History of Kukes

The history of the city of Kukes is unique even by the standards of the Balkan Peninsula, which is rich in heritage. In fact, the chronicle of this place is divided into two parts: the history of the old city, which now rests at the bottom of an artificial lake, and the new settlement built on the plateau. Nevertheless, the roots of civilization in this corner of Albania go back to ancient times.

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of the modern county was inhabited as early as the Illyrian era, as evidenced by archaeological finds, including ancient burial mounds. However, the predecessor of the modern city appears in historical documents as a recorded settlement much later.

• First Records: The name "Kukes" is first encountered in Ottoman tax registers (defters) from 1571. At that time, it was a small village within the Nahiyah of Luma.
• Origin of the Name: It is believed that the toponym is linked to the name of an influential local clan or family (Kukaj) that resided in this area.

Key Development Factors

The development of the settlement was predetermined by its exceptional geographical location, which has attracted people here for centuries.

• Confluence of Rivers: Old Kukes emerged at the strategically important confluence of two powerful rivers—the Black Drin and the White Drin. This ensured access to water and fertile lands.
• Transport Hub: The city formed as an important point on trade routes connecting the interior of the Balkans with the Adriatic coast. Caravans travelling to Prizren and Shkoder passed through this area.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Until the beginning of 20th-century industrialisation, life in the region was defined by the traditional lifestyle of the highlanders. The economy was based on transhumance (seasonal livestock farming) and agriculture, as well as servicing trade caravans. The cultural character was shaped by the traditions of the Luma region, known for its folklore, distinctive clothing, and code of honour.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1571 — The name Kukes is first mentioned in Ottoman tax registers as a small settlement in the Luma region.
• 1912 — During the Balkan Wars, the region becomes a site of fierce battles by local residents defending their lands.
• 1925 — The city receives the status of an administrative centre of the prefecture, strengthening its importance in the north of Albania.
• 1939 — At the beginning of the Second World War, the territory is occupied by Italian troops.
• 1944 — The city is finally liberated from occupation by the forces of the national liberation movement.
• 1962 — The government approves a plan for the construction of a hydroelectric power station, which envisages the inevitable flooding of the historical centre.
• 1976 — A massive process of relocating residents from the old city to the new one, specially built on higher ground, begins.
• 1978 — The waters of the artificial Fierza Lake completely cover Old Kukes, concluding the history of the ancient settlement.
• 1999 — During the conflict in the neighbouring region, the city accepts hundreds of thousands of refugees, providing them with shelter and aid.
• 2000 — For its displayed hospitality and humanism, the city becomes the first in history to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
• 2009 — The opening of the Kalimash Tunnel ensures high-speed road connections with the capital and the Adriatic coast.
• 2021 — The Zayed International Airport is put into operation, opening new transport opportunities for the region.

How the Past Shaped the Modern Look

Modern Kukes is a city reborn. Unlike most Balkan settlements, where history has been layered over centuries, here it has radically changed its vector of development several times. The current atmosphere and tourist appeal of the region are based on the results of these global transformations.

• Architecture of the "New City":

  The forced relocation of the city to the plateau in the 1970s gave it a structure unique to the region. Travellers will not find the usual labyrinth of narrow medieval streets here. Instead, the city welcomes visitors with wide avenues, spacious squares, and a clear layout of blocks, making it convenient for walking and navigation.

• The Lake as a Center of Attraction:

  The flooding of the old settlement by the waters of the Fierza HPP created the district's main natural attraction. Today, the artificial lake defines the landscape: it has softened the harsh mountain climate and become a magnet for boating enthusiasts, fishing, and landscape photography, turning an industrial project into a recreational asset.

• A Brand of World-Class Hospitality:

  The humanitarian mission of 1999 became not just a historical fact, but the foundation of cultural identity. The status of a city nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize attracts tourists interested in modern history. This reputation is upheld by the exceptional hospitality of the locals, for whom welcoming guests is a matter of honour.

• Transport Accessibility:

  Breaking through the mountain isolation thanks to the Kalimash Tunnel and the opening of the international airport have turned a former dead-end point into a strategic hub. It is now a convenient starting point for exploring North-Eastern Albania, which is easily accessible from both the coast and other European countries.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of the city of Kukes is a unique phenomenon for the Balkans. Unlike most settlements in the region, where historical layers have been superimposed on each other for centuries, this city was designed and built "from scratch" in the 1970s. This makes it a rare example of pure urban planning from the socialist era, devoid of chaotic medieval development.

Era of Socialist Modernism

The city's main style is socialist functionalism. Since New Kukes was erected for resettlers from the flood zone, architects faced the task of creating a compact and safe space on a windswept plateau.

• Street Geometry: The city has a clear structure with wide straight avenues and spacious squares. Buildings are oriented in a specific way to minimise the impact of strong mountain winds.
• Residential Development: The housing stock consists mainly of typical five-storey buildings made of white silicate brick and concrete. Their appearance is strict and concise, which fully corresponded to the ideology of that time.
• Underground Level: A unique feature of the architecture of that period was the extensive network of underground tunnels and shelters laid beneath the residential quarters. Today, this hidden "city under the city" attracts the attention of industrial tourism enthusiasts.

Modern Changes

After the 1990s, the strict architectural ensemble began to transform. The monochrome palette was replaced by bright façade colours, and the city skyline was complemented by buildings reflecting new cultural realities.

• Religious Structures: Initially designed as an atheistic city, today Kukes is adorned with the minarets of a new mosque and the architecture of a Catholic cathedral, both built in the 21st century.
• Hotel "Turizmi": An iconic building that has preserved the spirit of the city's founding era but has been adapted to modern hospitality standards.
• New Dominants: The international airport has introduced elements of modern style to the region's appearance, combining glass and metal with the surrounding mountain landscape.

Distinguished Personalities of the Region

The Luma region and the city of Kukes have given the history of Albania many prominent names—from fearless military commanders and defenders of independence to talented artists and world-class athletes.

• Islam Spahiu (1838–1928) — People's Leader and Strategist
  A legendary historical figure, known among the people as "Baba Lami". He led the Luma region militia in the early 20th century. He played a key role in defending local lands from Ottoman and Serbian troops during the Balkan Wars, becoming a symbol of the resistance and wisdom of the highlanders.
• Muharrem Bajraktari (1896–1989) — Military and Political Figure
  An influential commander and colonel who held high posts in the gendarmerie during the reign of King Zog. During the Second World War, he became one of the leaders of the nationalist resistance in the north of the country.
• Havzi Nela (1934–1988) — Poet and Dissident
  A teacher and poet who became a symbol of the fight for freedom of speech. For his open stance against the regime and his poignant poetry, he was repressed and executed in Kukes. He was posthumously awarded the title "Martyr of Democracy", and a city school is named after him.
• Rrahman Parllaku (1919–2019) — Lieutenant General
  A participant in the anti-fascist struggle, awarded the title of Hero of the People's Republic. Later, he became a victim of political purges and spent many years in imprisonment. He lived for 100 years, remaining a living witness to the country's turbulent 20th-century history.
• Sahit Prizreni (born 1983) — Freestyle Wrestler
  One of the most titled athletes of the region. A silver medallist at the European Championships and a bronze medallist at the World Championships, as well as an Olympic Games participant. His successes helped popularise wrestling in the country.
• Hersiana (Hersi) Matmuja (born 1990) — Singer
  A talented vocalist who received a classical education at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome. She brought fame to her hometown on the international stage by representing the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song One Night's Anger.