Kosovo
- Contested territories
- Administered by Kosovo
- Claimed by Serbia
- Area 10,887 km2
- Population 1,809,280
- Capital Pristina
- Divided city Mitrovica
- Declaration of Independence 17 February 2008
Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. It used to be an autonomous region of Yugoslavia, but after the breakup of this socialist republic and the war of 1998-1999, the Kosovo Albanian majority of the population strived for sovereignty. Kosovo’s independence is recognized by around 110 UN member states, among which the United States and most EU-countries. However, there is also a strong opposition against this independence, expressed by Serbia but also by Russia, China and Spain. The Kosovo Serb majority in the northern part of Kosovo refuses to be part of this new country. The Ibar River, running through the city of Mitrovica, marks the dividing line.
Gripping Tales from North Kosovo
In Dragon’s Teeth, writer and diplomat Ian Bancroft explores the paradoxes and absurdities of life in North Kosovo. With interviews, historical anecdotes and first-hand observations, he gives a human face to one of the most disputed territories in Europe.
Jorie Horsthuis | 23 Mar 2020
Studying at the ‘University of Pristina, Temporarily Located in Kosovska Mitrovica’
Students from Serbian enclaves all over Kosovo come to the divided city of Mitrovica to study. Circumstances are difficult: teaching methods are old and teachers frequently just don’t show up. ‘We were drawing architectural plans by candlelight.’ (Article in Dutch)
Jorie Horsthuis | 13 Mar 2009
Surviving in Hotel Junior
Maja (20) is already living half of her life in an old run-down hotel in a Serbian enclave in Kosovo, sharing one room with her parents and brother. Her family was expelled by the Kosovo Albanians before the eyes of the international community, immediately after the war ended in 1999. ‘We don’t know how long we can stay here.’ (Article in Dutch)
Jorie Horsthuis | 4 Mar 2009
The Deserted Serbian Black Piste
Serbian people around the world demonstrated last week against the declaration of independence of Kosovo. The inhabitants of the small Serbian enclave of Brezovica in the Southern part of Kosovo fear for their future now that the Albanian population does not dare to come and ski at their slopes anymore. (Article in Dutch)
Jorie Horsthuis | 20 Feb 2009
Selling Hamburgers on the Mitrovica Bridge
From their hamburger shack on the bridge of Mitrovica, Šućo and Suad can oversee both the Serbian and the Albanian part of their city. The clientele of their hamburger business has decreased rapidly. “Albanian people crazy, Serbian people stupid.”
Jorie Horsthuis | 1 Feb 2008
Kosovo’s Conflicting History Books
In Kosovo, the educational system is ethnically divided. From their childhood years, Serbian and Albanian children learn that they are enemies. Not really supportive for integration, acknowledges the international community that stands by and watches. (Article in Dutch)
Jorie Horsthuis | 24 Jan 2008
