The residents of Ibarski Kolasin: No one could leave Gazivode to the Albanians as a legacy, it has always been ours

The residents of Ibarski Kolasin perceived the statements by members of Self-Determination, claiming that their ancestors bequeathed Gazivode to them, as a provocation. As they told Kosovo Online, this lake has always been Serbian, as evidenced by history and demographics, but they also note that they no longer feel safe there today.

"Pure provocation. Who left it to them? When did an Albanian live in Zubin Potok? Never. There's no record in history that it ever existed," one resident told us.

An older lady was also adamant.

"No, that's a Serbian lake. They lie because they have the support of the Americans, we understand that, we're not crazy or stupid. It's Serbian," she emphasized.

Bojan Kovačević reminded us that Serbian villages were flooded to create this artificial lake.

"That's a complete lie. Gazivode is ours because, back in the 13th century, the first Serbian girls' school was founded at the court of Helen of Anjou, Queen of Serbia. The school and church were submerged there, and a few villages were flooded where Gazivode is now. One of the largest villages in Kolasin was Rezalo, which was flooded and is now a lake. No one could leave that to them as a legacy, nor can it be theirs. It has always been ours. They have some power they use for their propaganda to say it's theirs, they can do that, they are stronger at the moment, but that's not how it is," Kovačević asserts.

He added that there were very few Albanians in Kolasin and that they mostly came for swimming from Cabra.

"But very few. And now, we don't even feel safe to go swimming with our children. They sing Albanian songs, mention the KLA... For children and women to hear that... They don't behave decently, but what can we do," he added.

A young man we met at Gazivode points out that there is no historical record or evidence that Gazivode belongs to the Albanians.

"I've heard them talk about wanting to change its name, but I forgot how. There is absolutely no evidence that this is theirs. The majority population here is of Serbian nationality," he states.

Another young man we encountered on the shore of the lake notes that he no longer feels safe.

"This has never been theirs. I feel insecure, there are many provocations. That's not right, this has always been ours and it shouldn't belong to them," he emphasizes.

One of the residents of Ibarski Kolasin adds that visitors of Albanian nationality have only started to frequent the area this year.

"I believe the lake is ours, and this year Albanians and people from the southern side have been coming and provoking us. I don't think that's right because those who have been coming here for years didn't deserve this. Everything would be fine if they didn't provoke us and behave in this manner," says this young man.