Gjakova: most charming town of Kosovo
By Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The town Gjakova is the place where history, culture and courage meet. It is situated in the southern-west part of Kosovo, is the 6th biggest town in the country and spans an area of 586.91 km². It is situated between the cities of Prizren and Peja. It is just 92 km from Kosovo’s capital, Prishtina and 37 km from both Peja and Prizren. There are hourly bus services from major cities to Gjakova. The population of Gjakova is around 40,827 (2024 estimate), it is slightly smaller than Prizren, which has approximately 76,313 residents.
Gjakova stands for deep-rooted tradition of religious harmony. People of different religions have lived side by side in peace for centuries and this coexistence has shaped the city’s historical identity. The city of Gjakova has been populated since the prehistoric era and during the Ottoman period due its location, it was one of the most developed and buzzling trading centre on the route between Constantinopole and Shkodra.
Gjakova is a cultural and historical gem. The town is known for its Ottoman-influenced architecture, vibrant café culture, unique kulla—traditional stone-and-wood tower houses and scenic surroundings. Nestled near the picturesque Accursed mountains Gjakova impresses with its unique atmosphere and unique highlights:
The Old Town of Gjakova, also known as the Big Bazaar, was established in 1594/95 when the city officially gained its urban status and is the oldest bazaar in Kosovo. It covers an area of 34,000 m². Historically, it served as a vital hub of socio-economic and cultural life in the region. The bazaar once bustled with artisans practicing traditional crafts such as metalwork, leather processing, textile production, saddle-making, and more—testament to Gjakova’s rich artisanal heritage. It comprises a pictoresque carpenters’street where you can admire wonderful, hand-made wooden products including truly amazing baby cribs. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, all designed in traditional architectural style, offering visitors an immersive and unforgettable glimpse into Gjakova’s vibrant past and living culture.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Hadumi’s Mosque, built in 1594/95 by Sylejman Hadim Aga, is a cultural, educational and religious cornerstone of Gjakova—and one of the most significant monuments across Albanian territories. It is constructed from stone and has richly decorated interior, featuring arabesques, vivid murals, floral motifs and Quranic inscriptions. The mosque complex also houses one of the oldest libraries in Kosovo, long serving as a vital center for learning and the preservation of tradition. According to local tradition, the name “Gjakova” (originally “Jakova”) derives from Jak Vula, the landowner on whose property the mosque was built.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
A historic clock tower: rising from the heart of the Grand Bazaar it is a landmark which was originally built in the 19th century in the area historically known as “Fusha e Sahatit” (The Field of the Clock). It was intended to symbolize Gjakova’s development and growing significance. In 1912, however, the tower was set ablaze by Montenegrin forces, who also removed its clock mechanism and transported it to Montenegro. Despite this destruction, a new tower was later erected near the original site. The reconstructed Clock Tower is 30 meters tall, with a square base measuring 4.10 by 4.10 meters.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The Great Tekke located near the Clock Tower and the Grand Bazaar, built in the 17th century by Sheh Sulejman Axhiza Baba. It comprises a prayer room (samahanja), a shrine, a house, and a graveyard, showcasing the traditional design and spiritual heritage of Gjakova.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
For those staying overnight, Çarshia e Jupave offers a charming boutique hotel experience that blends tradition with modern comforts.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Gjakova suffered immensely during the Kosovo War. The Old Bazaar, once reduced to rubble, was rebuilt by local residents using their own resources. The city experienced severe destruction, widespread human rights violations and profound human loss. Just 4 kilometers from the center, in the village of Meja, the largest massacre of the war occurred on April 27, 1999, when Serbian police forces executed at least 377 Albanian Catholic and Muslim men and boys aged 16 to 60. Many of their bodies were later discovered in mass graves in Batajnica, Serbia. Several Serbian military and police officials were convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for their roles in these atrocities. According to the ICTY, OSCE and various human rights organizations, approximately 75% of Gjakova’s population was forcibly expelled during the conflict and many died. Yet the strength of people of Gjakova—who have been rebuilding their hometown with love, pride, and unwavering resilience—shines through in every restored street, preserved tradition and act of remembrance.
We were honored to visit Gjakova—widely regarded by international tourists as the most charming town in Kosovo—accompanied by Mr. Dren Doli, the Ambassador of Kosovo to the Netherlands.
©Aloys Bruggeman
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an international journalist and author with a background in American Culture Studies from Warsaw University. She is the chief editor of the Central and Eastern Europe Center and president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression. Born in Warsaw and currently residing in the Netherlands, Beata has roots in Lviv, Ukraine and has Armenian heritage.
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