Dragon's Teeth - Tales from North Kosovo

The book "The North of Kosovo: An Ethnographic Account" provides an original ethnographic account of the reality in north Kosovo, mixing first-hand interviews and anecdotes with historical background and academic insight. It explores a diverse array of themes, including the Trepča mines, religious and cultural life, and the Main Bridge over the river Ibar, which has become a symbol of the divided town of Mitrovica. It also examines memories of the war and 2004 riots, and the daily realities of local governance and politics in a post-war environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

Twenty years have passed since the end of the war, and the status of the northern region of Kosovo remains a subject of contention. Ten years after Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, the predominantly Serb population in the north continues to resist integration into the broader Kosovo society. Despite this, Serbia continues to provide essential services such as education, health, and other vital amenities to the region. These latent tensions often manifest through various forms of resistance, including protests and barricades, as seen in the notable events of 2011.

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the reality in north Kosovo, Ian Bancroft has provided an original ethnographic account of the region. Combining first-hand interviews, anecdotes, historical background, and academic insight, Bancroft offers a comprehensive exploration of various themes. These include the Trepča mines, religious and cultural life, and the Main Bridge over the Ibar River, which has become a symbol of the divided town of Mitrovica. Bancroft delves into the memories of the war and the 2004 riots, as well as the daily realities of local governance and politics in a post-war environment.

The book also takes the reader to the heart of the border/boundary regions, the multi-ethnic Bonjačka Mahala, and mixed areas on the periphery, where individuals are caught in the crossfire of conflict. By telling the stories of these individuals, Bancroft provides valuable insights for aspiring peacebuilders into the challenges of working in a context of considerable complexity.

In conclusion, Twenty Years on from the End of War: The Status of the North of Kosovo remains a disputed issue. While Serbia continues to provide essential services to the region, tensions persist among the predominantly Serb population due to resistance to integration. Ian Bancroft's ethnographic account provides a unique perspective on the reality in north Kosovo, exploring themes such as the Trepča mines, religious and cultural life, and the divided town of Mitrovica. By offering valuable insights into the challenges of working in a complex context, Bancroft's book contributes to our understanding of the ongoing conflict and its impact on the people living in the region.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 149 x 211 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783838213644