers of radiotherapy and radiography, he had collaborated with physicist Marie Curie, a Nobel Prize winner, all the while championing the Macedonian cause through student and political organizations in Switzerland and France. 

The state needs the recognition more than Kocarev himself, said President Siljanovska-Davkova speaking at the ceremony.

“In fact, we need the award more than him because the great doctor and the lucid public figure who was ahead of his time had legitimated the small country as the homeland of the world-renowned scientist that we are proud of, whom we respect and bestow an award to,” she stated. 

His personality, the President added, is a symbol of the combination of science and patriotism.

“Kocarev is a synonym of synergy between the wonderful mind, perceptive thought and courageous actions. He is not only a Macedonian scientist, he is also French, Swiss and global. With this posthumous award and by designating his birth house, we’re returning Anastas Kocarev back home. And Ohrid will get another great individual,” Siljanovska-Davkova said. 

On behalf of the family and the Association of Forgotten Macedonians, Sonja Kocareva Trpezanovska said the recognition is an act on restoring Kocarev into the Macedonian “Pantheon of eternity.”

“Today when our soul is filled with joy and pride for attending this event, recognizing after so many years a world-renowned scientist and patriot, we, doctor Anastas Kocarev’s descendants, have decided the order to be handed over to the Ohrid museum together with his photo and original signature. Although he had worked in Switzerland and France for many years, his biggest wish was to return to Ohrid. I hope the state will make efforts towards his final comeback in Macedonia, in his beloved Ohrid, where we will honor him every year,” she said. 

The Ilinden – 1903 Order is one of the highest state recognitions of the Republic of North Macedonia, presented by the head of state. Introduced in honor of the 1903 Ilinden Uprising, it is bestowed for exceptional contribution to the fight for national and social liberation, to the establishment of statehood, sovereignty and independence and to the strengthening of social and state development. It can be also bestowed posthumously.

Photo: MIA