Kosovo during World War II

Last updated
Map of Kosovo during WWII. Kosovo was split into three occupational zones: Italian, German, and Bulgarian Kosova ne Luften e Dyte Boterore.jpg
Map of Kosovo during WWII. Kosovo was split into three occupational zones: Italian, German, and Bulgarian

Kosovo during the Second World War was in a very dramatic period, because different currents clashed, bringing constant tensions within it. During World War II, the region of Kosovo was split into three occupational zones: Italian, German, and Bulgarian. Partisans from Albania and Yugoslavia led the fight for Kosovo's independence from the invader and his allies. [1] During occupation by Axis powers, Bulgarian and Albanian collaborators killed thousands of Kosovo Serbs and Montenegrins. Tens of thousands were also expelled or were placed into concentration camps.

Contents

Overview

Yugoslavia was conquered by the Axis in April 1941 and divided mainly between Italy and Germany. Kosovo was included mainly in the Italian controlled area and was united to fascist Albania between 1941 and 1943.

After the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941, most of Kosovo was assigned to Italian-controlled Albania, with the rest being controlled by Germany and Bulgaria. A three-dimensional conflict ensued, involving inter-ethnic, ideological, and international affiliations. [1]

Persecution of Serbs and Montenegrins

Mustafa Kruja, the then-Prime Minister of Albania, was in Kosovo in June 1942, and at a meeting with the Albanian leaders of Kosovo, he said: "Efforts should be made to get rid of the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija as soon as possible ... All indigenous Serbs should be declared as colonists and, with the help of the governments of Albania and Italy, should be sent to concentration camps in Albania. The Serbian settlers should be killed." [2] It is estimated that approximately 10,000 Serbs and Montenegrins were massacred in Kosovo throughout the war, mainly by Albanian paramilitaries. Around between 70,000 and 100,000 Serbs and Montenegrins were deported or sent to concentration camps throughout the war and 72,000 Albanians had settled in Kosovo from Albania. [3] In the Nuremberg trials, it was established that the SS Skanderbeg committed crimes against humanity in Kosovo against ethnic Serbs, Jews, and Roma. [4]

Recorded crimes against Serbs include the massacre of 162 people from April-May 1941 in the districts of Peja, Gjakova, Istog and Drenica, the killings of 150 people from 30 September–10 October 1941 in North Kosovo, the shooting of 65 people from the village of Rakosh in October 1943 and massacre of some 230 Serbs in Peja during late 1943, among many others. These were frequently accompanied by the burning down of villages and expulsions. [5]

Fate of Kosovo

During the New Year's Eve between 1943 and 1944, Albanian and Yugoslav partisans gathered at the town of Bujan, near Kukës in northern Albania, where they held a conference in which they discussed the fate of Kosovo after the war. Both Albanian and Yugoslav communists signed the agreement, according to which Kosovo would have the right to democratically decide whether it wants to remain in Albania or become part of Serbia. This was seen as the marxist solution for Kosovo. The agreement was not respected by Yugoslavia, since Tito knew that Serbia would not accept it. [6] Some Albanians, especially in the region in and around Drenica in central Kosovo revolted against the Yugoslav communists for not respecting the agreement. In response, the Yugoslavs called the rebels Nazi and Fascist collaborators and responded with violence. The Albanian Kosovar military leader Shaban Polluzha, who first fought with Yugoslav partisans but then refused to collaborate further, was attacked and killed. [7] Between 400 and 2,000 Kosovar Albanian recruits of the Yugoslav Army were shot in Bar. [8]

Bulgarian armored brigade in November 1944 in Podujeve, during the Kosovo Operation. Poduevo 1944.jpg
Bulgarian armored brigade in November 1944 in Podujevë, during the Kosovo Operation.

