I travelled to Kosovo to attend the training course on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, organised by Forum for Progressive Initiatives and financed by Friedrich Ebert Foundation. It was my first time in Kosovo, and to be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. (to be super-honest, I was expecting a pretty destroyed country riddled with bullet holes). To my surprise, I discovered a young vibrant state full of super friendly folks that would literally go out of their way to help you. | About Kosovo. In a nutshell. Kosovo was administered by the UN until 2008, when it declared independence. Nowadays, Serbia rejects Kosovo's independence, although the two sides normalised relations in 2013. About 90% of Kosovo's population are ethnic Albanians, with about 100,000 Serb residents. |
Pristina. Europe’s youngest capital. Pristina is Kosovo’s capital and it’s the largest city in Kosovo. To be super-honest, it’s not the most aesthetically appealing city you’ll ever come across... BUT they’ve done an incredible job of moving forward. Some of the craziest sightseeing spots in Pristina > for more pics check out the gallery. Bill Clinton is a hero here. There is a whole street dedicated to Bill Clinton and a large statue. This was done in order to welcome Bill Clinton when he came to visit. Seriously. When I first heard about this, I couldn’t believe it. The most photographed object in the country. Newborn monument, a sculpture symbolising a new beginnings affronting the cosmically communist Palace of Youth and Sports. It was unveiled on 17 February 2008, the day that Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. | Surrealist weirdo. The National and University Library of Kosovo in Pristina. In general, I was amazed by the Pristina’s architecture. It’s pretty interesting and unique. You can find typical Eastern European blocks, mosques and bazaars, fancy cafes and a few surrealist buildings that make you wonder whether the architect went bananas. Such as the University Library. It's cheap and its all in euros. A cup of coffee costs around 70 cents, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant around 1,5 EUR. The coffee culture is omnipresent and worthy its own in-depth exploration. |
AROUND KOSOVO
Mitrovica. Life In A Divided Kosovo Town. The city of Mitrovica is divided into a North and South by the Ibar river. The Northern section is mainly populated by Serbs, the southern section is mainly populated by Albanians. Many Serbs in northern Mitrovica have not crossed into the southern part of their town since 1999. | Old-fashioned swimming hole. The Mirusha Waterfalls. Natural beauty of Kosovo, situated near of Klina in river of Mirusha and just one hour outside of Pristina. Great place to cool off or have a little drink stand near the water. To be honest, the place is stunning, but in need for an eco-volunteer cleaning squad. It’s such a stunning place, pity to leave it with rubbish all around! | Massacre in Prekaz. Adam Jasheri was one of the founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). After several unsuccessful attempts to capture or kill him, Serbian forces launched an attack against Jashari's home in Prekaz in March 1998. Police said they were trying to capture "terrorists". The attack resulted in deaths of 58 members of Jasheri's family. Nowadays, the Memorial is one of the most significant war reflection sites for Kosovo. |
Prizren - Kosovo’s cultural capital.
I literally fell in love with this “Italian-ish” looking little cute town of Kosovo. When in Prizren, the summer atmosphere of this place gets you in a minute. It’s a historic town in Kosovo, has a castle on a mountain, a river with a stone bridge and a mosque by Mimar Sinan. Definitely worth a trip!
I literally fell in love with this “Italian-ish” looking little cute town of Kosovo. When in Prizren, the summer atmosphere of this place gets you in a minute. It’s a historic town in Kosovo, has a castle on a mountain, a river with a stone bridge and a mosque by Mimar Sinan. Definitely worth a trip!
Rakija, the Kosovan revenge. Flija, the Kosovan diet killer.
The Kosovan cuisine does not differ much from the rest of the Balkans. It has been significantly influenced by Turkish cuisine.
Rakija is an alcohol drink that is made of different kind of domestic and wild fruits, but the main fruit that is used in Kosovo for making rakia is grape.
Flija consists of multiple crepe-like layers brushed with cream. It is one of the most typical Kosovar dishes that every local will recommend. Its delicious, especially with cheese and marmalade.
The Kosovan cuisine does not differ much from the rest of the Balkans. It has been significantly influenced by Turkish cuisine.
Rakija is an alcohol drink that is made of different kind of domestic and wild fruits, but the main fruit that is used in Kosovo for making rakia is grape.
Flija consists of multiple crepe-like layers brushed with cream. It is one of the most typical Kosovar dishes that every local will recommend. Its delicious, especially with cheese and marmalade.
Kosovo, Europe's newest country and a fascinating land at the heart of the Balkans.
The country has a unique energetic vibe, great landscape and amazing people.
100% worth visiting!
The country has a unique energetic vibe, great landscape and amazing people.
100% worth visiting!