Gogo Popov: The Man Who Captured Macedonia’s Mountains and History
A few weeks ago, I visited the Mountain Hut Ljuboten, nestled in the breathtaking Šar Mountain range. There, I had the pleasure of meeting the host, Jovan, who introduced me to a book that I haven't been able to stop thinking about ever since. The book, “The Sound of Silence,” chronicles the life and legacy of Gjorji "Gogo" Popov, a man whose boundless enthusiasm for mountaineering and skiing in North Macedonia during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s was truly inspiring. As I turned its pages, I was struck by the sheer determination Popov had in promoting outdoor sports, especially in winter conditions when proper equipment was only a dream. His story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep love for the mountains.
Gogo Popov was not only a professional photographer but also a passionate mountaineer, skier, instructor, and rescuer. As a long-time member of the Ljuboten Mountaineering Club in Tetovo, he played a crucial role in promoting and organizing ski events and expeditions. His love for Šar Mountain led to the construction of multiple mountain facilities between 1934 and 1957, including mountain lodges, rest houses, the tower on Tito's Peak, and the ski jump on Popova Šapka. He also mapped hiking trails, contributing significantly to the outdoor sports community in Macedonia.
To honor Popov’s immense contributions, Ljuboten Mountaineering Club, under the leadership of its president Jovan Božinovski, published the monograph “The Sound of Silence.” This book details Popov’s life, achievements, and pioneering efforts in mountaineering and skiing, featuring 550 photographs that document the early days of these sports in Macedonia.
Božinovski’s research began in 2000 when preparing an exhibition for the club’s 75th anniversary. While organizing the photo archive, he discovered an album from 1952, filled with breathtaking mountain landscapes captured by Popov. These images showcased the first mountaineering expeditions, construction of mountain shelters, and the earliest ski competitions in the country. Inspired by Popov’s work, Božinovski dedicated himself to chronicling his legacy.
A Visionary Photographer and Cultural Archivist
Beyond his love for mountains, Popov was a devoted historian and artist. Employed at the Central Institute for the Protection of Culture, he worked alongside Dr. Kosta Balabanov to document Macedonia’s most significant churches and monasteries. Over his career, Popov took more than 20,000 photographs of architectural structures, frescoes, and icons, preserving invaluable pieces of the country's cultural heritage.
His skills were groundbreaking—he was the first photographer in Macedonia to produce color photographs. In 1954, he used Italian-made Ferrania color film to capture an image of the Virgin Peribleptos icon from the Ohrid collection, developing the photo manually in his own laboratory. His deep knowledge of art history even surpassed that of some historians, as recalled by Dr. Balabanov:
“I was responsible for writing descriptions while Gogo took the photos. It turned out that I, as an art historian, didn’t know the names of all the compositions, but Gogo did. After taking a picture, he would tell me, ‘Write this down: Jesus Christ Entering Jerusalem.’ He knew the significance of every fresco and icon.”
Born in 1908 and passing away in 1979, Gogo Popov's influence continues to be felt. His pioneering spirit in photography, mountaineering, and cultural documentation ensures that his legacy will not fade. In 2022, Ljuboten Mountaineering Club initiated the creation of a Museum of Mountaineering and Skiing in Macedonia, where Popov’s work will have a place of honor.
Through his lens and his passion, Gogo Popov immortalized Macedonia’s landscapes and cultural treasures, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty and history of their homeland.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian
A few weeks ago, I visited the Mountain Hut Ljuboten, nestled in the breathtaking Šar Mountain range. There, I had the pleasure of meeting the host, Jovan, who introduced me to a book that I haven't been able to stop thinking about ever since. The book, “The Sound of Silence,” chronicles the life and legacy of Gjorji "Gogo" Popov, a man whose boundless enthusiasm for mountaineering and skiing in North Macedonia during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s was truly inspiring. As I turned its pages, I was struck by the sheer determination Popov had in promoting outdoor sports, especially in winter conditions when proper equipment was only a dream. His story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep love for the mountains.
Gogo Popov was not only a professional photographer but also a passionate mountaineer, skier, instructor, and rescuer. As a long-time member of the Ljuboten Mountaineering Club in Tetovo, he played a crucial role in promoting and organizing ski events and expeditions. His love for Šar Mountain led to the construction of multiple mountain facilities between 1934 and 1957, including mountain lodges, rest houses, the tower on Tito's Peak, and the ski jump on Popova Šapka. He also mapped hiking trails, contributing significantly to the outdoor sports community in Macedonia.
To honor Popov’s immense contributions, Ljuboten Mountaineering Club, under the leadership of its president Jovan Božinovski, published the monograph “The Sound of Silence.” This book details Popov’s life, achievements, and pioneering efforts in mountaineering and skiing, featuring 550 photographs that document the early days of these sports in Macedonia.
Božinovski’s research began in 2000 when preparing an exhibition for the club’s 75th anniversary. While organizing the photo archive, he discovered an album from 1952, filled with breathtaking mountain landscapes captured by Popov. These images showcased the first mountaineering expeditions, construction of mountain shelters, and the earliest ski competitions in the country. Inspired by Popov’s work, Božinovski dedicated himself to chronicling his legacy.
A Visionary Photographer and Cultural Archivist
Beyond his love for mountains, Popov was a devoted historian and artist. Employed at the Central Institute for the Protection of Culture, he worked alongside Dr. Kosta Balabanov to document Macedonia’s most significant churches and monasteries. Over his career, Popov took more than 20,000 photographs of architectural structures, frescoes, and icons, preserving invaluable pieces of the country's cultural heritage.
His skills were groundbreaking—he was the first photographer in Macedonia to produce color photographs. In 1954, he used Italian-made Ferrania color film to capture an image of the Virgin Peribleptos icon from the Ohrid collection, developing the photo manually in his own laboratory. His deep knowledge of art history even surpassed that of some historians, as recalled by Dr. Balabanov:
“I was responsible for writing descriptions while Gogo took the photos. It turned out that I, as an art historian, didn’t know the names of all the compositions, but Gogo did. After taking a picture, he would tell me, ‘Write this down: Jesus Christ Entering Jerusalem.’ He knew the significance of every fresco and icon.”
Born in 1908 and passing away in 1979, Gogo Popov's influence continues to be felt. His pioneering spirit in photography, mountaineering, and cultural documentation ensures that his legacy will not fade. In 2022, Ljuboten Mountaineering Club initiated the creation of a Museum of Mountaineering and Skiing in Macedonia, where Popov’s work will have a place of honor.
Through his lens and his passion, Gogo Popov immortalized Macedonia’s landscapes and cultural treasures, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty and history of their homeland.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian