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.
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