Zahir Pajaziti - Square & Statue

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.