Rugova, a renowned highland region in western Kosovo, holds a significant place in Albanian cultural and ethnographic history. Situated in the rugged mountains near the border with Montenegro, Rugova is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, deep canyons, and strong tribal traditions. Its historical boundaries and demographic makeup reflect centuries of continuity in Albanian highland settlement patterns.

Historical Scope During the Ottoman Period and Beyond

At the time of the Ottoman Empire and even in the periods that followed, the Rugova region encompassed a broader territory than it does today. It included several villages and surrounding areas such as Bujhovin, Husaj, Dacaj, the village of Peshkaj, Plluncaj, and extended as far as Ballotiq. Many of the inhabitants in these areas trace their origins to the Lajç and Nikç regions, highlighting longstanding migratory and kinship ties within the Albanian tribal system.

This wider historical Rugova formed part of the larger Malesia (highland) network of Albanian tribes, where communities maintained autonomy through customary law (Kanun), pastoral economy, and clan-based social organization.

Source:
Gjokutaj, Mimosa, Anila Mullahi, Tereza Babasuli, and Ragip Gjoshi. Albanian Language 6: For the 6th grade of 9-year education. Pristina: Publications GO, 2021.