An Overview of the Experience
The Republic of Kosovo declared its independence on February 17, 2008[i]. It encompasses distinguished waqf (endowment) properties that have existed throughout history, making it difficult to estimate the full extent of its waqf assets, as a significant portion has become part of its heritage[ii]. The origins of waqf in Kosovo date back to the early Ottoman era. Before Sultan Murad I was martyred, he built a mosque for his son, Sultan Bayezid, and granted him land for adjacent facilities. This mosque, constructed in 1389 AH (CE) in what is now Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, is the first mosque ever built in the Balkans. It still stands today and is one of the region’s rarest mosques, renowned for its exquisite and unique architectural style. The mosque once included auxiliary facilities such as residences, baths, and other structures. Even the current parliament building in Kosovo is constructed on waqf land[iii].
From the arrival of Islam in Kosovo in 1389 until the 1998 war, there were approximately 400 mosques, 218 of which were destroyed during the conflict. However, Muslims quickly managed to restore their endowments, repair what could be salvaged, and establish new waqf properties[iv].
Management of Waqf Assets
All waqf properties are administered by the Islamic Community through the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Kosovo, which is directly responsible for endowments[v]. Religious endowments, such as mosques, prayer rooms, Sufi lodges (tekkes), and cemeteries, are the most prevalent. Currently, there are around 814 mosques. Educational endowments also exist, including schools, academic and research institutions, and libraries, such as the College of Islamic Studies, established in 1992. The waqf also oversees six secondary schools (separate for boys and girls) and three Quran memorization schools.
Historically, waqf funds were used for public services such as shelters, caravanserais, baths, bridges, wells, water networks, and fountains. In terms of investment endowments, Kosovo has around 600 commercial shops leased as waqf properties, along with numerous real estate properties and land[vi]. Only about 10% of the original waqf assets remain after the wars. The revenue from these endowments covers the salaries of 2,001 employees, including imams and muezzins distributed across more than 800 mosques. It also funds the restoration of waqf properties. Waqf income constitutes approximately 30% of the Islamic Community’s budget[vii].
Future Prospects of the Experience
Kosovo’s waqf institutions have faced severe challenges, including encroachment on waqf lands by neighboring countries. Additionally, like other Balkan nations, Kosovo endured wars and destruction that severely impacted its endowments, documents, and archives. Many records were burned during the conflicts of the 1990s, making it difficult to reclaim numerous waqf assets in this predominantly Muslim society. This has also complicated efforts to pass laws restoring confiscated and nationalized properties[viii].
Despite these obstacles, the Waqf Directorate strives to strengthen religious endowments, particularly mosques, by documenting, developing, and organizing them after the targeted destruction of waqf assets. Efforts are underway to inventory waqf properties, most of which consist of agricultural or forested land. These lands are utilized for timber, which helps heat schools, among other uses[ix].
The statistics and percentages mentioned earlier indicate that Kosovo’s waqf experience is progressing, albeit modestly. Given the destruction and attacks it has endured, this progress is commendable. It is expected that Kosovo’s Islamic Community will continue working to expand waqf assets and enhance their revenues.
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