Sometimes, when you least expect it, you meet kind people who invite you to share a meal. This happened to me when my aunt visited Skopje in March. After the sun had set, we walked from the Kale Fortress to the Old Bazaar, searching for a coffee place. To our surprise, the streets were empty. Just as we were about to give up, we spotted a group of friends gathered for Iftar. Among them was Nazim Asani, a local jeweller whose family owns a jewellery store in the Old Bazaar.

What role does family play in the Old Bazaar?

He and his six siblings grew up learning the craft from their grandfather and father. Now Nazim and Selajdin own the store “Tako Mako”. “Everything started with our grandfather. He and our father taught us how to make jewellery with our hands, and now we continue with the family business” – Nazim tells me. “It was always clear for me and my brother to take over someday. We were involved from day one”.

There are many family-owned businesses in the Old Bazaar. The Albanian family is one of them. Nazim himself has been there for about 40 years.

“Family plays an important role in our business and the Old Bazaar community. Many families own businesses here, and their children often continue like me and my brother”.

Where does the name “Tako Mako” come from?

To stick out among all the other jewellers, you have to have a catchy name so people are drawn to you. “The name “Tako Mako” comes from my brother’s childhood. He used to love these little cakes called “Tako” and he was saying it constantly. So that name just stuck with us, and somehow “Mako” was added because it rhymes”.

There are many jewellers in the Old Bazaar. What makes “Tako Mako” special? “Tako Mako is special because everything we sell is made with our hands. We make our jewellery with silver, gold, and most stones like the Macedonian ruby. It is pinker than the known ruby and comes from Prilep”.

What are some of the most memorable experiences you had while working here?

The Old Bazaar is a special place where people from all over come. Some politicians, like Federica Mogherini, have visited the shop. “Yes, it was unique when Federica Mogherini was in the Old Bazaar in 2018. We heard that she would come here, and my brother made a brooch to give her a gift. When we gave her the brooch, it was very memorable” – Nazim remembers. The visit of the former vice president of the European Commission opened the door to the Old Bazaar for others and also decorated the shop door of “Tako Mako”.

“I think it meant a lot to her as well. She is the reason why we have the “Europe Street” sign next to our shop”.

Right next to the door is the sign that says “Europe Street by the European Commission” in Macedonian and Albanian. The thank-you letter hangs inside the shop and underlines how the brooch is more than a simple gesture but a symbol of generosity and tradition.

One year later, German Federal President Steinmeier stepped inside the door and got a personal brooch for his tie. “I have met many people in my shop, and I’m always happy when we can give them a gift”.

What impact does your ability to speak multiple languages have on your work?

Not just politicians from Europe experience the kindness of the Asani Brothers. Tourists from every corner of the world come. Nazim and Selajdin speak half of the languages that they speak.  

“People at first are surprised when I approach them in their language. They are interested. It helps with the business to be able to speak multiple languages. It’s fun as well”.

How has the Old Bazaar changed since your childhood?

“The Old Bazaar has changed a lot in 40 years. Many stores don’t exist anymore and some family businesses didn’t continue. I would say that it has lost a bit of the charm that it used to have. With time it was also modernised in some ways” – Nazim says. “Now there is less hand craftsmanship. That is why it’s so important to us to keep that alive. Our community in the Old Bazaar is special. I work here among so many people who share the same values as me. Although many things have changed around us they stayed the same”.

“Tako Mako” is right in the heart of the Old Bazaar and preserved with their hand craftsmanship and their openness towards people to keep the charm and traditions of the Old Bazaar alive.

Fiona Schaumann

This Interview was held in German. 

Sources:

Nazim Asani – Owner of Tako Mako