After the surrender of the Kingdom of Italy in September 1943, the German forces took over direct control of the region. In September 1944 the Soviet Union declared war on Bulgaria and occupied part of the country. A coup d'état on 9 September led to Bulgaria joining the Soviets. As result in the early October three Bulgarian armies, consisting of around 340,000-man, [9] together with the Red Army entered occupied Yugoslavia and moved from Sofia to Niš, Skopje and Pristina to blocking the German forces withdrawing from Greece. [10] [11] The Bulgarians operated in conjunction with the Yugoslav and Albanian communist partisans. [12] Kosovo was occupied by the end of November. [13]

It became a province of Serbia within the Democratic Federal Yugoslavia. The Kosovo Albanians, who had been promised self-determination if they joined the partisans, rebelled and martial law was declared. It took about six months for the area to be pacified after some 20,000 Albanians under Shaban Polluza resisted integration of Kosovo within Yugoslavia. [14]

Administration

Prefectures

Prefecture of Prishtina

The prefecture of Pristina was first occupied by the Germans. With the consent of the supreme circles of Wehrmacht, the German army withdrew from Pristina on April 31, 1941. A day later, this city was occupied by the units of the Italian forces. This prefecture extended in the north to Bardhosh, in the northeast to Prapashtica, and in the west to Çikatovë. From August 1941, Pristina became the seat of this prefecture.

The prefecture of Pristina had two sub-prefectures and 32 municipalities [15] with a territory of 2,310 km² where nearly 178,000 inhabitants lived. Its prefects were Albanians. The first prefect was Iljaz Agushi, [16] then in order, Riza Drini, Miftar Dibra, Tahir Kolgjini and Hysen Prishtina. [17]

Prefecture of Prizren

The prefecture of Prizren included 4 sub-prefectures with 38 municipalities. The territory of this prefecture covered an area of 3090 km² where 230,000 inhabitants lived. [15] [18] Whereas, according to the High Civil Commissioner for Kosovo, the prefecture had 173,000 inhabitants. Apparently the population changed over time as a result of its movement. Communes were formed in the largest rural residential centers.

The prefecture administered the courts, the economy, education and culture. The Royal Prosecutor's Office, the Court of Inquiry, the Court of First Instance, and others operated in the prefecture of Prizren. [19]

Prefecture of Peja

On September 22, 1941, the High Civil Commissioner Fejzı Alizoti issued the Decree for the formation of the prefecture of Peja, based in Peja. Until September 22, 1941, Peja was a sub-prefecture. [20] The prefecture of Peja was located in the northern part of Albania, in the northwest of Kosovo and bordered, in the northeast, with the district of Mitrovica, in the east with the prefecture of Pristina, in the southwest with the prefecture of Shkodra. This prefecture had an area of 2,310 km² and around 130,000 inhabitants. According to the High Commissioner for Kosovo, the prefecture of Peja had 167,000 inhabitants. It consisted of 5 sub-prefectures and 26 municipalities. [21]

Opening of Albanian schools

Prior to the initiation of Kosovo's annexation to Albania was determined and before the instructions from Rome came, under the personal responsibility, the Minister of Education, Prof. Ernest Koliqi sent 200 teachers and professors to the "freed lands" with the clear aim of establishing the foundations of Albanian education. With the direction of this mission, Koliqi entrusted the Gjrokaster intellectual and pedagogue, Ali Hashorva. [22] At that time in Rome, there was talk of "leaving the Slavic language in schools and in the administration for at least 10 years". [23]

With the intervention of Ernest Koliqi, this initial plan of the fascist elite of Rome changed. Koliqi opened and supported Albanian schools in Kosovo, and from these schools emerged the first elite of Kosovar teachers and intellectuals. Vasil Andonin, contrary to the opinion of all the heads of the ministry, was appointed as director of the dormitory in Pristina. [23] [24]

On November 12, 1941, with a special decree of the General Viceroyalty, following the proposal of the Minister of Education, Ernest Koliqi, numerous schools were added to the already existing ones. The decree gave the possibility to students of Albanian nationality from high schools closed to Yugoslavia and who came from abroad, to enroll in high schools of the Kingdom of Albania, which were located within the old borders. The schools were all maintained at state expense. The Ministry of Education, in order to cope with the extraordinary needs for hiring contract teachers, gave the teaching staff salaries of 250 to 300 Albanian francs per month. [25] Dormitories were also built in Pristina and in annexed Tetovo (present-day North Macedonia). [26]

In the school year 1941 - 1942, 173 primary schools, 3 secondary schools and several lower gymnasiums were opened. Later this number reached 264, while in the school year 1943 - 1944 the figure reached 400 schools in the Albanian language. In this school year, over 25,000 Albanian students attended in these schools. [22]

