From Calabria, with love
How a small part of my ancestry shaped my connection to Kosovo.
Calabria is still considered “cursed,” a place people leave and rarely return to. It remains isolated, even from tourism.
Although the Italian Constitution recognizes the Arbëreshë as a historical linguistic minority, in reality, little is done to protect this language, putting it at risk of disappearing.
To my amusement, I would quickly realize that my 1/8 Arbëreshë blood would, for most people I met in Kosovo, make me 100% Albanian.
Carolina Muzzillo
Carolina Muzzillo is currently based in Prishtina, where she has previously worked in political affairs. In her academic career, she specializes in Balkan studies and has been living, working and conducting research in the region since 2018, focusing particularly on Balkan diaspora and identity.
This story was originally written in English.