Culture
The most widespread religion among Albanians in Kosovo is Islam (mostly Sunni. The other religion Kosovar Albanians practice is Roman Catholicism). Culturally, Albanians in Kosovo are very closely related to Albanians in Albania. Traditions and customs differ even from town to town in Kosovo itself. The spoken dialect is Gheg, typical of northern Albanians. The language of state institutions, education, books, media and newspapers is the standard dialect of Albanian, which is closer to the Tosk dialect.
Education is provided for all levels, primary, secondary, and university degrees.University of Pristina is the public university of Kosovo, with several faculties and majors. The National Library (Alb: Bibloteka Kombëtare) is the main and the largest library in Kosovo, located in the centre of Pristina. There are many other private universities, among them American University in Kosovo (AUK), etc., and many secondary schools and colleges such as Mehmet Akif College.
Kosovafilmi is the film industry, which releases movies in Albanian, created by Kosovo Albanian movie-makers.
The National Theatre of Kosovo (Alb: Teatri Kombëtar i Kosovës) is the main theatre where plays are shown regularly by Albanian and international artists.
Music[edit]
Further information: List of Albanians#Musicians
Music has always been part of Albanian culture. Although in Kosovo music is diverse (as it was mixed with the cultures of different regimes dominating Kosovo), authentic Albanian music does still exist. It is characterized by use of çiftelia (an authentic Albanian instrument), mandolina, mandola and percussion.
Folk music is very popular in Kosovo. There are many folk singers and ensembles.
Modern music in Kosovo has its origin from western countries. The main modern genres include Pop, Hip Hop/Rap, Rock, and Jazz. The most notable rock bands are: Gjurmët, Troja, Votra, Diadema, Humus, Asgjë sikur Dielli, Kthjellu, Gillespie, Cute Babulja, Babilonetc. Ilir Bajri is a notable jazz and electronic musician.
There are some notable music festivals in Kosovo:
- Rock për Rock - contains rock and metal music
- Polifest - contains all kinds of genres (usually hip hop, commercial pop, and never rock or metal)
- Showfest - contains all kinds of genres (usually hip hop, commercial pop, unusually rock and never metal)
- Videofest - contains all kinds of genres
Kosovo Radiotelevisions like RTK, 21 and KTV have their musical charts.
Culture