The Enchanting Peja Mountains of Kosovo

• HelloTungjatjeta
  [toon-jah-tyeh-tah]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [mee-roo-pahf-sheem]
• YesPo
  [poh]
• NoJo
  [yoh]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [yoo loo-tehm]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [fah-leh-meen-deh-reet]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [muh fahl-nee]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see yeh-nee]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [mee-ruh. dhe yoo]
• Do you speak English?A flisni anglisht?
  [ah flee-snee ahn-gleesht]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook kooptoy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDua të shoh menunë, ju lutem
  [doo-ah tuh shoh meh-noo-ne, yoo loo-tehm]
• I don't eat meatNuk ha mish
  [nook hah meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [geh-zoo-ahr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDua të paguaj, ju lutem
  [doo-ah tuh pah-gwahy, yoo loo-tehm]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [ndee-muh]
• Go away!Dilni!
  [deel-nee]
• Call the Police!Thërrisni policinë!
  [thuhr-ree-snee poh-lee-tsee-nuh]
• Call a doctor!Thërrisni një mjek!
  [thuhr-ree-snee nyuh myek]
• I'm lostJam i humbur
  [yahm ee hoom-boo]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yahm ee suh-moo-ruh]

• I'd like to buy...Dua të blej...
  [doo-ah tuh bleh]
• I'm just lookingPo shikoj vetëm
  [poh shee-koy veh-tuhm]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sah koosh-tohn]
• That's too expensiveKjo është shumë e shtrenjtë
  [choh eh-shtuh shoo-muh eh shtrehn-jteh]
• Can you lower the price?A mund ta zvogëloni çmimin?
  [ah moon-d tah zvoh-guh-loh-nee chmee-meen]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sah eh-shtuh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një e ora
  [eh-shtuh nyuh eh oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Njëmbëdhjetë
  [nyuhm-buhdhyeh-teh]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-gyehs]
• AfternoonMbrëmje
  [mbruhm-yeh]
• EveningMbrëma
  [mbruh-mah]
• YesterdayDje
  [djeh]
• TodaySot
  [soht]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-suhr]
• 1Një
  [nyuh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [kah-tuhr]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-suh]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyahsht]
• 7Shtatë
  [shtah-tuh]
• 8Tetë
  [teh-tuh]
• 9Nëntë
  [nuhn-tuh]
• 10Dhjetë
  [dh-yeh-tuh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një/të...?
  [koo eh-shtuh nyuh-teh]
• What's the address?Cila është adresa?
  [chee-lah eh-shtuh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më tregoni (në hartë)?
  [ah moon-d tuh muh troh-goh-nee (nuh hahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi i ardhshëm?
  [koor eh-shtuh ow-toh-boo-see ee ahrdhshehm]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyuh bee-leh-teh (nuh)]

The Peja Mountains, part of the broader Dinaric Alps, have been inhabited for millennia. The Illyrian tribes, known as the original inhabitants of the Balkans, settled in this region around 1000 BC. Archaeological findings, including artifacts and ancient ruins, suggest that the Illyrians engaged in agriculture, hunting, and trading activities, forming the early cultural bedrock of the Peja Mountains.

In the 2nd century BC, the Roman Empire expanded its reach into the Balkans, including the Peja Mountains. The Romans established forts and roads, facilitating trade and military movements. The remnants of Roman architecture, such as bridges and fortifications, are still visible in the region, highlighting the strategic importance of these mountains in ancient times.

During the medieval period, the Peja Mountains fell under the influence of the Serbian Kingdom and later the Serbian Empire. Peja, a nearby town, became a significant cultural and religious center. The Patriarchate of Peć, established in the 13th century, served as the spiritual seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church. This period is marked by the construction of monasteries and churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites today.

The Ottoman Empire conquered the Peja Mountains in the late 14th century, integrating the region into their vast domain. The Ottomans left a lasting imprint on the local culture, architecture, and social structure. The town of Peja became an important administrative and trade center, with caravanserais, hammams, and mosques built to support the bustling community. The Ottoman legacy is still evident in the region's architecture and cultural practices.

The 20th century was a period of significant upheaval for the Peja Mountains. World War I and World War II brought conflict and change to the region, followed by the tumultuous breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The Kosovo War (1998-1999) had a profound impact on the local population and landscape. Despite the hardships, the resilience of the people and the stunning natural beauty of the Peja Mountains have endured.

Today, the Peja Mountains are a testament to the rich historical tapestry of Kosovo. The region is a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a deep connection to history. From hiking and climbing to exploring ancient ruins and monasteries, visitors can immerse themselves in the diverse cultural and historical heritage of the Peja Mountains.

Peja Mountains, located in western Kosovo, can be accessed primarily via the city of Peja. The nearest international airport is Pristina International Airport, approximately 70 kilometers away. From Pristina, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Peja. The journey from Pristina to Peja typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. There are also train services available, which offer a scenic route through the Kosovo countryside.

Within Peja and the surrounding mountain areas, various transportation options are available. Local buses and minibuses (furgons) operate within the city and connect to nearby villages. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient option for getting around. For those looking to explore the mountains more freely, renting a car or hiring a local guide with a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Walking and hiking are also popular ways to explore the natural beauty of the region.

The official currency in Kosovo is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Peja, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Peja, and it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into remote mountain regions where ATM access may be limited.

Peja and its surrounding areas are generally safe for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. While crime rates targeting tourists are low, staying vigilant is always a good practice. Certain remote mountain trails can be challenging, so it is recommended to hike with a companion or a local guide.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Peja has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in Peja can provide over-the-counter medications. If you are planning to hike in the mountains, inform someone of your route and expected return time.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques or churches, dress conservatively and remove your shoes if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Mirëdita' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Peja Mountains like a local, consider visiting the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kosovo goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Rugova Canyon, the Patriarchate of Peć, and other historical sites. For a unique experience, participate in local festivals or traditional events that may be happening during your visit.