During 2009, based in Prishtina, Republic of Kosova, I set out to discover a part of Europe cut off from the rest. My travels throughout the Balkans unveiled a region within our precious continent that seems to be forgotten by many. The Balkans is a true gem with beautiful, beautiful nature and so much interesting history that it would keep one busy for a lifetime if trying to explore all of it. Everything in former Yugoslavia is developing. Buildings, infrastructure, minds, dreams… developing to one day become a fully integrated part of Europe.
Photos: Anna Wiman.
Good morning. Mountains in southwestern Kosovo early in the morning.
Hello countryside. Typical Kosovo countryside between Prishtina and Peja.
Kosovo all-included. This is probably one of my favourite shots of Kosovo. Shot just outside the second largest city Pejë, in the west, it includes all things typical for Kosovo. The old Volkwagen van, Kosovo and Albanian flags placed here and there (here also the Italian flag since the west is controlled by the Italian contingent from the international peacekeeping force Kosovo Force), the red-brick houses, the gravel road, beautiful mountains, the signs pointing towards family-owned businesses…
Air. Aereal picture of Prishtina, capital of Kosovo, shot from an air plane.
Ministria e forcës së sigurisë së Kosovës. The Ministry building of KSF.
Agim Ramadani. One of the boulevards in the city of Prishtina, always busy with traffic. I remember crossing this busy road during rush hour after work.
Machiato map. The silouette of Kosovo in my coffee cup.
Newborn. The statue put up in the city centre of Prishtina as the Republic of Kosovo declared independence on February 17th 2008.
Nënë Tereza. Photo of Mother Teresa Boulevard, a pedestrian zone in central Prishtina, shot from the Government Building.
Straw. Visited Brezovica ski resort in southern Kosovo during summer time.
Contrasts. Old meets new in southeastern Kosovo. The old man is wearing a plis, a woven hat part of the traditional Albanian clothing worn by men.
Ruined. Constant reminders of the war in Kosovo 1999.
Balkan map. Probably the most detailed map I have ever seen. Thumbs up!
Tirana. Capital of Albania.
Pulse. The city cenre of Tirana, capital of Albania.