Description
In March 1999, as Kosova reached the peak of its crisis under military occupation, Besnik left London, compelled to document the unfolding struggle. On his very first photography assignment—without accreditation, experience, or a decent camera—he ventured into the heart of the conflict. His images reveal the raw and unfiltered spirit of a nation fighting for its freedom. Kosova 1999 is a personal and visual testament to the resilience, courage, and humanity of the Kosovan people during one of Europe's darkest moments.
The book is presented in both English and Albanian.
When Besnik shared his 1999 archive with me in June 2024, one image struck me profoundly. Captured during Serbia's brutal campaign to expel us from Kosovo, it depicted Rexhep Qosja, a renowned intellectual, in a way I had never seen before. In Besnik's photograph, he looked unrecognizable—rough, without his glasses, and wearing a winter hat—reflecting the harsh reality of his refugee status. This powerful image symbolizes our survival as a nation amid Serbia's attempts to erase our existence. Despite having little to fight back with, we clung to our identity and resilience, ultimately returning home.
Jeta Xhara, Director of Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN)
Details
Publisher - BookVAULT Publishing
Language - English
Hardback
Author(s) - Diarmuid Jeffreys | Jeton Kulinxha | Besnik Mehmeti
Published Date - December 09 2024
ISBN - 9781836904168
Dimensions - 21 x 21 x 1.5 cm
Page Count - 172
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