Archeological discovery by Elvi Sidheri.

In Vushtrri, in the old castle and the only tower (or Donjon) remaining from the old perimeter of this impressive medieval building, with high walls and about 11-century-old superstructures, an object of invaluable historical, religious and national value for Kosovo and Albanians was recently found, under the supervision of the local archaeologist, Burim Rexhepi, namely a tombstone cross, where the phrase “KTU PUSHON” is engraved in pure Albanian, certainly dedicated to an (unknown) Christian Albanian.

Judging by the shape and engraving of this cross, there are also three small crosses above this inscription, but also on the back, perhaps as a sign of the Holy Trinity.

The cross, which definitely belongs to the period after 1908, that is, after the Congress of Manastir when it was decided on the Albanian letters used to write on it, proves that in this city there may have been Orthodox Albanians until the beginning of the 20th century (aware of their nationality, enough to write on their graves in Albanian, i.e. not yet assimilated into Serbian), but also that the deceased must have been someone prominent and very wealthy (judging by the quality of the processing and carving of this cross).

Such valuable discoveries are vital to shed light on the Albanian past in Kosovo, and with further research, we will certainly learn more in this regard. Gratitude to historian Jeton Sallahu for his help and tireless work for the sake of Albanian history and cultural and archaeological heritage in his city, Vushtrri.

Source

Në Vushtrrinë e kështjellës së vjetër. 2023. https://www.zemrashqiptare.net/news/62720/elvi-sidheri-ne-vushtrrine-e-keshtjelles-se-vjeter.html