SHOTLIST: KROTOVO, NORTH MACEDONIA (MAY 9, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. BANNER OF "PETRIFIED WEDDING ROCK FORMATIONS" 2. VARIOUS OF "PETRIFIED WEDDING ROCK FORMATIONS" 3. MEMBER OF IZVOR ASSOCIATION BASED IN KRATOVA, STOJNA DIMITROVSKA BOOTH SPEAKING TO CAMERA 4. LOCAL TOURIST BORCHO TOCHEV SPEAKING TO CAMERA 5. VARIOUS OF "PETRIFIED WEDDING ROCK FORMATIONS"/ VISITORS AROUND THEM KROTOVO, NORTH MACEDONIA - MAY 9: Reminiscent of the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Türkiye, the "Petrified Wedding" rock formations in the village of Kuklica, located in the northeastern town of Kratova, continue to captivate visitors with their unique natural beauty and a haunting local legend. Home to over 120 striking rock pillars, Kuklica is considered a hidden gem where geology and folklore meet. Locals call the formations "Petrified People," believing they are the remains of wedding guests turned to stone by a betrayed bride’s curse. According to the legend, a man engaged to two women planned to marry them on the same day. One bride waited in the upper part of the village, known as Gorna Kuklica, while music from below led her to discover her fiancé marrying the other woman. Devastated, she cursed everyone present, turning them all into stone, thus creating what is now known as the "Petrified Wedding" rock formations. While scientists explain the formations as the result of erosion and ancient volcanic activity dating back over 10 million years, locals continue to embrace the dramatic tale as part of their cultural heritage. Stojna Dimitrovska Booth, a member of the Kratova-based Izvor Association, has been involved in the site’s care for more than two decades. Speaking to Anadolu, she noted Kuklica’s rise in popularity among domestic and international tourists. “This natural monument has volcanic origins and is millions of years old,” she said. “Although erosion continues slowly each year, the legend surrounding these formations gives them emotional and cultural significance.” Dimitrovska Booth pointed out the visual similarity to Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, adding that interest from Turkish tourists is on the rise. She also highlighted local efforts to boost tourism and called on North Macedonian authorities for further support. Borco Tocev, a local tourist visiting with his family, shared his fascination with the site’s history and mythology. “This is one of the must-see places in our country,” he said. “I see Turks as a brotherly nation,” Tocev told Anadolu. “We share a common history, and we should continue to respect and support one another. The world is small—cooperation and cultural exchange are more important than ever.” Tocev also expressed a desire to visit Türkiye. “I’d love to see Cappadocia and its famous hot air balloons someday. And I hope Turkish visitors come here, too, to experience this natural wonder. It’s a great way to deepen people-to-people ties.”