I Just Spent A Whole Day In One Of Europe’s Poorest Countries And I Was Shocked By What I Saw

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I simply spent a complete day exploring considered one of Europe’s poorest international locations, the place there aren’t any shimmery Eiffel Towers, Mediterranean sunsets, or large leafy boulevards lined with designer outlets – and I virtually couldn’t consider I was nonetheless in the identical continent.

I Just Spent A Whole Day In One Of Europe's Poorest Countries And I Was Shocked By What I Saw

Comprising Southeastern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula is formally residence to 12 nations, which all share a standard tradition and an intertwined History. It can be my go-to vacation spot, residence to beautiful seashores and UNESCO-listed websites, the tastiest meals, and delightful, incredibly affordable cities but to be found, far-off from the Instagram hordes.

Having been to Croatia, Albania, and Western Turkey, I determined it was time to go deeper into the guts of the area and discover what is maybe its least-visited state:

Welcome To Kosovo, Europe’s Youngest Nation

Young Male Tourist Posing For A Picture In Front Of The Newborn Sign In Pristina, The Capital City Of Kosovo, Eastern Europe

Out of 12 international locations which might be both totally, or partially Balkan, the small, newly-independent Kosovo was the one nation I stored avoiding as I country-hopped throughout the peninsula. While I had the chance to go to twice since first arriving within the territory all the best way again in 2019, each misinformation and misleading travel advisories at all times discouraged me.

Although it’s actually not preventing a full-fledged war, not less than not anymore, Kosovo is but to ascertain amicable relations with Serbia, from which it declared independence unilaterally in 2007. The latter has repeatedly refused to just accept Kosovar sovereignty, and to today, some maps embrace Kosovo as a Serbian autonomous province.

But why does Kosovo’s independence declare proceed to be challenged by Serbia greater than a decade later?

Why Is Kosovo Still Claimed By Serbia?

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Kosovo And Albania's Flags Flying Side By Side In A Public Square In Pristina, Kosovo, Eastern Europe

For many of the twentieth century, these two international locations fashioned the now-defunct federal entity of Yugoslavia alongside Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Beginning within the 90s, Yugoslavia started to crumble, and one after the opposite, the federal republics inside it seceded, rejecting Serbian rule, although not with out wrestle.

Carrying the scars of the 90s struggle, chargeable for re-shaping Balkan borders and establishing not less than six new international locations, and expressing a robust will to re-assert its Albanian identification, Kosovo was the final former Yugoslav territory to carry an independence vote solely 15 years in the past: Europe’s youngest (partially acknowledged) nation.

Whitewashed Facade Of Nene Tereza Cathedral In Pristina, Kosovo

Regrettably, the Kosovar referendum was deemed unlawful by Serbian lawmakers on the premise that Kosovo was by no means a constituent republic inside Yugoslavia, in contrast to Croatia, Slovenia, or the others. Fast ahead a decade, and the authorized imbroglio continues to have repercussions, with Kosovo’s worldwide recognition being restricted and disputes extending well into 2023.

There are 4 primary explanation why the individuals of Kosovo don’t really feel hooked up to Serbia and will need to untangle themselves from the persisting ghosts of the Yugoslav period:

Kosovar Albanian Girl Smiling At The Camera As She Wears Traditional Albanian Attire, Pristina, Kosovo

Kosovo is inhabited by Albanians, who type the overwhelming majority of the populace (92%)
Naturally, essentially the most widely-spoken language in Kosovo is Albanian, an Indo-European language markedly completely different from Serbian
The most adopted faith in Serbia is Eastern Orthodoxy (69.9%); Kosovo is 95.6% Muslim
For many of the twentieth century, the Kosovar demand for extra autonomy inside Yugoslavia was largely missed and violently repressed by Serbian-controlled Yugoslav forces, giving rise to a robust anti-Serbian sentiment inside the territory

Now that why Kosovo’s standing is disputed, it’s time we understood how truly underdeveloped it’s as a nation standing by itself and why that got here to be:

Kosovo Is The Third Poorest Country In Europe

Exposed Power Cables Surrounding A Red Brick Building In Prizren, Kosovo

Due to its advanced latest previous, assuming that it’s unbiased from Serbia, Kosovo has been named the third-poorest country in Europe, with virtually 30% of the inhabitants, or 550,000 Kosovars, falling under the poverty line. In 2016, it had an unemployment charge of 34.8%, and a majority of households earned lower than €6,000 per yr.

