Kosovo

Islam in Kosovo is the dominant religion, deeply rooted in the country’s history, culture, and identity.

1. Population & Demographics

  • About 90–95% of Kosovars are Muslim, making Kosovo one of the most Muslim-majority regions in Europe.
  • The vast majority of Muslims are ethnic Albanians, but there are also Muslim Bosniaks, Turks, Gorani, and Roma minorities.

2. History of Islam in Kosovo

  • Islam came to Kosovo during the Ottoman Empire’s rule (late 14th century to early 20th century).
  • Under Ottoman rule, many Albanians converted to Islam, although a Christian Orthodox minority remained, especially among Serbs.
  • After Ottoman times, Kosovo remained part of Yugoslavia, where religious practice was limited during the communist period.
  • After the 1990s conflict and Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, Islam became freely practiced again.

3. Religious Practices & Institutions

  • Sunni Islam (Hanafi school) is the main tradition practiced.
  • A small but growing number of Sufi orders (Tariqas) are active, such as the Bektashi Order.
  • There are around 800 mosques in Kosovo.
  • The Islamic Community of Kosovo (Bashkësia Islame e Kosovës – BIK) is the main religious authority for Muslims.

4. Islam in Public Life
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are national public holidays. Most Kosovars identify as Muslim culturally and traditionally, but actual religious observance varies:

  • Many Kosovars are secular or moderate in their religious practice.
  • In urban areas, you’ll see a mix of hijab-wearing women and Western-dressed youth.

Islamic education is available, and the Faculty of Islamic Studies in Pristina trains imams and religious scholars.

5. Challenges & Debates

  • After the Kosovo War (1998–1999), there was an increase in influence from foreign-funded Islamic NGOs, promoting more conservative interpretations (such as Salafism). However, traditional, moderate Islam remains dominant.
  • Kosovo has faced concerns over radicalization, especially in the early 2010s, but government action and community resilience have reduced this issue.

6. Relations with Other Faiths

  • Kosovo also has a small population of Serbian Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics.
  • Interfaith relations are generally peaceful, though tensions can exist in some areas due to historical and political factors.

Summary:
Islam in Kosovo is a central part of national identity, shaped by centuries of Ottoman influence and modern European developments. While most Kosovars identify as Muslim, Kosovo remains a secular state, and religious life varies from traditional to modern expressions.

Kosovo
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .xk
Country Code: +383