By 1943, in Kosovo and Albanian-controlled parts of Macedonia and Montenegro, 511 Albanian primary schools were opened, consisting of 19,121 students, who were taught by 487 teachers. Koliqi contributed directly to the opening of the Normal School of Prishtina, the Lyceum in Prizren and Tetovo, the Normal School in Gjakova, the Agricultural Technical Institute and the Gymnasium in Peja. [27]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prizren</span> Second largest city of Kosovo

Prizren is the second most populous city and municipality of Kosovo and seat of the eponymous municipality and district. It is located on the banks of the Prizren River between the foothills of the Sharr Mountains in southern Kosovo. Prizren experiences a continental climate with some mediterranean influences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metohija</span> Place

Metohija, also known in Albanian as Dukagjin is a large basin and the name of the region covering the southwestern part of Kosovo. The region covers 35% (3,891 km2) of Kosovo's total area. According to the 2011 census, the population of the region is 700,577.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kosovo Albanians</span> Ethnic group in the Balkans

The Albanians of Kosovo, also commonly called Kosovo Albanians, Kosovan Albanians or Kosovars, constitute the largest ethnic group in Kosovo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zajas</span> Village in Southwestern, North Macedonia

Zajas is a village in the municipality of Kičevo, North Macedonia. Zajas was the seat of the Zajas Municipality, and is now in Kičevo Municipality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pristina</span> Capital and largest city of Kosovo

Pristina is the capital and largest city of Kosovo. It is the administrative center of the eponymous municipality and district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Districts of Kosovo</span> Administrative units within the Republic of Kosovo

A District is the highest level of administrative divisions of Kosovo. The districts of Kosovo are based on the 2000 Reform of the UNMIK-Administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Krasniqi</span> Ethnographist from Kosovo (1920–2015)

Mark Krasniqi was a Kosovar Albanian ethnographist, publicist, writer and translator who did most of his work while residing in Yugoslavia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Committee for the National Defence of Kosovo</span> Political activist organisation

The Committee for the National Defence of Kosovo was an Albanian organization founded in Shkodër on 1 May 1918. It mainly consisted of the political exiles from Kosovo and was led by Hoxha Kadri from Pristina. It had existed in looser form since May 1915.

Classical music in Kosovo refers to the art music cultivated in Kosovo. The roots of classical music in Kosovo are found in the 1940s and include the time period from the times when Kosovo was part of Yugoslavia to this day. It can be said that there is a tradition of classical music in Kosovo, however, compared to other Balkan countries and especially European countries this tradition is younger. Classical music in Kosovo reaches back about 70 years. Even though in a short period of time, this music has evolved, passing through generations of composers and artists. In his book Albanian: Zhvillimi i stileve në veprat e kompozitorëve shqiptarë të Kosovës, Engjëll Berisha comments:

The diversity of styles in Albanian music [of Kosovo], its national patterns with sound idea-aesthetic foundations are a characteristic of the European musical reality, so many many works are of interest abroad, too, because during this relatively short period Albanian classical music in Kosovo has compensated for the delay in its development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Islamic monuments in Kosovo</span>

Islamic monuments in Kosovo are commonly related with the Ottoman arrival in 1389, and respectively with their effective establishment in Kosovo in 1459. However, many historical evidences show that the first encounters of Islam with the Balkans happened well before the arrival of the Ottomans and their establishment in the Balkans. Because of its proximity to the centers of Islam, i.e., Middle East, the Byzantine Empire and parts of the Balkans, including the Albanian territories and Kosovo as well, were exposed to Islam as early as in the 8th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bazaar of Pristina</span>

The Bazaar of Prishtina, Kosovo, was the core merchandising center of the Old Prishtina since the 15th century, when it was built. It played a significant role in the physical, economic, and social development of Pristina. The Old Bazaar was destroyed during the 1950s and 1960s, following the modernization slogan of "Destroy the old, build the new". In its place, buildings of Kosovo Assembly, Municipality of Prishtina, PTT, and Brotherhood and Unity socialist square were built. Nowadays, instead of PTT building resides the Government of Kosovo building. Only few historical buildings, such as the Bazaar Mosque and ruins of the Bazaar Hammam have remained from the Bazaar complex. Since then, Prishtina has lost part of its identity, and its cultural heritage has been scattered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Theatre of Kosovo</span> Theatre in Pristina, Kosovo

The National Theatre of Kosovo was founded in 1946 in the city of Prizren, Kosovo. It is the highest ranked theatre institution in the country, with the largest number of productions. The National Theatre is the only public theatre in Kosovo and therefore it is financed by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. This theatre has produced more than 400 premieres which have been watched by more than 3 million spectators.