In addition to a low Human Development Index, Kosovars wrestle from:

Not being members of the European Union and having their motion in Europe severely restricted
Not being part of NATO, which places them at an elevated threat of assaults by neighboring belligerent international locations

Old Bell Tower Surrounded By Power Cables In Prizren, Kosovo

Having the weakest passport in Europe; as of 2022, Kosovo passport holders want visas to enter most European international locations, and they’re solely granted visa-free entry to 41 international locations worldwide
Refused admission in international locations that don’t acknowledge Kosovar independence and thus Kosovar-issued journey paperwork (Georgia, Moldova, Cuba, and others)

Kosovo, and the broader Balkan Peninsula, are indisputably European, being an integral a part of the continent’s multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith character. However, they’re a special taste of Europe, mendacity outdoors the Brussels sphere of management and infrequently resembling Western Asia by way of city planning, tradition, and infrastructure.

Ottoman Houses In Old Town Prizren, Kosovo, Eastern Europe

For essentially the most half, there aren’t any large, tree-lined Belle epoque boulevards to be discovered right here. Instead, it is best to count on streets filled with overhead energy cables and overflowing rubbish within the type of Latin America’s run-down hoods. Additionally, Kosovo isn’t the best vacation spot for vacationers searching for the quintessential European sightseeing expertise:

Several historic buildings in Pristina have both been destroyed or closely broken by bombing, and what’s left are a handful of medieval mosques and Serbian Orthodox Churches, modernist condominium blocks evocative of the communist years, and struggle memorials paying homage to the Kosovar Albanians who misplaced their lives preventing for autonomy.

So why, then, is Kosovo price visiting?

Six Reasons Why Kosovo Should Be On Your Radar For 2023

Incredibly Welcoming Locals

Friendly Looking Old Albanian Gentlemen Playing A Card Game On The Street, Unspecified Location In Albania, Eastern Europe

The hospitality of Albanians precedes them, and upon arriving in Pristina, my first vacation spot on today tour, I was reminded why they’ve a status for being probably the most pleasant individuals in Europe. Whether you’re purchasing for souvenirs or just asking for instructions, you’ll really feel their heat and be greeted by real smiles.

From the few interactions with Kosovars I had throughout my tour, I felt as in the event that they have been as elated as they have been puzzled I was touring there within the first place. Locals will exit of their solution to ensure you really feel welcome, be it eagerly sharing their customs and traditions, or pausing no matter it’s they’re doing to assist a vacationer in want of help, with out anticipating something in return.

We should remind ourselves it is a new child nation internet hosting lower than 200,000 overseas vacationers on common per year, and guaranteeing vacationers have a great impression is of their greatest curiosity.

It Is Home To Beautiful Historical Sites

Cobblestone Street In The Old Town Of Prizren Lined With Restaurants And Cafes, Leading To An Ottoman Mosque, Prizren, Kosovo, Eastern Europe

Kosovo could have been ravaged by struggle, and it’s true a number of of its historic monuments are both present process reconstruction or have been razed to the bottom, giving solution to modernist buildings that wouldn’t be completely misplaced within the bygone Soviet Union, however this doesn’t imply there’s no architectural magnificence to be discovered right here, or an inestimable cultural worth at that.

The Balkans are maybe essentially the most History-charged area in all of Europe, and Kosovo isn’t any exception. One of the details of curiosity within the nation is the stunning 14th-century Serbian Orthodox Gracanicka Monastery. Embellished by vibrant frescoes and atmospheric candles, it’s considered one of a handful of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kosovo.

Serbian Orthodox Gracanicka Monastery In Kosovo, Eastern Europe

Yet one other instance of Orthodox structure that’s been enlisted by UNESCO is the Patriarchal Monastery of Pec, situated close to town of Peja, well-known for its placing crimson exterior. Elsewhere in Kosovo, guests may also admire the remnants of well-preserved 18th and Nineteenth-century Ottoman homes.

