National Public Library, Pristina
Kosovo's total population is estimated around 2 million, 92% of whom Albanians and 4% Serbs. The relations between Kosovo's ethnic Albanian and Serb populations have been hostile since the rise of nationalism in the Balkans during the 19th century. During the Tito-era, the Albanian and Serb populations of Kosovo became irreconcilable. Ethnic prejudices, stereotypes and mutual distrust remained common for decades. This resulted in inter-ethnic violence, including the Kosovo War of 1998–99. The war ended with the military intervention of NATO forcing the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to withdraw its troops from Kosovo, which then became a UN protectorate. On 17 February 2008, Kosovo's Parliament declared independence. Since, Kosovo gained diplomatic recognition as a sovereign state by 108 UN member states. However, Serbia still refuses to recognize Kosovo as an independent country. Apart from UN military personnel and humanitarian aid workers, Kosovo sees few foreign visitors despite a good tourism potential. During the months of summer, the Kosovar diaspora drives back to their homeland from Switzerland, Germany and the Nordics. This is the time for parties and weddings, during which the diaspora shows off the wealth they accumulated in foreign countries by driving flashy luxury cars and wearing designer clothes. Pristina’s National Library of Kosovo is renowned for its controversial architecture. Designed by Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjakovic, the building was inaugurated in 1982. It is made with zenith windows, with a total 99 domes of different sizes and is entirely covered in a metal fishing net, which have their own particular architectural symbolism.
Size: 7123px × 4754px
Location: National Public Library, Pristina, Kosovo
Photo credit: © François-Olivier Dommergues / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: architecture, balkans, eastern, europe, kosovo, library, socialist
