This is also the case with Steve Plyakas and Mihail A. Dimitri’s challenge to travel to northern Pakistan. The book titled “In Search of the Macedonians in Pakistan” came as the result of this long, painstaking and interesting trip. This book, modest in pages, yet large in events, represents a kind of travelogue about the “campaign” of Steve Plyakas, a Macedonian from Canada, and Mihail A. Dimitri, an American of Macedonian descent. The book was first published in English, but was recently published in Macedonian, which signifies a significant contribution towards the clearing up of the truth and enigmas related to Alexander of Macedon. Published by the publishing house “Alexandra” P.O. Box 5321, Fort Wayne, Indiana, the text was translated by Ilina Jakimovska, and edited by Aleksandar and Pavlinka Georgiev.

           The author of this interesting publication, Mihail A. Dimitri, was born in the USA, in 1960. His grandfathers’ roots go back to the village of Nevolyani, near Lerin, and the village of Olishta, near Kostur. He grew up with tales about Macedonia, which made him want to, and helped him learn more about his, and the rich history of the Macedonian people. After getting his degree in classical studies at “Michigan” state university, and his MA at “Wayne” state university, he began working as professor at a number of important institutions in the USA. He is an historian, archaeologist, travel-writer, lover of the Macedonian truth. At the same time, he is author of a number of books including “Splendor of the Ancient Macedonians.” “Neoptolemus’ Daughter,” “Collection of Articles 1989-1999” and “Nevolyani: Portrait of a Macedonian Village.”

           His companion, and like-minded friend, Steve Plyakas, was initiator and sponsor of the long journey to Pakistan. He is a well-known and distinguished Macedonian emigrant from Toronto, whose roots go back to the village of Zelenitche, near Kostur. Steve and his wife, the charming Lilly Plyakas, are virtuous Macedonians and donators. They donated a kidney machine to the hospital in Skopje, provide financial assistance for activities of the Macedonian organisations, folklore societies, clubs, and other kinds of associations. Among other things, Steve Plyakas was also president of the Macedonian organisation, “United Macedonians” in Canada, and is now the president of the Macedonian Orthodox Church of “St. Clement Ohridski” in Toronto. He is the man who carries Macedonia in his heart, and gives it his strong love and sincere respect.

          The book, “In Search of the Macedonians in Pakistan” is the precise expression of the love of Macedonians in the Diaspora of Steve Plyakas and Mihail A. Dimitri, towards their roots and their distant ancestors. As the author states in his introduction, their journey was in fact necessary in order to collect evidence as proof that the Macedonian culture is one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in the world. Thus, these two enthusiasts set off to follow Alexander of Macedon’s trail. It seems though that Mihail A. Dimitri got this idea from a certain woman at one of the Macedonian meetings who pointed out to him that there is a group of people living in Northern Pakistan who claim to be descendants of Alexander of Macedon. According to the woman, they were fair-skinned, and had similar costumes and customs to those familiar to us, Macedonians. She also said to him: “You should go there, and see for yourself.”

           This thought troubled Steve Plyakas, who invited Mihail A. Dimitri in 1995 to take part in the research in Pakistan. They arrived there in July, 1995, first in the city of Ravalpindi, later going to Chitral, finally reaching the valley of Kalash and Hunza, where according to some sources, descendants to the soldiers of Alexander of Macedon live today. The purpose of this journey was to gather evidence for knowledge and records on Macedonian culture throughout the world, to prove that the Macedonian tongue, customs, traditions, and other characteristics are recognisable.

           The conclusion of  the book “In Search of Macedonians in Pakistan” tells us that this is not full research, but merely evidence of the first steps made towards a better understanding and lightening up of Macedonian culture and history. Therefore, deeper and much more extensive research is necessary. The author hopes that his journey will motivate other journeys. Steve Plyakas is now preparing to start similar research of Anadolia, Persia…He continues to point out that the Macedonians remained behind in Northern Pakistan in the course of Alexander of Macedon’s conquests and they retained their culture.

           The book contains information that Steve Plyakas and Mihail A. Dimitri found traces and symbols characteristic of Macedonian culture. Thus, they found the same geranium flower in the valleys of Kalash and Hunza as could be found in Macedonia from as early as the ruling of Philip II until the present day. The author states that the symbol of the flaming Macedonian Sun with rays could also be seen in the valley of Kalash and Taksilla, the grape vine is a symbol in Macedonia and the two Pakistani valleys, and the symbol of snakes represented in various ways can also be found. Folk dress in Taksilla were very similar to some costumes in Macedonia. This was also the case with some traditional folk dances in the region. They also found a large number of words in the Kalash and Hunza tongue which are similar to those used in Macedonian. This too, can serve as motivation for further research.

            According to the author, the influence of a defined, independent Macedonian culture over the people in Northern Pakistan is indisputable. Steve Plyakas and Mihail A. Dimitri’s journey clearly shows that this connection does exist and it deserves further research for greater accomplishment.

            Hence, the author concludes his text by saying: “The splendor of Macedonian culture will be understood and completely free only if its people remain strong and united like the geranium flower which represents it.”