In the village of Greme in Ferizaj is one of the oldest mosques in Kosovo.
Known as the "Green Mosque", this religious object carries a history of about 500 years and is testimony to many historical events that have marked the life of the community over the years.
Covered in green and with unique architecture, this mosque has served not only as a place of worship, but also as an important center for education and resistance during difficult periods for the country.
According to Imam Halim Cakolli, the mosque played an important role during the years before the war in Kosovo, when many Albanian students were forcibly removed from schools by Serbian forces.
"From before the war onwards, this served as a school when Serbian forces forcibly removed many students from the school so that they would not learn. But it played its role as a school at that time. Many generations were educated here," Cakolli told Tëvë1.
He emphasizes that this was possible thanks to the dedication of the villagers and the people who did not allow the interruption of the learning process.
"Thanks to those people who had the curiosity and strength to not stop learning, this was done. The village also wanted this mosque to play its role as a school, because the mosque also has this role - to teach and educate people," he added.
During the war in Kosovo, the mosque also became an important point for soldiers of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). According to Cakolli, the building served as a center and shelter for the fighters.
"During the war, it was a center of the KLA and people stayed here, acted as guards and it was almost the final point between the village, the city and the mountain. According to the soldiers, many times Serbian forces also came here, but they encountered resistance and turned back," he recounts.
However, despite the circumstances of the war, the mosque has managed to survive to this day, although it has also undergone restorations due to the damage it has suffered over time.
Imam Cakolli also remembers that he held one of his first lectures as an imam in this mosque, during his time as a student in Cairo.
"When I was a student in Cairo and came for summer vacation, the Islamic Community Council asked me to lead a Friday prayer here, as the imam was ill. I gave two lectures and for me it was a very special experience. Leading such an old mosque is a privilege both before people and before Allah," he says.
Today, except on special occasions, the "Green Mosque" is no longer in regular operation.
However, it continues to remain an important object of Kosovo's cultural and historical heritage, preserving the memories of generations and important periods of the country's history.
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