Peja: A City Steeped in History and Complexity
Peja, also known as Peć, stands as the fourth-largest city in Kosovo, serving as the administrative heart of both the Peja Municipality and the District of Peja. Nestled in the breathtaking Rugova region at the eastern edge of the Accursed Mountains, the city lies along the Peja’s Lumbardh River in western Kosovo—a region rich in natural beauty and historical significance.
A Medieval Tapestry of Rule and Religion
In its medieval prime, Peja shifted under the dominion of the Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Serbs, each leaving indelible marks on its culture and structure. The city gained prominence as the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 1346, with the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing testament to its ecclesiastical heritage.
During Ottoman rule, Peja evolved into a vibrant district capital adorned with mosques and Ottoman-era civil architecture. However, the city has also borne the weight of nationalist struggles, becoming a focal point of tension and conflict between ethnic Albanians and Serbs over the centuries.
Demographics and Geography
According to the 2011 census, Peja’s city population numbers 48,962, while the larger municipality hosts 96,450 residents across 602 km² (232 sq mi). The municipality is divided into 28 territorial communities, encompassing Peja city and 95 surrounding villages, all strategically positioned in the shadow of the Accursed Mountains.
A Strategic Medieval Jewel
Peja’s strategic location along the Lumbardh River made it a significant hub in antiquity, possibly constructed on the ruins of Siparant(um), a Roman municipium. The area boasts the highest concentration of unearthed Roman stelae in Kosovo, reflecting its historical depth.
The city became a centerpiece of Serbian power in the late 12th century under Stefan Nemanja, who annexed it from the Byzantine Empire. By the early 13th century, Peja was integrated into Serbian religious life when King Stefan Nemanjić endowed it to the Žiča Monastery. Later, the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć emerged as a beacon of Serbian Orthodoxy, weathering the Cumans’ attacks and the subsequent relocation of the Serbian Orthodox seat.
The Ottoman Transformation
When the Ottomans captured Peja in 1455, they renamed it İpek and established it as the center of the Sanjak of Dukagjin. The city’s demographic tapestry shifted dramatically; Ottoman records from 1582 document an increasingly Islamized and ethnically diverse populace, blending Albanian, Slavic, and Ottoman influences. By this time, Peja’s neighborhoods were distinct in their religious affiliations, reflecting a fusion of Christian and Muslim traditions.
Nationalist Movements and Modern Struggles
The League of Peja, founded in 1899 under Haxhi Zeka, was pivotal in advocating for the autonomy of Ottoman Albanians. Yet, this movement dissolved after clashes with Ottoman forces in 1900, signaling the volatility of the region’s nationalist ambitions.
The 20th century brought further turmoil. Peja became part of Yugoslavia after World War I and faced severe ethnic tensions during World War II. In the Kosovo War of 1999, the city suffered extensive destruction, with over 80% of its 5,280 houses heavily damaged or destroyed. The scars of these conflicts linger, manifesting in fragile inter-ethnic relations and ongoing rebuilding efforts.
A City of Resilience
Today, Peja stands as a symbol of resilience, blending medieval charm, Ottoman influences, and the scars of modern conflicts into a unique and complex identity. From the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć to the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains, it continues to captivate visitors while bearing the weight of its layered history.
By weaving perplexing historical nuances with bursts of cultural and political dynamism, Peja remains an enduring testament to Kosovo’s multifaceted past and its aspirations for the future.