Zahir Pajaziti - Square & Statue
A bustling modern plaza and key commercial hub honoring KLA commander Zahir Pajaziti, surrounded by Prishtina's most popular cafes and bookshops.
Admission: Free public access
The Hub: Most active part of the promenade; near Grand Hotel and Dukagjini Bookstore.
Must See: Statue of Zahir Pajaziti (by Luan Mulliqi).
Social Spot: Prime location for coffee and people-watching.
Directions: Central on the main pedestrian boulevard, between NEWBORN and Skanderbeg Square.
Photography: Encouraged; best angles from the southern approach or elevated viewpoints
Alternate Names: Sheshi Zahir Pajaziti, Zahir Pajaziti Monument
Getting There: Centrally located near the Palace of Youth and Sports and the Newborn Monument. Easily walkable from Skanderbeg Square and Mother Teresa Boulevard.
Open Hours: Always accessible; most vibrant during national holidays and commemorative events
Terrain: Flat, smoothly paved pedestrian zone.
Wheelchair: Fully accessible.
Location: Prishtina City Center.
Last update
Jan 11, 2026
The Story
Zahir Pajaziti was born in Orllan, Podujevë, and became one of the earliest organizers of armed resistance against Serbian forces in the 1990s. As the first commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army, he played a pivotal role in mobilizing fighters and shaping the movement’s early structure. He was killed in an ambush near Vushtrri in January 1997, becoming a symbol of sacrifice and national awakening.
The square bearing his name was inaugurated in 2000, shortly after the war, as part of Pristina’s post-conflict urban renewal. Its centerpiece is a bronze statue sculpted by Muntaz Dhrami, depicting Pajaziti in motion, holding a weapon symbolizing readiness, sacrifice, and forward momentum. The statue’s posture and placement evoke both heroism and civic vigilance.
The plaza itself was designed to resemble the map of Kosovo when viewed from above, reinforcing its symbolic role as a national space. It hosts commemorative events, protests, concerts, and informal gatherings. Over time, it has become a popular meeting point and a visual anchor in Pristina’s urban landscape.
Zahir Pajaziti Square is more than a monument, it’s a civic stage where Kosovo’s memory and identity are performed daily. It stands as a tribute to the individual and collective courage that shaped the country’s path to independence.
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