Third ‘Salam’ Islamic Festival Held in Kosovo
When the minarets of the historic Sinan Pasha Mosque are reflected in the water of the river that runs through Prizren and the echoes of Ottoman history mingle with the breathtaking beauty of nature in the heart of the old city, Shadrvan Square becomes a vibrant painting that combines the essence of heritage with the spirit of the city.
In this place, located at the foot of the historic Prizren Citadel and along the banks of the river that runs through the city, mosques, stone bazaars and ancient bridges stand side by side, creating a scene that has made Prizren one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans and a city deeply connected to its Islamic identity.
Therefore, the choice of Shadran Square to host the Salam Fest 2026 was not a random decision. The aim of the program was to give the event a cultural and civilizational dimension, as families and visitors gathered in the heart of this historic city, in front of the Sinan Pasha Mosque. This atmosphere combined the beauty of the place, the richness of history and the message of Islam, turning these three nights into a celebration of values, family, culture and coexistence.
In this context, the Prizren Islamic Community Council held the third edition of the Salam Festival 2026 from July 24 to 26 in the historic Shadran Square, with the slogan: “When hearts unite, peace is born.”
This comprehensive social event targeted all family members and combined religious activities, cultural activities, meaningful arts, and educational programs in a warm and open atmosphere.
Emphasizing that the message of Islamic institutions reaches the public sphere beyond mosques and classrooms, the festival was held through programs that bring together different segments of society and strengthen the presence of Islamic values in everyday life through contemporary educational and cultural tools.
The festival included a series of religious and awareness-raising lectures, accompanied by musical and artistic performances, various children’s activities, and a special section for traditional Quranic schools with artistic and educational events. A traditional food exhibition organized by the Women’s Department showcased traditional dishes that reflected aspects of the cultural and social identity of the Muslim community in Kosovo.
The festival also provided a space for family gatherings, social interaction and strengthening brotherhood, bringing together residents and visitors in one of the most famous historical squares in the Western Balkans.
The “Salaam Festival 2026” program spanned three consecutive nights, beginning with a speech by Sheikh Akram Avdio, followed by a performance by artist Nusrat Kurtish. The second night featured a speech by Sheikh Ardian Sajdov, accompanied by a musical performance by Salma Bektashi Meda.
The closing night was concluded with a speech by Sheikh Naim Tarnava, the Grand Mufti of Kosovo, and a musical program.
The festival takes on special significance due to its location in the Shadran Square, opposite the historic Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most famous Islamic monuments in Kosovo, in the heart of the old town of Prizren, under the historic fortress and on the banks of the river that divides the city into two parts. This gives the event a unique cultural character that combines the authenticity of the place, the beauty of nature and the cultural and religious message of the festival.
Prizren is the historical and cultural capital of the Albanians in the Western Balkans and one of the most prominent Islamic cities in the region. The city has dozens of historical and modern mosques, Ottoman bazaars, stone bridges and minarets that have become an integral part of its visual identity, earning it the nickname "Little Istanbul".
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The Salam Festival 2026 reflects the vision of the Prizren Islamic Community Council to transform social events into a platform for instilling Islamic values, strengthening the role of the family, and connecting children and youth with their religious and cultural identity through programs that combine knowledge, purposeful entertainment, fine arts, and social engagement.
The festival also offers a progressive model for using historical spaces to serve cultural and outreach purposes, thereby increasing the presence of Islamic institutions in society and affirming their ability to address diverse groups in contemporary ways that blend tradition and innovation.
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