Gazimestan: Where the Flames of War Were Ignited

Not far from the city of Pristina stands a memorial commemorating the Serbian defeat at Kosovo Polje, which actually occurred a few miles away. This battle against Turkish invaders is huge in Serbian mythology/history. In fact, there is poem inscribed on the memorial called the "Kosovo Curse," warning Serbs that if they don't stand up for the Serbian people, their children will be cursed forever.

Many historians consider the 1989 political speech given by Slobodan Milosevic at the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo Polje as one of the "red-letter dates" leading to the series of wars involving the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. The speech at the Gazimestan memorial was filled with fiery rhetoric calling for Serbian people "to make Serbia great again". (Sound familiar?)

Milosevic beat the drum of nationalism and xenophobia, praising Serbs for their patience and forbearance, while at the same time, urging them that it was a time for action and desperate measures to "protect" themselves from looming threats to their culture...(Too bad he didn't advocate building a wall.)

Within the course of the next ten years, Milosevic's policies led to destruction and death throughout the former republics of Yugoslavia, including to his own beloved Serbia, as the international community eventually stepped in to curb his ambitions. He would eventually be handed over to international authorities by his own government to face charges of genocide and other crimes against humanity related to the wars in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

The tower at Gazimestan is the ultimate symbol of Serbian pride (and hubris). It is draped with a elaborate depiction of Prince Lazar during the anniversary festivities every June.

The bronze plaque at the top of the tower depicting the Battle of Kosovo Field.

The "Kosovo Curse" is located on the wall of the tower.