Gjakovë

Gjakovë, also known as Đakovica in Serbian, is a city and municipality in western Kosovo. It serves as the administrative center of the Gjakovë District and is one of the region’s major urban settlements. The city is located in the western part of the country, near the border with Albania, in the historic Dukagjin region.

Gjakovë has medieval roots and grew into an important trading center under Ottoman rule. Its old urban core includes Çarshia e Gjakovës, one of the region’s best-preserved Ottoman-era markets, along with numerous traditional houses and monuments. Notable landmarks include the Hadum Mosque, a historic mosque dating to the Ottoman period, and the Gjakovë Fortress that overlooks the town. The city’s architectural heritage reflects its long role as a commercial and cultural crossroads.

The population is predominantly Albanian, with minority communities represented in the wider municipality. The economy is based on commerce, crafts, and services, with the old bazaar continuing to function as a commercial hub alongside modern businesses. Gjakovë is a cultural center for western Kosovo, hosting museums, libraries, and events that highlight regional history and folklore.

During the Kosovo War of 1998–1999, Gjakovë experienced significant violence and displacement, and the town underwent substantial reconstruction in the following years. Today it remains a key urban and economic center in western Kosovo, connected by regional road networks to Pristina, Peć, and border crossings to Albania.