page_title: Rugova (region)
section_title: Life in Rugova
hierarchical_section_title: Rugova (region) / Demography / Life in Rugova
caption_attribution_description: English: rugova
context_page_description: Rugova is a mountain region located to the north-west of the city of Peć, in Kosovo region. According to notes of Rugova it has been inhabited since before the 12th century. In 2013, it was designated a national park by the Parliament of Kosovo.
  Rugova is an ethnographically diverse region, with great importance for the literary branches of lexicology, etymology and onomastics. Rugova is a suitable region for hiking, skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, and picnics.
  It was ranked as the fourth most important center for winter sports by the International Ski Federation. Furthermore, in April 2013, Peć won the "Tourism for Tomorrow" award for the project, "Peaks of the Balkans".
  Rugova is rich with many landform elements such as caves, waterfalls, glacial lakes, high peaks, and tunnels. The highest peak is Hajla at 2,403 m. From Qafa e Qyqes it is possible to observe the whole city of Peja. Guri i Kuq, 1,522 m, has views of Đeravica, Boriqe, Maja e Mariashit, Maja e Hekurave, Shkëlzeni and Lake Plav. Maja e Vjelakut is also a high peak at 2,014 m.
  A via ferrata starts 4 km from Peć, and is the only one in the Balkans.
context_section_description: Rugova was part of Sanjak of Scutari which was isolated from the rest of the Ottoman Empire. For a long period of time, they could trade only with Shkodra. However, starting in 1959, Rugova belonged to the municipality of Peja.
  The tribal organization of Rugova had changed little since medieval times since the only law was the Kanun of Lek Dukagjini, codified in the 15th century, which governed the entire lifestyle. House-like towers held 50–70 members, and each house had its own family background which determined how they were treated by society, whether with great honour or humiliation.
  Rugovans are mostly involved with livestock farming, though their lifestyle has gone through changes. Long ago, many families had up to 1000 sheep, and 50 cows and horses. During the winter, nomadic shepherds would move to the Dukagjin Region and in Peshter, Montenegro for months until the winter was over. The head shepherd was an illiterate and a self-taught veterinarian.
  Due to the physical barriers in the area, Rugovians would only marry within their mountain territory. However, they would never marry someone from their own tribe. These traditions have changed in recent times.
  Rugovian nights were characterized by gatherings of men in oda (chambers) where traditional games were played and songs were sung to instruments such as the lahuta and çiftelia. The odas were lighted only by pine or kerosene lamps until 1983, when Rugovians rejected the Yugoslav government and electrified the region.
  The typical Rugovian woman has an important role in the family; they are treated equally to men and often fight next to their men during war. At times, women rejected their female role and took on the role of men. These women were called burrnesha; they changed their names, did not marry, attended odas, and led their families, similar to the Amazons of mythology.
  Apart from housework and raising children, women were traditionally involved in handcrafting, and sewing clothes and qylyms (rugs).
  Rugovians celebrate Spring day, Saint George's Day (Shengjergj) and they are highly devoted to their traditional games.
caption: Cabins
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