Music composition and composers in Pristina refers to music composition and composers who have left their mark in Pristina. The importance of Kosovan Folklore on the different genres, their development and their popularity. As referring to genres as a categorization would not cover all compositions and composers in a fair way, a highlight of every composers work and different genres is provided because of the different genres a composers work has included throughout the years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in Pristina</span>

Education in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, consists of primary, secondary and higher education. Pristina houses a number of public and private institutions, such as the University "Hasan Prishtina", the National Library of Kosovo, and the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo. Throughout the last century Pristina has attracted a considerable number of students from Kosovo. Today, the city of Pristina hosts a large number of intellectuals, professors, academics, students, and professionals in various spheres.

The architecture of Kosovo dates back to the Neolithic period and includes the Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages, Antiquity and the Medieval period. It has been influenced by the presence of different civilizations and religions as evidenced by the structures which have survived to this day. Local builders have combined building techniques of conquering empires with the materials at hand and the existing conditions to develop their own varieties of dwellings.

Shpend Dragobia was an Albanian warrior during the pre-Albanian declaration of independence period and later. He was the son of Bali Arif Bisheva, a member of the League of Prizren and fighter during the Albanian uprising of 1845-1862 against the German-born Marshal Mehmed Ali Pasha. Shpend Dragobia grew up to be a patriotic figure known for his wisdom, character and bravery.

Kosovo during World War I was initially, for about a year, completely filled with Serbian military forces, which retreated towards Albania to continue further to Corfu. After the occupation of the territories by Austria-Hungary, the German Empire, and the Kingdom of Bulgaria as allies in the First World War, the occupied territories were divided. The years 1915–1918 in the occupied Bulgarian zone are considered the most tragic years of poverty and hunger for the population of this part of Kosovo. The lack of bread was felt not only because of the drought, but also because the invaders confiscated the people's grain. Unlike the Bulgarian occupation zone, the Austro-Hungarians pursued a policy aimed at benefiting the general populace. They began to disregard some national rights, which for Albanians had vital value.

Pajazit Nushi was a university professor, psychologist and scientific and social-political worker from Gjakova, Kosova. Member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo.

Mulla Jusuf Baftjari, also known as Hoxhë Lipovica, was a prominent Albanian Imam, later Mullah, Kachak and Ballist commander during the Insurgency in Karadak in World War II, a region predominantly inhabited by Muslim Albanians. He participated in the popular resistance against the Bulgarian fascists, Yugoslav Partisans and Chetniks in the Karadak region. Jusuf Baftjari, was renowned for his wisdom and religious leadership and emerged as a prominent figure among the Albanians of Karadak. Jusuf Baftjari led significant battles in Karadak, Anamorava and Gollak including the one in Rainca of Presheva. On Eid al-Adha in 1944, Jusuf Baftjari organized and led the fighting during the First Battle of Preševo. Even after the end of World War II, Jusuf Baftjari continued the armed resistance against Yugoslavia, being one of the last Ballist leaders in Kosovo to do so.

Muhamet Pirraku (1944–2014), was Albanian historian and publicist from Kosovo.