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Prizren to the bewitching chants emanating from the close by minarets, you may be transported again to the Anatolian heartland of Turkiye. Distinctly oriental in character, Prizren options an previous Ottoman bridge arching over a transparent river and imposing mosques glistening white in opposition to the encompassing inexperienced hills.

Some name it the prettiest metropolis in Kosovo, and one of many prettiest in Southeastern Europe.

@vinigoesglobal Prizren is completely gorgey 😍 #kosovo #balkans #europe #prizren ♬ original sound – Vini | Travel Blogger

Kosovo Has A Burgeoning Art Scene

It should be one thing within the water… In latest years, Kosovo has been spawning a formidable streak of pop stars which might be crossing over to the mainstream and making it large in America. Two of essentially the most simply acknowledged artists whose households hail initially from listed below are the multi-platinum British artists Dua Lipa and Rita Ora.

Writing On The Wall Of A Modernist Building In Prizren, Kosovo

Dua is, the truth is, probably the most profitable feminine artists of the streaming period with a number of high ten hits below her belt – with Don’t Start Now, Levitating, New Rules, and Physical to call a couple of – and different profitable collaborations with world-renowned DJs and business veterans like Elton John. Other than advancing the Kosovar trigger, she’s been credited for ‘putting Kosovo’s title on the map‘ and reviving the country’s dying cultural scene.

Now, guests to Pristina can attend an annual worldwide music pageant held in summer time organized by Sunny Hill Foundation, headed by Dua Lipa herself and her father, Kosovo-born businessman Dukagjin Lipa. While she’s on tour, the singer is normally included within the line-up, which options different worldwide acts and native Albanian artists.

It Is Incredibly Cheap By European Standards

@vinigoesglobal That’s it I’m transferring right here bye ✌🏼 #kosovo #offthebeatenpath #balkans #food ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Out of all 37 European international locations I have set foot in, Kosovo must be the one the place my vacationer {dollars} stretched the furthest. Even should you’re ready to splurge after being locked down at residence for almost three years, and also you’re ordering each doable appetizer on the menu, getting a invoice of greater than 20 euros per particular person at a mid-range restaurant will probably be nearly not possible.

Additionally, entry to cultural sights is, on common, €2 to €5 (such because the Gracanicka Monastery), making it extremely reasonably priced to discover over a couple of days or perhaps a longer time period. On common, the cost of living in Kosovo is 61.68% decrease than within the United States, with month-to-month bills with out lease estimated at €359, or roughly $382.

Main Pedestrian Street In Pristina, Kosovo

An vital piece of information: Kosovo has no official forex of its personal, they usually have adopted the euro unilaterally. It is by far essentially the most extensively accepted forex within the nation, although it might be doable to seek out companies that settle for or alternate U.S. {dollars}, British kilos, or different in style currencies.

It’s Every Foodie’s Idea Of Paradise

Albanian Food Set On The Table At A Restaurant In Albania, Eastern Europe

Albanian meals ranks amongst my favourite in Europe, primarily as a result of it resembles different ethnic dishes concocted by the Turkish or the Greek, with components which might be at all times contemporary, melt-in-your-mouth meat rolls, soup wealthy in spices and distinctive Balkan condiments, and a large assortment of locally-sourced fruit and salted, mushy cheeses.

Whether you’re in Kosovo, Albania, or another Albanian-majority area of North Macedonia or Greece, relaxation assured you may be effectively sorted by your Albanian hosts. Some of my favourite picks are:

Fergese, a flavorful paste made primarily of tomato sauce, cottage cheese, inexperienced peppers, and garlic, served historically with bread
Byrek (the Albanian equal to the pan-Balkan burek), a flaky dough pastry crammed with potatoes, spinach, meat, or cheese

a waitress takes a food order from two people sitting at a table

Tarator, a chilly soup containing bitter yogurt, shredded cucumber, a couple of squeezes of lemon, and several other teaspoons of salt
Speca te mbushura, rice-stuffed inexperienced peppers. In some Albanian areas, chopped lamb and/or tomatoes might be added
Qofte, meatballs that may be grilled, fried, or baked
Tave kosi, lamb baked in a melting pot of selfmade yogurt, rice and eggs