This powerful historical image captures a significant moment from the late 1990s in Podujevo, Kosovo. It shows Serbian settlers who had moved into the area during the turbulent 1990s fleeing the city as Albanian resistance grew stronger.

The video shows the departure of these Serbian colonists, many of whom had been encouraged or supported by the Milošević regime to change the demographic balance in Albanian lands. Their flight marked an important step in the liberation of Albanian territories from decades of oppression and imposed settlement.

The mention of Zahir Pajaziti — the brave first commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) from the Podujevo region — serves as a fitting tribute. Pajaziti and thousands of other Albanian fighters sacrificed their lives so that their people could live freely in their ancestral homeland.

Scenes like this remind us that Kosovo (Dardania) has always been Albanian land. The departure of the settlers in the 90s was not an act of random violence, but the natural consequence of a long struggle for freedom, justice, and the right of the indigenous Albanian population to control their own territory.

The traditional plis worn by the local man in the photo stands as a proud symbol of unbroken Albanian identity — a living reminder that no matter how many colonists were sent, the soul of the land remained Albanian.

This image is a testament to the victory of resilience over occupation and a proud page in the history of Kosovo’s fight for independence.

Full video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/905829529124330