What the Zagreb newspaper “Obzor” wrote in 1923 about Banjska

Banjska is located on the left bank of the Ibar River, 10-12 km northwest of Mitrovica. It is a settlement with healing hot water springs and drinking water. This settlement was once an economic and cultural center of the region, especially for the villages gravitating around it.

Until 1912, only the Albanian population lived in Banjska. Thus, in 1903 there were 73 Albanian households.

From 1912 until 1923, the Albanian population of Banjska began emigrating to Turkey. Thus, in 1923 alone, 54 Albanian households left Banjska. The majority of the displaced population from Banjska settled in the town of Evrengjik in Turkey.

In the article from the Zagreb newspaper “Obzor” No. 303, dated November 4, 1923, it is stated: “As reported from Mitrovica, in recent days a large movement has been observed for the emigration of the local Muslim population to Turkey. In two Muslim villages, for example, all movable and immovable property has been sold to the local Serbs.

In those villages there will no longer be Muslims, but only Serbs. A special council takes care of the poor Muslims who do not have the financial means for emigration. In the coming days, in the Banjska municipality, Muslims in 6 large villages and 12 neighborhoods will sell everything they have.

It is said that this movement for the emigration of Muslims in Kosovo is being led by some persistent Muslims from Mitrovica, who, as it is said in Belgrade, have received special instructions from Istanbul.”

Source

Jusuf Osmani. inforCulture. “Deri në vitin 1912 në Banjskë ka jetuar vetëm popullata shqiptare”. 2026.

Image from Kohan.net