Regional identity of Rugova region in Kosovo

Ejupi, Arsim (author), Shkumbin, Lushaj (author), Shemsedini, Edon (author)

This article explores the complexity of regional identity in the context of the Rugova region of Kosovo, examining how historical, cultural, geographical and social factors shape people’s feelings and connections to their place of origin. Through a mixedmethod the research explores the formation and evolution of regional identity over time. Findings reveal a strong sense of belonging to the Rugova community, transcending geographical boundaries and generational shifts. The analysis proves also the significance of cultural heritage, traditions, and geographical features in fostering regional identity, while also highlighting concerns about the impact of modernization and globalization on the preservation of traditions. Ultimately, the study elucidates the complex interplay between individual experiences, societal changes, and external influences in shaping regional identity dynamics, offering insights into the multifaceted nature of identity construction and preservation in the Rugova region.

• Language: English
• Keywords: regional identity, Rugova, Kosovo
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FF - Faculty of Arts
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Publication date: 01.01.2024
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: Str. 121-148
• Numbering: [Št.] 61
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-180354
• UDC: 913:340.64(497.115)
• ISSN on article: 0354-0596
• DOI: 10.4312/dela.61.121-142
• COBISS.SI-ID: 224729603
• Publication date in RUL: 06.03.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Dela
• Publisher: Oddelek za geografijo Filozofske fakultete Univerze v Ljubljani, Oddelek za geografijo Filozofske fakultete Univerze v Ljubljani, Znanstvena založba Filozofske fakultete, Založba Univerze v Ljubljani
• ISSN: 0354-0596
• COBISS.SI-ID: 23805442

Licences

• License: CC BY-SA 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
• Description: This Creative Commons license is very similar to the regular Attribution license, but requires the release of all derivative works under this same license.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Title: Regionalna identiteta regije Rugova na Kosovu

Abstract

Članek obravnava kompleksnost regionalne identitete v kontekstu regije Rugova na Kosovu in proučuje, kako zgodovinski, kulturni, geografski in družbeni dejavniki oblikujejo občutja in povezave posameznikov z njihovim krajem izvora. S pristopom mešanih metod raziskava proučuje oblikovanje in razvoj regionalne identitete skozi čas. Ugotovitve razkrivajo močan občutek pripadnosti skupnosti Rugove, ki presega geografske meje in generacijske premike. Analiza opozarja tudi na pomen kulturne dediščine, tradicij in geografskih značilnosti pri spodbujanju regionalne identitete, hkrati pa izpostavlja pomisleke glede vpliva modernizacije in globalizacije na ohranjanje tradicij. Na koncu članek pojasnjuje kompleksno medsebojno delovanje med posameznikovimi izkušnjami, družbenimi spremembami in zunanjimi vplivi pri oblikovanju dinamike regionalne identitete ter ponuja vpogled v večplastno naravo konstrukcije in ohranjanja identitete v regiji Rugova.

• Keywords: regionalna identiteta, Rugova, Kosovo