On this day in history—September 23, 1903—Janaki Strezov (1818/1820–1903), an Ohrid educator, revivalist, and folklorist, passed away. With a career spanning several decades, he was one of the longest-serving teachers in Ohrid, dedicating his life to education, cultural heritage, and spreading literacy among the local population.
Of particular importance was his work collecting and recording oral traditions. In 1855–1856, he transcribed numerous folk songs using the Greek script, preserving valuable material from the Macedonian folklore tradition. His records serve as a significant testimony to the richness of folk culture and its preservation during the Macedonian Revival.
In the second half of the 19th century, Strezov was also active in church and educational movements in Ohrid. Through his long-standing work as a teacher, educator, and folklorist, he left a lasting mark on the cultural history of Macedonia. The Museum of Macedonia houses the personal seals of Janaki Strezov, which he used throughout his long teaching career.