Unclaimed heritage
Years ago, I was amazed by the elegance and beauty of the historical tombstones I saw in the Balkan cities I visited. I started to research them because they attracted my interest. The neglected state of the tombstones, which are the product of such a historical civilisation, remained a sad memory for me.
Yes, they are unclaimed, but they are valuable
These monuments, which are heirlooms of our ancestors, are the deeds of that city with their decorations and Ottoman inscriptions. These works of art, which connect generations, have been important tools that carry social life, traditions, culture and beliefs to the present day for centuries. I had seen that these tombstones bearing the traces of Ottoman art were not sufficiently cared for, and that they had turned into soulless tombstones in shabby conditions in places out of sight.
I was very saddened to see the cultural destruction caused by looters through stones stolen or broken in cemeteries over time. Not only that, I realised the seriousness of the situation when I was told that historical tombstones thrown on the sides of the road during road construction works are frequently encountered. It is sad that our historical tombstones are in this state when they should be protected, beautiful and well maintained. I don't know if there is another nation that treats, damages or ignores its historical monuments unconsciously, but I know one thing: if we do not act consciously, there will be no historical cemeteries to talk about centuries later.
I will never forget, one day we were in the village of Brodets, where Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia intersect. This village is located in a mountainous region, so it is difficult to reach even by car. When you arrive in the village, you can chat with friendly people as you pass by the traditional historical houses. They told us that there was a Muslim cemetery they wanted to show us. When we went there, I saw that the whole cemetery was burnt down and only pieces of stones were left. I was very saddened by this.
Later, when I researched, I realised that such incidents had taken place in many places. These incidents were a product of hatred against the presence of the Muslim population there.
Yes, the tombstones may be unclaimed, but since they are the deeds of those regions, they should be protected and protected to the end.