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By:
Shqidona Gashi
- April 10, 2025 14:58 am
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This is the village of Herticë in the municipality of Podujevo. In addition to its natural resources, the village is also known for its buildings such as the “Bajram Tower” and the “Old Mosque”. The latter is supposed to have been built about three centuries ago.
A few decades ago, this village had over 300 houses, while now there are only 30 habitable houses.
According to the villagers, after 2010, a large-scale displacement of residents began.
"Our ancestors came from a remote village of Kovačica, between the 40s and 50s, during World War II, and settled in this village. Since then, the village has been known as a large village with great historical values and natural wealth. According to the elders, the village once had up to 350 houses. If you take a percentage of each family, over 2 thousand inhabitants lived in the village. Until the 90s, or even until 200, it was a village with 170 houses, so the last war, like all other villages, included it. After the war, the village was left with 120 houses, due to the conditions in the infrastructure. After 2010, the largest displacement of residents began. Today, the village has 30 houses, which are habitable," said Bajgora.
Until 1990, when the mine was active, many residents were employed there.
Near the mine there is an artificial lake that still attracts visitors today.
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Naser Bajgora, a resident of the village of Herticë, says that, among other things, this lake is often used by young couples for photo shoots.
"Agriculture and livestock farming in the village have been the main priority for the survival of the population. Pastures, mountains, hills, etc., are the natural wealth of the village. In the village, life has been and is lived only institutions need to learn how to give space to the peasant and not the citizen. Everything today is sought natural, and there is no natural in greenhouses but on this land. There was and is a benefit to working, never stop and there is also profit from the work of the village. The village does not lack a school, ambulance, etc. The mine was active until 1990, where the vast majority of residents were employed. In the absence of institutions, residents are leaving not only the village but also Kosovo", said Bajgora.
He also mentions the 'oil' that he claims can be found underground in this village.
"I'm talking in old-fashioned terms, maybe I'm wrong, saying that there are two underground oil 'veins' in the village. I invite experts to research more, just as they are researching the mines, the underground resources of Kosovo. Every village has its own advantages," said Bajgora.
The village's infrastructure has improved recently. Most of the residents still engage in agriculture and livestock farming.
The Bilalli family has a long tradition in these crops. Ramiz Bilalli, now 52, has dedicated his entire life to working in livestock. He currently takes care of 10 cows, but he says he once had three times that many.
"As far as I can remember, in this part of the country where I live, over 40 houses have kept livestock. Since 2004, when I built the stable, I have kept up to 30 cows. In 2006, about 15 stables were built, each of which had over 10 cows, donkeys, goats, etc. These fields have been filled with livestock. Years have passed for various reasons. Few people keep livestock," said Bilalli.
Bilalli appeals to those who have left the village to return and contribute to its development.
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"Those who have left the village should better return, because without the produce of the land there is no life. With three cows you get a good salary, and you can live well. Nature is above all, people suffer from various diseases due to food. The city is not far, and especially the infrastructure is well-organized," he said.
Despite the village being abandoned by residents, the villas and restaurants built have transformed Hertica into a place that is attracting local visitors.
