Ian Bancroft: With north Kosovo the only obstacle is in your mind
Writer and diplomat speaks about his recent book on the north of Kosovo, dissolving misconceptions around the north and showing its humanity.
Ian Bancroft’s new book delves into the rich history and modern life of the north of Kosovo, where he spent four years living with his family. Photo: Book cover.
In his new book, “Dragon’s Teeth: Tales From North Kosovo,” Bancroft dives into lost histories, turbulent presents and uncertain futures. He reveals the uniquely multicultural nature of the north; over 4,000 Albanians across 10 villages continue to live in the north along with significant numbers of Bosniaks, Roma, Ashkalli and Egyptians, Turks and Gorani. We don’t know exact population numbers because there hasn’t been a full census conducted since before the war as Serbs across Kosovo boycotted the 2011 census.When talking about Mitrovica and the north you can’t do it without speaking about the south. It is much more complicated than a bridge over simply dividing the city between Albanians and Serbs, as many in the international and local media have portrayed it. Bancroft shows how the lines blur and mix over both sides. The history and culture is much more complicated than is usually depicted.
They come to find a relatively normal existence. They come and find a warm community.
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Bronwyn Jones
Bronwyn Jones is a former editor at K2.0. She has master’s degrees in Media Studies and International Affairs from New School University in New York.
This story was originally written in English.