Toponymic Slavicization and the Erasure of Albanian Historical Presence in Raška and Kosovo (Based on Theodor Ippen, 1892). Discovery by Naim Flamuri. Translation, writing and editing by Petrit Latifi

Abstract

This study examines the toponymic evidence presented by Theodor Ippen in his 1892 work Novi Pazari dhe Kosova, focusing on historical maps of the Raška (Arsa/Rrasë) region. Ippen documents original place names of several settlements that display clear Albanian linguistic features and were later systematically Slavicized. Through the analysis of historical cartography and onomastics, the study highlights cases such as Lekofusha (modern Leskoci), Ujvarina (Vranje), and Gjinhani (Gjilan), whose original Albanian meanings were altered or obscured through later renaming processes. The findings suggest that toponymic transformation functioned as a broader mechanism of cultural and political domination aimed at erasing Albanian historical presence following territorial conquest and demographic restructuring during Serbian expansion.

Toponymic Slavicization and the Erasure of Albanian Historical Presence in Raška and Kosovo (Based on Theodor Ippen, 1892)

In the book of one of the most famous authors, Theodor Ippen, entitled “Novi Pazari dhe Kosova” from 1892, where the author deals with the research of the old Arsa, i.e. Rrasë, later Rrascia (Rascie), he publishes the maps of that time where the original names of some Albanian areas are seen, which were later changed and systematically Slavicized, to erase Albanian traces.

As can be seen, today’s “Leskoci” had the original Albanian name LEKOFUSHA, which in Albanian means “Leke Field”. Vrana (Vranje) was called UJVARINA, an Albanian onomastic, which means “waterfall”. “Gjilane” (Gjilan) was called GJINHANI, which translated from Albanian means “Gjinov Han (Xhinov Han).

We recommend you read this book, which deals with the study from the Illyrian period to the Albanian tribes and regions, which were conquered (and violently changed the population structure) by the Serbian colonisers. You will also find sources for the Tribes in the Sandzak and beyond.