Shpirti i Shqiperisė
Home -|- History -|- News -|-| Feedback -|- Archæology

 



 

 



 

Kukës

 

 

The full name of Kukës is Kukësi i Ri (New Kukës). The original town was engulfed in 1976, by the waters of the large artificial lake (area 72.5 km) formed to supply the Fierza Hydropower station.

Kukësi has little to show in the way of recorded history. Illyrina tombs were found at Këneta. nearby. It was a small Roman settlement, a stopping point on a branch road leading to the Via Egnatia, and a minor Ottoman market centre and trading post on the road to southern Kosova. Kukës was important for a short time in the political turmoil in the early 1920' s when in June 1924 Bajram Curri issued the call to arms from Kukës that led to the 'June Revolution'. By the end of June the first government of Ahmet Zogu (King Zog) had fallen, and he had to withdraw to Belgrade. He was replaced by the Democratic government of Fan Noli.

Kukes is completely new, built during the 70's. The old town of Kukes is submerged under waters. This district is mainly mountainous. The highest peak is that of Gjalica (2480m). The mountains are covered by industrially important forests, the geological structure of the area has determined the existence of innumerable ores such as copper and chromium. The Highlanders in the region, are well known for their developed agriculture. Kukes has a carpet factory whose products are for domestic and trade use. There is also a copper processing factory as the raw material, copper, is found in this place. Kukës is a good centre for fishing and walking in the surrounding mountains. In the bad weather Kukës can be dramatic, with huge threating cloud formations over the Vikut Mountains, and the sparse streets of the little town and the lake, subject to violent gusts of 'Bora' wind.

 

top of page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1 1