Bogë, Rugova, 3 August 2025
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the Acting Minister of Local Government Administration, Elbert Krasniqi, and the Acting Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, took part in the opening ceremony of the Rugova Traditional Games “Rugova 2025,” held in the village of Bogë, Rugova, in the Municipality of Peja.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Kurti said that it was a special honor for him to be there today, in these ancient mountains that speak with stone and snow, to be among those present to celebrate together the Rugova Traditional Games—an event that is not only a cultural manifestation, but also a living rite of our collective identity, a testimony that our heritage is not simply a memory of the past, but a force that keeps us connected to our roots in both the present and the future.
In these games, where strength, agility, and wisdom are displayed, generations come together to pass on not only the values of the Kelmendi lineage and the Rugova community, but also the spirit of community that has preserved this tradition for decades. In these fields and mountains, it is not only individuals who compete, but customs, legends, and the spiritual strength of our highlands are revived. This event is also an invitation to us as a state and as a society not to view heritage solely as something preserved in state museums, but as something that is lived, developed, and unites us. Games like these are a national treasure that give life to the territory and a deep sense of belonging, said the Prime Minister.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister informed the residents of the area and all participants about the launch of the feasibility study by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the reconstruction of the Peja–Kuqishtë road:
“I want to inform you that two days ago we began the feasibility study for the reconstruction of the Peja–Kuqishtë road. Depending on the feasibility study, the full reconstruction will be worth approximately 15 million euros, while the repair works on this road began three months ago and will cost around 1.7 million euros. As the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, we are not only ready but also committed to investing because of the great natural, cultural, spiritual, national, and state value of the Rugova Mountains, not only for the residents of this area.”
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, the Prime Minister thanked everyone, each and every one, for this warm hospitality, for the organization, and for the love shown to this land and this tradition.
“Rugova is a national treasure and will always remain a point of reference for the strength, dignity, and resilience of our people. May the best win, and I wish you all a pleasant and beautiful day, and to you and your families, health and success in life, wherever you go, wherever you live, and whatever you do,” he concluded.
Full Speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear participants, Rugovans, brothers and sisters from the diaspora, friends of our culture, sport, and heritage,
It is a special honor for me today to be among you to celebrate together the Traditional Games of Rugova, in these ancient mountains that speak with stone and snow. This event is not only a cultural manifestation—it is a living rite of our collective identity, a testimony that our heritage is not merely a memory of the past, but a force that keeps us connected to our roots in both the present and the future.
A few years ago, I was at the Traditional Games in Vuthaj, and I am very pleased that I am now here in Bogë, Rugova.
I greet the Minister of Local Government Administration, Elbert Krasniqi, the Mayor of Peja, Gazmend Muhaxheri, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Taulant Kelmendi, the directors and assembly members of the Municipality of Peja, and especially the organizing council of the Traditional Games who have brought us together even in summer. I know that many come here for skiing in the winter, but today, with the greenery on the ground, the blue sky above, the warm sunlight, and the fresh air of the Rugova Mountains, without a doubt our red blood cells are increasing, and surely also our enthusiasm to come together, stay together, and achieve together as much success as possible for our generation and for future generations.
In these games, where strength, agility, and wisdom are displayed, generations come together to pass on not only the values of the Kelmendi lineage and the Rugova community, but also the spirit of community that has preserved this tradition for decades. In these fields and mountains, it is not only individuals who compete, but customs, legends, and the spiritual strength of our highlands are revived.
This event is also an invitation to us as a state and as a society not to view heritage solely as something preserved in state museums, but as something that is lived, developed, and unites us. Games like these are a national treasure that give life to the territory and a deep sense of belonging.
Today, in the Bogë of Sali Rama and Tahir Coli, but also in these mountains celebrated in the poetry of Azem Shkreli, we are not only preserving our culture—we are renewing it. And this is thanks to the dedication of the community and of all those who believe in our native values. Thanks to you, Rugova is not only one of the rarest natural beauties of Kosovo, but also an unextinguished hearth of Albanian spiritual culture.
This extraordinary nature undoubtedly also has extraordinary people. Thus, it has extraordinary culture and extraordinary history.
As the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, I want to inform you that two days ago we began the feasibility study for the reconstruction of the Peja–Kuqishtë road. Depending on the feasibility study, the full reconstruction will be worth approximately 15 million euros, while the repair works on this road began three months ago and will cost around 1.7 million euros. As the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, we are not only ready but also committed to investing because of the great natural, cultural, spiritual, national, and state value of the Rugova Mountains, not only for the residents of this area.
Once again, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, I thank you all—each and every one—for this warm hospitality, for the organization, and for the love you show to this land and this tradition. Rugova is a national treasure and will always remain a point of reference for the strength, dignity, and resilience of our people. May the best win, and I wish you all a pleasant and beautiful day, and to you and your families, health and success in life, wherever you go, wherever you live, and whatever you do.
Thank you!