References

  1. 1 2 Malcolm, Noel (1998). Kosovo: A Short History. Macmillan. pp. 310–312. ISBN   0-333-66612-7.
  2. ↑ Schwegler, U.; Smith, L. R. (2012). "Ethno-political conflict in Kosovo: Cultivating trust in Serbian-Albanian post-conflict peace building". In Landis, Dan; Albert, Rosita D. (eds.). Handbook of Ethnic Conflict: International Perspectives. Springer. p. 354. ISBN   978-1-46140-448-4.
  3. ↑ Ramet, Sabrina P. (2006). The Three Yugoslavias: State-building and Legitimation, 1918-2005. Indiana University Press. p. 114, 141. ISBN   978-0-253-34656-8.
  4. ↑ Stein, George H. (1966). The Waffen SS; Hitler's elite guard at war, 1939-1945. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press. ISBN   0-8014-0407-X. OCLC   395669.
  5. ↑ Antonijević, Nenad (2009). Mirković, Jovan (ed.). Албански злочини над Србима на Косову и Метохији у Другом светском рату, документа, друго измењено и допуњено издање (PDF). Belgrade: Музеј жртава геноцида. pp. 39–44.
  6. ↑ "The Resolution of Bujan". Albanian History. Robert Elsie. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  7. ↑ Elsie, R. (2004). Historical Dictionary of Kosova. European historical dictionaries. Scarecrow Press. p. 140. ISBN   978-0-8108-5309-6.
  8. ↑ Fevziu, B.; Elsie, R.; Nishku, M. (2016). Enver Hoxha: The Iron Fist of Albania. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 134. ISBN   978-0-85772-703-9.
  9. ↑ Dear, Ian; Foot, Michael Richard Daniell, eds. (2001). The Oxford companion to World War II. Oxford University Press. p. 134. ISBN   0-19-860446-7.
  10. ↑ Thomas, Nigel (1995). Axis Forces in Yugoslavia 1941–45. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 33. ISBN   978-1-8553-2473-2.
  11. ↑ Collier, Paul (2010). World War II: The Mediterranean 1940-1945. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 77. ISBN   978-1-43589-132-6.
  12. ↑ Tomasevich, Jozo (2001). War and revolution in Yugoslavia, 1941–1945: occupation and collaboration. Stanford University Press. p. 168. ISBN   0-8047-3615-4.
  13. ↑ Opfer, Björn; Opfer-Klinger, Björn (2005). Im Schatten des Krieges: Besatzung oder Anschluss - Befreiung oder Unterdrückung? ; eine komparative Untersuchung über die bulgarische Herrschaft in Vardar-Makedonien 1915-1918 und 1941-1944. LIT Verlag Münster. p. 208. ISBN   978-3-82587-997-6.
  14. ↑ Judah, Tim (2000). The Serbs. Yale University Press. p. 132. ISBN   0300085079 . Retrieved 2010-06-19.
  15. 1 2 Shatri, Muhamet (1997). Kosova në Luftën e dytë botërore, 1941-1945. p. 22.
  16. ↑ Fond 167, Box: 157. Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Arkivave.
  17. ↑ Hoti, Izber (1978). Sistemi pushtues në Prishtinë dhe rrethinë 1941-1944. pp. 345–360.
  18. ↑ Hadri, Ali (1978). Sistemi i pushtimit fashist në Kosovë (1941-1944). Prishtinë: Instituti i Historisë së Kosovës. p. 23.
  19. ↑ Shatri, Muhamet (1978). Sistemi pushtues në Prizren dhe në rrethinë 1941-1944. Prishtinë: Instituti i Historisë së Kosovës. p. 409.
  20. ↑ Lita, Qerim (2016). Tokat e Liruara 1941-1944, Permbledhje Dokumentesh. p. 100.
  21. ↑ Dreshaj, Sylë (1997). Profektura e Pejës 1941-1944. p. 36.
  22. 1 2 "Hapja e shkollave shqipe ne Kosove 75 vite me pare, mision i shenjte kombetar – Dielli | The Sun". 2016-07-13. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  23. 1 2 Gurakuqi, Romeo (2019). Shqiperia dhe tokat e lirueme 1939-1946. p. 335. ISBN   9781689957045.
  24. ↑ Krasniqi, Rexhep. "Zhvillimi arësimuer dhe popullësija shqiptare në Jugosllavi". Shejzat: 7–11.
  25. ↑ "Dekreti i datës 12.11.1941, Dekreti nr.22 628.". Fondi Mëkëmbësia e Përgjithshme, Box: 827. Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Arkivave.
  26. ↑ "Dekreti i datës 12.11.1941, dekreti nr.22 629.". Fondi Mëkëmbësia e Përgjithshme, Box: 827. Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Arkivave.
  27. ↑ Veseli, Abdylaziz (2003). Shkollat dhe Arsimi Shqip në Prefekturën e Prishtinës gjatë periudhës 1941-1944, II. p. 101.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.