The Impact of Socio-Cultural Developments on the Urban Structure of Tetovo During the Period of Yugoslavia

The modernization of cities in Yugoslavia in general and in North Macedonia in particular, along with the modernization of social and cultural life, fostered a conception of the city and life in it that differed significantly from the traditional way. Consequently, the process imposed a radical transformation of the city’s overall configuration, its public and private buildings, and their utilitarian, aesthetic, and experiential performance. Although the planned interventions were only partially implemented in certain areas of Tetovo, they left an indelible imprint on the city and continue to influence its ongoing development. This paper aims to provide a thorough analysis of the socio-cultural developments during the period of Yugoslavia and their impact on the urban structure of Tetovo. One aspect examines the socio-cultural developments that have been shaped by the political and economic shifts in the Yugoslav countries. The other aspect is centered on assessing the influence of these developments on Tetovo's urban street network, block configuration, plot arrangement, building distribution, and architectural design. The urban transformations of Tetovo are primarily analyzed through the examination of cadastral maps from 1937 and 1981, as well as the planned urban development of Tetovo in 1960. The traces of the interventions implemented during the Yugoslav period are an integral part of the urban structure of contemporary Tetovo. On the other hand, the urban plans formulated during that era lay the groundwork for Tetovo's future planned expansion. Hence, it is crucial to comprehend the factors that have given rise to these interventions and plans in order to assess them critically, aiming to enhance the favorable aspects and alleviate the unfavorable ones in Tetovo's future development.