This paper examines the formation of local subjectivities in early 20th-century Ottoman Manastir within the context of transnational connections shaping these identities. It demonstrates Romania as a participant in shaping identities and influencing the efforts of Greek, Bulgarian and Ottomans states. The focus lies in the experiences of two individuals navigating their way to and within the local Vlach community, which had often been assimilated into nationalist narratives of Eastern European states over the course of 20th century. The Aromanian-speaking Vlach community underwent a process of Hellenization and/or joined the Bulgarian exarchate around the turn of the century. Leveraging linguistic ties with Vlachs, the Romanian state positioned itself as their protector, intensifying pressure on the Ottoman state to grant a millet status, which was aimed to facilitate practice of religious ceremonies and education in the Aromanian/Vlach language. Methodologically, this paper traces tensions, conflicts, and instances of violence surrounding these two local figures before and after 1905 when Vlachs officially gained millet status. Historical evidence present series of conflicts between the Greek-Orthodox church, local community, Romanian state and Ottoman state: Protests against and arrest of a former Greek-Orthodox priest who recently undertook a new role as the priest for Vlach community; a letter to the inspector to Vlach schools regarding increasing hatred between Vlachs and Greeks; and a death letter from Romania to a Greek-Orthodox notable in Manastir. This research contributes to the historiography of ethno-religious communities in the Balkans, aiming to historicize the experiences of Vlachs. Significantly, it expands our historical perspective by illustrating ordinary people and local figures as active agents employing complex strategies and negotiations in shaping their identities and gaining power. It underlines the intricate and fluid nature of identities during an era marked by contesting nationalisms, influenced by the local, mundane and transnational factors. In a broader context, this paper extends our understanding of competition over the Balkans by underlining the web of networks, ambitions and conflicts over the political control in the region. Within the framework of Ottoman-Greek relations, the Vlach case provides insights into Ottoman state’s efforts to counter Greek nationalism within its territories.