page_title: Metohija
section_title: Middle Ages
hierarchical_section_title: Metohija / History / Middle Ages
caption_attribution_description: English: Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Mother of God (Bogorodica Ljeviška) in Prizren (14th Century) This is a photo of Cultural Heritage site of Serbia number СК 1369 This is a photo of a monument in Kosovo, number: 1974 Türkçe: Cuma Camii'nin saat kulesinden görünümü. (Prizren, Kosova) Српски / srpski: Црква Богородица Љевишка (Призрен, Косово) Shqip: Xhuma Xhamia (Prizren, Kosova)
context_page_description: Metohija or Dukagjini is a large basin and the name of the region covering the southwestern part of Kosovo. The region covers 35% of Kosovo's total area. According to the 2011 census, the population of the region is 700,577.
context_section_description: Coinciding with the decline of the Roman Empire, many "barbarian" tribes passed through the Balkans, most of whom did not leave any lasting state. The Slavs, however, overwhelmed the Balkans in the 6th and 7th centuries. The Principality of Serbia included the city of Destinikon, which is mostly believed to have been in Metohija. The region was conquered by Bulgaria in the early 10th century, after which Byzantine rule was restored, briefly ca. 970-975, and again after 1018. In terms of ecclesiastical administration, the region of Metohija belonged to the Eparchy of Prizren, created in 1019. During the 11th and the 12th century, the region was contested between Grand Principality of Serbia and the Byzantine Empire. Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja was recognized as independent in 1190, keeping northern parts of the Metohija (region of Hvosno), while southern parts were incorporated into Kingdom of Serbia by the beginning of the 13th century. After the Fall of the Serbian Empire in 1371, the region of Metohija was controlled by the Balšić family of Zeta, and since 1378 by the Branković family. It was part of the Serbian Despotate until 1455, when it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire.
caption: Our Lady of Ljeviš in Prizren, founded by Serbian King Stefan Milutin (1282-1321)
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