Traces of Turkish language and Balkan Turkish heritage preserved in Kosovo
A series of events organized by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) in Kosovo highlighted the enduring presence of the Turkish language and Balkan Turkish heritage. During the programs, YTB introduced the book “Kosovo’s History, Society and Faith: Past and Present” and held a commemorative ceremony honoring Prof. Dr. Nimetullah Hafız, whose life’s work has been dedicated to Turkish linguistics and Balkan Turkology.
Books Introduced in Prishtina and Prizren
YTB presented two major works—“Kosovo’s History, Society and Faith: Past and Present” and “The Memory of Balkan Turkology: Nimetullah Hafız Festschrift”—at events held in Prishtina and Prizren. The panel in Prishtina was hosted by the Faculty of Islamic Sciences and attended by YTB President Abdulhadi Turus, Turkish World Parliamentarians Foundation (TDPV) Chairman Abdullah Çalışkan, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Prishtina Sabri Tunç Angılı, and numerous guests.
A separate event in Prizren’s “DokuKino” hall brought together YTB Deputy President Murat Kazancı, TİKA President Abdullah Eren, Ambassador Angılı, Kosovar officials including KDTP Chairman and Minister of Regional Development Fikrim Damka, as well as representatives of Turkish institutions and the family of Prof. Dr. Nimetullah Hafız.
“Kosovo Is a Living Part of Our Shared History and Cultural Heritage”
Speaking at the opening of the panel, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus said it was an honor to be in Kosovo, one of the most valuable regions of Türkiye’s cultural geography. Emphasizing Kosovo’s deep-rooted history and strategic importance, Turus said, “Every community living on these lands is an heir to a shared past and common culture. Kosovo is a land where the traces of our civilization can still be felt.”
Turus noted that since 2010, YTB has carried out more than 70 projects in Kosovo, covering fields such as science, arts, publishing, education, cultural interaction, and social solidarity. He also highlighted the Türkiye Scholarships program, stating that 2,382 Kosovar students have benefited from the program since 1992, with around 300 currently studying in Türkiye.
Addressing the newly introduced book, Turus said it offers a comprehensive perspective on Kosovo’s historical background, social structure, faith communities, national identity processes, and ethnic–religious dynamics.
Contributions of Distinguished Scholars
TDPV Chairman Abdullah Çalışkan praised the publication as a product of YTB’s support and the meticulous efforts of distinguished academics. Ambassador Angılı underscored Kosovo’s special place in the hearts of the Turkish people, reaffirming Türkiye’s continued support for the country.
During the panel session, presentations were delivered on Kosovo’s international integration, the influence of Salafi networks on religious and social life, the role of Melami movements in shaping identity in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the current state of religious education in Kosovo.
Tribute to Prof. Dr. Nimetullah Hafız
Following the panel in Prishtina, a tribute ceremony for Prof. Dr. Nimetullah Hafız—one of the leading figures in Balkan Turkology—was held in Prizren.
Speakers began by offering condolences for the soldiers who died in a military cargo plane crash on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. YTB Deputy President Murat Kazancı highlighted YTB’s long-standing efforts to preserve the Turkish language, describing Hafız as a monumental figure devoted to teaching and sustaining Turkish. “We were proud to present him with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2023,” he said.
TİKA President Abdullah Eren emphasized the significance of Hafız’s contributions, noting his role in preserving Turkish identity across North Macedonia, Kosovo, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. Ambassador Angılı and Minister Damka also underlined Hafız’s impact on strengthening cultural identity and representing the Turkish community internationally.
Prof. Dr. Nimetullah Hafız expressed gratitude to YTB and all institutions involved.
The program concluded with a panel session and a plaque presentation ceremony.
