by Nesat Hyseni.

Executive Summary

Following the Congress of Berlin in 1878, the city of Vranje became the site of state policies implemented by Serbia aimed at erasing the Albanian identity. Both Muslim and Catholic Albanian communities faced systemic discrimination, violence, and the destruction of religious institutions that were central to spiritual life, education, and cultural identity. Mosques, tekkes, and churches were burned, demolished, or repurposed for administrative and military functions, undermining the community’s spiritual authority and social cohesion.

The destruction of these religious sites was deliberate, coordinated, and systematic, constituting a clear case of cultural and ethnic genocide. This report provides a detailed historical and scholarly analysis intended to serve as evidence for the U.S. Congress (HR 6411) and the Trump administration.

Albanian Mosques in Vranje

The Central Mosque, built in 1750, served as a center for prayers, a madrasa, and community gatherings. In 1880, it was completely burned down by Serbian forces. This mosque symbolized the Albanian Muslim identity and spiritual resistance to cultural and political pressures. Ottoman archives and consular reports clearly indicate that its destruction was part of a coordinated state plan to eliminate Albanian cultural spaces, confirming the act as cultural genocide.

The Northern Quarter Mosque, constructed in 1785, functioned as a place for community gatherings and religious education. In 1881, it was converted into a military warehouse and gradually deteriorated. This was not an accidental event; official documents demonstrate administrative coordination with the explicit purpose of neutralizing Albanian spiritual authority and erasing religious identity.

Albanian Tekkes

The Southern Quarter Tekke, built in 1800, was a center for education and Sufi practice. It was abandoned in 1882 under military pressure. Its neutralization reflects a systematic policy by the Serbian state to suppress the Albanian Muslim community and dismantle its cultural resilience.

The Market Street Tekke, constructed in 1820, functioned as a center for education and social cohesion. By 1883, it had been appropriated by the Serbian administration, weakening local religious authority and community bonds. These actions were part of a coordinated state strategy aimed at erasing Albanian cultural space—a further example of cultural genocide.

Albanian Catholic Churches

The Church of Saint Mary, built in 1765, served as a center for prayer and Catholic education. In 1885, it was degraded and repurposed as a storage facility. This demonstrates that the Serbian state’s policies did not target only Muslims but sought to erase Albanian identity across all communities. Ottoman and consular documents confirm a coordinated plan to eliminate Albanian cultural spaces, constituting clear evidence of cultural and ethnic genocide.

The Church of Saint George, constructed in 1790, served as a meeting place for community and cultural activities. In 1886, it was abandoned and later used as a military facility. The destruction of Catholic churches confirms systematic discrimination against all Albanian communities, eroding cultural and spiritual authority.

The Eastern Quarter Complex

This complex, built between 1770 and 1820, included religious, educational, and communal facilities. It was burned and abandoned in 1882. Its neutralization demonstrates a deliberate elimination of Albanian cultural and educational authority across religious communities. This act is a clear example of a state-led policy to erase Albanian identity and represents cultural and ethnic genocide.

Analysis for the U.S. Congress and Trump Administration

The destruction of mosques, tekkes, and churches was a deliberate, coordinated state policy. Actions were designed to neutralize spiritual authority and erase Albanian identity, meeting the criteria for cultural and ethnic genocide. Sources include Ottoman archives, foreign consular reports, local testimony, and peer-reviewed historical studies.

This report presents compelling evidence for recognizing discrimination, protecting cultural heritage, and defending the rights of Albanian communities in the Presheva Valley.

Talking Points for Congressional Staff

1. The destruction of religious sites was deliberate and systematic, not accidental.

2. Structural discrimination targeted the spiritual authority of Albanians and sought to erase their identity.

3. Verified sources include Ottoman archives, consular reports, local eyewitness accounts, and scholarly studies.

4. This document provides a foundation to support HR 6411 and formally acknowledge discrimination against Albanians.

Policy Recommendations

• Official recognition of discrimination against Albanians in the Presheva Valley.

• Support for legal and diplomatic measures to protect Albanian cultural heritage.

• Funding and initiatives for the restoration and documentation of historical and religious sites.

• Promotion of education and international awareness of cultural and ethnic genocide.

• Collection and archiving of evidence to strengthen HR 6411 and future advocacy.

Conclusion

The destruction of religious sites in Vranje after 1878 constitutes a cultural and spiritual crime. It eliminated religious space and Albanian identity, weakened spiritual authority and community cohesion, and erased cultural heritage. This report serves as clear evidence for the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration, offering persuasive arguments for recognizing discrimination and protecting the cultural heritage and rights of Albanians in the Presheva Valley.

Presheva, February 9, 2026