Bekim Xhemili

Hello. I’m Bekim Xhemili, founder of Kosovo Local Guide, an independent professional guide, based in Prishtina, Kosovo.

I am 36 years old, a graduate of Anthropology, with over 10 years of experience as a professional guide and cultural anthropologist.

Because I love working with people, and I love my beautiful country, my job - which i do with passion - gives me a great pleasure every day.

My job involves introducing individuals, small or large groups to Kosovo and its rich cultural heritage, intangible heritage, history, customs and traditions, rituals, traditional food, great landscapes and beautiful nature of Kosovo.

My job is to make your travel experience a fun, educational and inspirational one. And, my photography skills can contribute to making your travel experience a more memorable one through your pictures and videos.

Experience Kosovo through the eyes of the local tour guide!

Why me as your guide?

My education in combination with my experience with guides, my love for people and this country, my knowledge Kosovo’s social, cultural, political, and economic situation, make me I believe an interesting and enjoyable professional guide.

Experience

Over the past 10 years, I have worked with private individuals, small or large organized groups, travel agencies, state level delegations, Embassies, international organizations, schools etc. in delivering professional guide tours throughout Kosovo and the region.

Research

In addition, many research and study trips that I conducted on Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology in different countries such as: Greece, Austria, Finland, England, USA, Poland, Sweden, France, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Germany, has helped broaden my understanding of anthropology and culture of other nations and countries, which I consider is an asset for me.

Republic of Kosovo

Kosovo is the youngest country in Europe (declared independence in 2008), situated in the Balkan Region of Europe, bordered with Albania, Norther Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. Surrounded by high mountains ranges with 50 peaks over 2000m, two main plains in the inner part (Dukagjiniand Kosovo plain), combined with rolling hills, rivers, waterfalls, and artificial lakes, canyons , and limestone caves found in several parts of the country, provide for diverse and beautiful landscapes, as well as plenty of opportunities for hikes, winter skiing, and swimming in natural pools like those at Mirusha waterfalls.

Kosovo has been the crossroad of many civilizations, cultures, traditions, and religions as it has been used as a transit territory to and from Europe since ancient times. This has contributed to Kosovo offering a vast array of culture flavors and a rich mixture of Middle East and European heritage all of which add uniqueness to the country.

Apart from the tangible heritage, intangible heritage, folk tradition, its tasty traditional food, Kosovo is well known for its archeological sites, medieval monuments, religious monuments (Orthodox Monastery, Churches, Cathedrals, Mosques, Tekes, Tombs, Bazaars, Hamams), old clock towers, typical houses from ottoman imperia time, fortified Albanian house – Kulla. Also, its cultural customs, traditions, rituals, rite of cycle of life, its feasts and festivals, beliefs, handicrafts (variety of craftsmen), folk art in stone, metal, pottery, wood, and textile.

Kosovo population is about 2 million: 92% Albanians, 8% others (Serbs, Bosnians, Turkish, Gorani, Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians). It has the youngest population in Europe, 70% are under age of 30, while 50% are under 25. Over 90% are Muslim Sunni,5 % orthodox, 3% catholic. It is great example of religious harmony.

Official languages are: Albanian, Serbian and English, while Bosnian, Turkish and Roma, have the status of officials languages in the municipality level.

Capital of Kosovo – Prishtina, is the political, economic, diplomatic center of Kosovo, and University City with over 50 000 students from all Kosovo. Other main cities include: Prizren, Peja, Gjakova, Mitrovica, Gjilani, Ferizaj.