World Ulah Day

World Aroman Day is a national and cultural observance celebrated annually on 23 May by Aroman (Vlach) communities living in various regions of the world, particularly the Balkans. This date marks the anniversary of the decree issued by Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II on 22 May 1905, which officially recognized the Aromans as a distinct millet (millet-i Ulah) within the Ottoman Empire.

The Aromans regard this date as a turning point in the recognition of their national identity, the guarantee of their cultural freedoms, and the attainment of autonomy in education and religious activities.

History

In the final quarter of the 19th century, as nationalism gained momentum in the Balkans, a competition for control over Macedonia began among Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia. These countries sought to legitimize their claims over Macedonia through historical roots, demographic superiority, and cultural influence. During this period, the Aromans—a distinct ethnic group in the region but fragmented and lacking national unity—were frequently recorded as part of the “Rum Millet” and subjected to assimilation efforts aimed at severing their ties to their language and culture.

Following intense diplomatic efforts by Romania, the Ottoman Empire granted the Aromans the right to be recognized as a separate ethnic community in 1905. This recognition enabled them to establish their own churches and schools and to receive education and conduct worship in their native language. As a result, the Aromans gained the right to be represented in communal councils and began to be officially recorded in population registers as “Vlach.”

Aroman Identity

The Aromans (also known as Aromanians) are an ethnically Romanized Thracian community whose origins trace back to Latinized populations settled in the Balkans during the Roman Empire. Due to the Latin-based nature of their language, they are considered related to Romanians; however, throughout history they lived dispersedly as nomadic pastoral communities in regions such as Macedonia, Thessaly, Thrace, and Moesia. During the Ottoman period, the majority of Aromans were Orthodox Christians and were often registered as part of the Rum Millet.

Establishment of 23 May as a Holiday and Early Celebrations

In response to the decree of Abdülhamid II, the Aromans held their first collective celebration on 23 May 1906 in Bitola. Over time, this date became known as “Aroman National Day” and was adopted by Aroman communities in the diaspora.

Since then, 23 May has been embraced both as the anniversary of the Ottoman recognition and as a cultural and historical day of memory dedicated to preserving Aroman identity.

World Aroman Day in the Modern Era

Today, World Aroman Day is commemorated and celebrated with various events primarily by Aroman communities in North Macedonia, Albania, Greece, and Romania. According to statements by Dimo Dimçev, President of the Union of Aroman Culture, this day is also seen as an opportunity to revitalize and transmit the Aroman language, literature, and culture to new generations.

In North Macedonia, where Aromans are officially recognized, they produce weekly broadcasts on state television and have access to education in their native language. In Albania, Aromans are legally recognized as one of the country’s minority groups and maintain their cultural autonomy.

Cultural Reflections

The Aromans’ gratitude toward the Ottoman Empire has also been expressed in literary and musical forms. For instance, Constantin Belemace, known as the “national poet” of the Aromans, composed a hymn titled “Imnul a Sultanlui Abdul Hamid II” in honor of Abdülhamid II; this work was published in 1905 in the Aroman magazine Lumina (Light). In the hymn, Belemace praised the Sultan, wished him a long life, and offered prayers for the Ottoman Empire.

World Aroman Day is also a notable example in international law and minority policy literature concerning minority rights, cultural recognition, and identity struggles. The Aromans’ success under the Ottoman Empire is frequently referenced in comparative historical narratives of other Balkan nations and is regarded as the starting point for Romania’s policies toward its diaspora.