Hidden Gems of Prishtina

29/01/2026

Documenting Kosovo’s History Through Research and Memory

In an interview published by War Resisters’ International, publicist and researcher Shkëlzen Gashi discusses his new book and the crucial importance of critically documenting Kosovo’s recent history. He emphasizes the role of research, public memory, and open discussion in better understanding the political and social processes that have shaped Kosovo.

Within the same article, the author provides additional historical context by referring to the Museum of Independence, highlighting it as a key site for understanding Kosovo’s path toward statehood. For this purpose, the platform Hidden Gems of Prishtina is used as an informational reference, pointing readers to one of the city’s important yet often overlooked historical institutions.

Together, the interview and its references underline the value of preserving historical narratives and promoting meaningful cultural sites that contribute to a deeper understanding of Kosovo’s past.

Marc Morgan of the Mouvement pour une Alternative Non-violente (MAN) recently visited Kosovo and shared a report with the WRI office. Below is a short extract from his report, exploring the work of human rights activist Shkëlzen Gashi, and a visit to the Museum of Independence, which among other ex...

28/02/2025

Kosovar Neo-Baroque
There is little information about the early history of this monument. However, those who have lived in Pristina since the 1960s remember this house vividly. Over the years, it has served various purposes—at times as a place of knowledge and at others as a space for entertainment. (Monument V – A. Krasniqi)

Officially recognized by institutions as the "Lazić House," it is also known locally as the "Mile Qorri House." Built in 1925, a date elegantly engraved as a decorative element atop the building, this Neo-Baroque structure remains a significant part of Pristina’s architectural heritage.

Now privatized and recently restored, the building has reached its centennial anniversary this year.

17/01/2025

From Prison to Solitary Confinement
In the basement of the rectorate, there was also a prison, traces of which can still be seen today. Entering the place used as a prison is possible only through a well-like hole from the first floor, which creates an image of a bunker. It leads you to a long corridor where three small rooms branch off. The rooms have no doors but only a few small holes from above where it is thought that the light came in, but also the food of the prisoners was given to them. In an article of a daily newspaper, a detail was revealed that after the 1999 war, when the NATO forces (so-called Kosovo forces – KFOR) entered the building, they found helmets and military masks from the period 1998/99 in the premises of the building.
The University of Pristina Rectorate also “hides” traces of the persecution and imprisonment of citizens who were against the official line of communism. This building was built during the Ottoman Empire and was used as a military barrack.

09/01/2025

From One Prison to Another

Modernisation period in Prishtina started at the end of the nineteenth century. The building of the first Albanian school opened during this period, and buildings that are still standing today, such the Kosovo Museum and the Kosovo Statistics Agency (ASK), were constructed.
The building of the Kosovo Statistics Agency (ASK) was used as a prison during the fascist occupation and as a detention facility by the communist government after the end of WWII. Besides, this building housed for a while the editorial office of the well-known daily newspaper “Rilindja”

06/01/2025

The building where today is the anti-tuberculosis clinic, was built during the period of Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (SCS) in 1828, by a French company. The building served as a school, a nursery, and in the 1950s, during state weapon collection action, for a while it was also a prison. This was the case with many other buildings during WWII. In the 1970s, the building was designated to a hospital for treating lung diseases. The state weapon collection action started in 1956 but in Kosovo was done through excessive violence and uncertainties for the Albanian population. This action started while there was already an ongoing massive deportation and expulsion of Albanians to Turkiye.

27/12/2024

Phase 3 of Hidden Gems of Prishtina delves into dark tourism, uncovering the tragic and painful chapters of the city’s history. This phase highlights buildings and locations that were once centers of violence, imprisonment, and oppression, not only during the communist era but also during the fascist period and the recent war. These often forgotten or overlooked sites carry immense historical significance, offering a deeper understanding of the suffering and struggles endured by many over these tumultuous periods.
In the coming days, we will unveil three significant locations in Prishtina, once used as prisons and sites of violence and torture during the communist era, fascism, and the recent war. These places represent some of the most somber moments in the city’s history.
The website will also feature the exact locations of these sites, allowing both locals and international visitors to easily explore them. By emphasizing these locations, we seek to deepen the understanding of Prishtina’s past and honor the memory of those who endured such hardships.

Hidden Gems of Prishtina "Hiden Gems of Prishtina" will lead visitors to the authentic Prishtina's unique cultural, historical and recreational locations. These places and spaces make the time travelable. HIDDEN GEMS ROUTE Piccadilly Burektore

20/04/2023

https://www.koha.net/express-ktv/374267/pristripina-me-te-panjohurat-e-kryeqytetit/

Duke punuar si ciceron dhe duke e pasur të qartë mungesën e një fletushke a një libërthi udhërrëfyes, Muhamer Hasani i është përveshur punës dhe me entuziazëm ka shkruar veprën “Pristripina”. Por për...

22/03/2023

Çarshia (Stone) Mosque at night 🕌

27/02/2023

https://klankosova.tv/pristripina-liber-dedikuar-prishtines-se-shekullit-14-te-e-tutje-video/

Prishtinën e vjetër kujtohet përmes fotografive të vjetra dhe objekteve të pakta që i kanë mbijetuar kohës. Mirëpo një rrëfim dhe tregim pak më ndryshe për historinë e kryeqytetit do e shihni përmes librit ‘’PRIStripINA’’ nga Muhamer Hasani. Historia e Prishtinës prej këndit...