Master craftsmen, beneficiaries, distinguished guests and partners gathered together at the Modelarium of the Faculty of Architecture to mark the completion of 20 months of hard work and enormous achievements in preserving Kosovo’s diverse cultural heritage.

Inter-Community Dialogue Through Inclusive Cultural Heritage Preservation project generously funded by the European Union Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo office closed its doors last evening.

The project worked in restoring and rehabilitating 18 cultural and religious sites belonging to different religious and ethnic groups including the Catholic Cathedral in Prizren, Serbian Orthodox Monastery, St. Archangels in Prizren, the Tabak Bridge in Gjakovë/Djakovica, and the Jewish cemetery in Prishtinë/Priština thus directly contributing to economy and economic incentives for local communities and municipalities in Kosovo.

It also engaged with NGOs and individuals who found new creative ways to recover forgotten crafts, historic sites, even institutions and people who marked the long ago passed times. More than 500 people participated either directly or were part of activities implemented by the project.

Central attention of the closing event went to maestro Shaqir Hoti, a young at heart 86 years old musician. He made a short presentation of the ancient instrument of Okarina and the uniqueness of its sound. Master craftsmen and their students showcased the revival of the filigree craft with beautiful silver artwork on display. Photos of before and after and documentaries completed the grandness of the event.

Read Maria Suokko’s, UNDP Resident Representative, speech delivered on this occasion here