Mitrovica is often described as a divided city in Kosovo, separated by the Ibar River into South Mitrovica, predominantly inhabited by the Albanian community, and North Mitrovica, mainly home to the Serbian community. More than two decades after the conflict in Kosovo, political tensions and ethnic divisions continue to shape everyday life for many residents on both sides of the city.
Because of this, stories about friendship and cooperation between Albanians and Serbs are rarely highlighted in public discussions or the media. Yet beyond political narratives, many people have continued to build relationships based on trust, respect, and shared human experiences. One of those stories is the friendship between Besarta and Manuela.
The two young women met more than ten years ago through a project focused on reconciliation, social inclusion, and interethnic dialogue through culture and film. At first, their communication was cautious and professional, shaped by the past and by the reality in which both communities had spent years living separately and often hearing negative stereotypes and prejudices about one another.
“It was a usual meeting, just like with any other person. I had no prejudices and was open from the very beginning to communicate and cooperate,” Besarta recalled when speaking about her first meeting with Manuela.
Similarly, Manuela had already had several opportunities to meet and spend time with peers from different communities, which made their introduction and communication smooth and natural, without any hesitation regarding cooperation.
Over time, the workshops and shared activities created space for more personal conversations and plans. Instead of focusing on their differences, they increasingly spoke about education, work, family, and the everyday challenges they faced. Through these discussions, they realized how similar they were and how much they actually had in common.
Gradually, their professional cooperation developed into a long-lasting friendship built on shared experiences, needs, and challenges.
Considering that attitudes are often shaped by family upbringing, past experiences, political influences, media narratives, and ongoing social obstacles, “Why?” became one of the most frequent questions both women received from people around them. Sometimes the question came with prejudice and disagreement, and sometimes with understanding and support for such friendships and initiatives.
“Cooperation with the Serbian community is important and necessary because it is the only way to break barriers between us and build a better future together,” says Besarta.
Manuela shares the same perspective and believes that it is essential to work with younger generations and bring them together through cultural events and activities.
Regarding the language barrier, they initially communicated in English. Over time, however, Besarta learned Serbian through courses and interactions, while Manuela learned Albanian through similar experiences and professional engagement. Both agree that learning each other’s language is a sign of respect and that the saying, “The more languages we speak, the more we are worth,” served as a valuable guiding principle.
Their first joint project activity took place in 2014 during the first edition of the Bridge Film Festival. The festival brought more than 100 films and producers to Mitrovica, including participants from across Kosovo. The films were screened in the cultural center located next to the main bridge that both divides and connects the city.
The festival gave producers and visitors an opportunity to see firsthand how people live on both sides of the city and to better understand their need for communication, interaction, and inclusion.
Unfortunately, the festival did not continue with future editions as originally planned due to political instability and the barricades placed on the main bridge. During that period, the bridge was transformed into what was called a “Park of Peace,” a concept interpreted differently by local communities. As a result, the bridge became increasingly politicized, strengthening divisions rather than encouraging connection between the two sides.
Although their first joint project did not continue for long, Besarta and Manuela remained connected, supporting each other and continuing to cooperate through their professional work. Over the years, they created many memories together and introduced one another to the “other side” of the city.
For example, Besarta had the opportunity to try what she describes as the best mushroom burek in the north, while Manuela enjoyed some of the best perece in the south. These seemingly simple experiences became meaningful moments that strengthened their friendship and mutual understanding.
Today, despite ongoing political instability in Kosovo and continued political pressure, particularly in the northern municipalities, Besarta and Manuela remain close friends. Their friendship is not defined by identity or nationality but by their personal qualities, values, and mutual respect.
Both women are educated and confident enough to form their own opinions and shape their futures independently. Despite the physical distance between them, they continue to support one another and maintain a friendship built on understanding, trust, and respect.
“There were moments when tensions in our society affected everyone emotionally, bringing back painful memories from the past. However, friendship teaches you to see the person first, not their ethnicity or the labels we create for one another. We also know many people from Kosovo who moved abroad and now live happily together in other countries, respecting one another without prejudice. There is no reason why that cannot happen here as well. If you want something, you can make it happen,” Manuela shared.
Their story does not ignore the challenges that still exist in North and South Mitrovica. Many residents throughout Kosovo continue to experience separation and limited interaction with people from other communities. However, friendships like theirs—and, above all, the mutual respect between two young women from different communities—represent an important foundation for dialogue and coexistence.
In recent years, numerous youth initiatives and projects led by civil society organizations across Kosovo have created valuable opportunities for young people and women from different communities to meet, communicate, cooperate, and contribute to building a better future. Although these stories rarely become media headlines, they quietly contribute to rebuilding trust and strengthening social cohesion.
For Besarta and Manuela, their friendship became much more than a professional opportunity. It became proof that even in places marked by division, relationships based on empathy, respect, and understanding can grow and endure.