Profit over preservation: Kosovo’s Ottoman bath puts culture at risk

A historic Ottoman-era bath has been put up for sale by its owners in the northern city of Mitrovica, Kosovo.

Constructed in the 18th century by Sylejman Pasha Berisha and Zejnullah Bej Berisha, the bath served the people of Mitrovica in its original capacity until 1959, later functioning as a city museum until 2009.

The structure was returned to its heirs in 2009.

Current condition, sale details of Ottoman bath

Currently in a state of neglect, parts of the bath are being operated as a restaurant.

The owners have announced that the property, along with adjacent land, is available for sale, with a starting price of at least €1.6 million.

State investment, security concerns

Afrim Berisha, one of the shareholders, informed the Anadolu Agency (AA) reporters that the government invested approximately €90,000 in the historic structure in 2022.

However, he noted that multiple thefts had occurred with the lead from the roof.

Berisha emphasized their desire for the bath to be purchased and preserved by state institutions, highlighting the challenges they have faced in managing the property.

Kosovo’s legal framework for cultural heritage

According to Kosovo’s laws, protected cultural heritage can only be sold within the country and must comply with existing regulations governing property rights.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in Kosovo has the priority to purchase historical artifacts at market value.

No official statement regarding the sale of the bath has been issued by the ministry yet.

The sale of this historic Ottoman bath represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the preservation of Kosovo’s cultural heritage.

As negotiations unfold, the future of this significant piece of history remains to be seen.