Europe’s youngest country Kosovo celebrates its 16th anniversary of independence

Kosovo, which separated from Serbia on February 17, 2008, celebrates the 16th anniversary of its independence. Europe’s youngest country Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, is celebrating the 16th anniversary of its independence. Days before, the streets were decorated with flags of countries that recognize Kosovo as independent, and the first official ceremony was held in the capital, Pristina. In Prizren, where Turks live predominantly, people flooded the streets to join the celebrations of the anniversary. The performances of the folklore teams of Turkish, Albanian, and Bosnian associations gathered in Prizren’s historic Prizren League Square attracted great attention. People accompanied the Kosovar youth dancing the halay to the beat of drums and zurna.

Turkish MP in Kosovo’s independence declaration Enis Kervan, who signed Kosovo’s declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, and is still a member of the Kosovo Democratic Turkish Party (KDTP) in the Kosovo Assembly, celebrated the independence day of all Kosovo people. Kervan said, “Of course, we are very happy on the 16th anniversary of the establishment of our Republic. For me, this is also an honor because I have experienced both the responsibility and the excitement of being one of the Turkish MPs who signed the declaration of independence for years. We will continue to progress in Kosovo and beyond to assert our existence, and I invite all our citizens to celebrate our independence day with enthusiasm. Because the Republic of Kosovo is the republic of all communities and all citizens living in Kosovo.”

Independence concert in Kosovo by Samsun Fine Arts Center The choir of the Samsun Fine Arts Center Association, invited by the Kosovo Turkish Artists Association, also held an independence concert in Prizren yesterday evening. The concert, held at the Lumbardi Cinema Hall in Prizren, was attended by many high-level guests. KDTP MPs Enis Kervan and Fidan Brina Jılta, Turkey’s Consul General in Prizren Celal Doğan, President of the Kosovo Turkish Representation Delegation Albay Sabri Gökhan Karamürsel, and President of the KDTP Prizren Branch Erim Berişa were among the attendees. Rumeli folk songs were performed during the evening.