Mapping Cultural Routes in Kosovo: A case study of Prizren’s multiethnic heritage

Kosovo, a small country in the Balkan Peninsula with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, holds significant potential for the development of cultural tourism, particularly in multiethnic contexts. The city of Prizren exemplifies this potential through its historical coexistence of Albanians, Turks, Bosniaks, Serbs, Roma, and other communities. This study explores the identification and mapping of cultural routes in such a multiethnic setting, emphasizing how shared heritage can contribute to sustainable tourism and intercultural understanding. The research methodology combines GIS mapping, field observations, interviews, spatial data analysis, and an in-depth examination of key cultural monuments. As Kosovo aspires to join the Council of Europe, which promotes cultural heritage through its Cultural Routes program, this research aims to support heritage preservation aligned with European values. It also contributes to Kosovo’s broader European integration efforts and its engagement with transnational cultural initiatives.