Exhibition on Serbian monasteries in Kosovo at UNESCO: Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo among the most endangered

This evening, an exhibition dedicated to Serbian cultural sites inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger was opened at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The exhibition highlights monasteries such as Decani, Gracanica, and the Patriarchate of Pec, as well as the Church of the Virgin of Ljevis in Prizren. The event was inaugurated by Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, in the presence of Serbia’s Minister of Culture Nikola Selakovic, Bishop Teodosije of Raska and Prizren, Arnaud Gouillon, Director of the Serbian Office for Public and Cultural Diplomacy, UNESCO representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Patriarch Porfirije emphasized that by placing Serbian sacred sites under its protection, UNESCO has recognized their universal significance for the world.

He noted that while these monasteries hold universal value and belong to all of humanity, this does not negate their primary affiliation with the Serbian people and the Serbian Orthodox Church, who created them.

"Visoki Decani does not lose its identity. Exactly 20 years ago, the Visoki Decani Monastery was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and this is the reason for our gathering tonight. Two years later, in 2006, three more Serbian sacred sites from Kosovo and Metohija – the Patriarchate of Pec, Gracanica Monastery, and the Church of the Virgin of Ljevis – were also added to the List of World Heritage in Danger," Patriarch Porfirije said.

Minister of Culture Nikola Selakovic pointed out that today marks the celebration of the day when Visoki Decani, a Serbian spiritual treasure, was recognized as a world heritage site.

"It is an honor and pleasure to address you on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and the Permanent Delegation of Serbia to UNESCO, especially on the occasion of marking 20 years since the inscription of the Decani Monastery on the World Heritage List and the exhibition on endangered Serbian medieval monasteries. We celebrate the day when this magnificent Serbian spiritual treasure was recognized as a world asset and the heritage of all humanity. This brings us immense joy," Selakovic said.

He added that the symbolic significance of today’s ceremony is further amplified by the fact that it is being held on the second day of the Feast of Saint Stefan Decanski.

"The Decani Monastery is, in fact, his endowment (along with his son Emperor Stefan Dusan), and the celebration of Slava is a Serbian custom that is also inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage," Selakovic reminded.

He noted that it is his obligation to remind the audience, especially on this day and at UNESCO headquarters, that Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo remains, even in the 21st century, among the most endangered cultural assets in Europe.

The Minister emphasized that the four sites listed as part of UNESCO’s world heritage, recognized for their exceptional universal value, have been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2006. These include the Decani Monastery, the Patriarchate of Pec, the Gracanica Monastery, and the Church of the Virgin of Ljevis, all of which are featured in the exhibition.

"Despite this, continuous assaults on Serbian heritage, attempts at renaming, and historical falsifications have become almost daily occurrences. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, 31 attacks have been recorded, most of which targeted the destruction and desecration of cultural properties. Even the Serbian Patriarch was denied entry to Kosovo and Metohija this May, without explanation, as part of his regular duties," Selakovic stated.

He reminded the audience that, regarding the latest incidents, the period following the end of the Kosovo conflict in June 1999 was particularly dramatic.

"During that time, in organized attacks, a large number of Serbian churches and monasteries were desecrated, damaged, or completely destroyed. Some works of Serbian medieval architecture and painting from the 14th and 15th centuries were permanently obliterated using explosives. During a major wave of violence in March 2004, several thousand Serbs were expelled from Kosovo and Metohija. Among the numerous destroyed sites were invaluable Serbian monuments, such as the Monastery of the Holy Archangels near Prizren, the Devic Monastery, and several medieval churches in Prizren itself. A total of 34 churches and monasteries were destroyed, burned, or damaged, and three cemeteries were desecrated," Selakovic said.

He further stressed the need to highlight a specific aspect of the threats to Serbian medieval monuments in Kosovo, including those recognized as world heritage, which occurs through falsification. This is primarily done by fabricating information about their origins.

"Allow me to mention just one specific example among thousands. In the Church of the Virgin of Ljevis in Prizren, alongside many frescoes, the inscription of the Persian poet Hafez Shirazi from the 14th century was also burned on the wall of the desecrated sanctuary. The inscription reads: 'The pupil of my eye is the nest of your beauty.' This beautiful verse was hidden under plaster for centuries when the monastery was converted into a mosque. On one side, there is hatred and fire. On the other, there is reverence and love for the sublime without limits. We must preserve the latter, reflected in the poet's words, as the apple of our eye—not for our sake, but for the sake of universal beauty and truth," Selakovic concluded.

He stated that, in the name of exceptional universal value—whose preservation is one of UNESCO's key missions—and in the name of historical truth, this exhibition awakens and calls upon the public's conscience, standing in opposition to all forms of violence and falsification.

The exhibition testifies to the necessity and nobility of the mission to protect humanity’s cultural heritage, Selakovic emphasized.

He noted that culture is often described as a field threatened by numerous complex challenges, mentioning that on a global scale, these include the pandemic, conflicts, ideologies of prejudice and forgetfulness, among others. In this context, Serbia’s historical and current experiences are particularly unique.

"Our collective experience teaches us that culture is the key to resolving and overcoming the challenges it faces. At the same time, it serves as a shield against other dangers threatening humanity by recognizing culture as a source and guardian of values and global public goods," the minister stated.

He highlighted that Serbia actively participates in all aspects of UNESCO’s work and initiatives, including contributions to UNESCO funds.

"Serbia is fully committed to the principles and priorities of UNESCO, as well as to achieving shared goals and initiatives within the UN, including the initiative to establish a dedicated goal for culture after 2030. In this context, we are ready to continue and comprehensively enhance our cooperation with UNESCO and its member states. Our shared and unique understanding of our mission was most concretely demonstrated when UNESCO organized the Donors’ Conference in 2005 for the restoration of destroyed and damaged monuments in Kosovo and Metohija. We will always remain deeply grateful for this act of recognition, dedication, and solidarity," Selakovic concluded.