Language Changes in the Jewish Community in Kosovo and Metohija after the Balkan Wars (1912–1913) and the First World War (1914–1918)

Abstract

Traces of the Jewish presence in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija date back to the late Middle Ages, a time when the first, infrequent stays and business dealings of some Jewish traders were recorded, and also of mines and customs lessees and others.1 More frequent and continuous data on the Jewish community of Kosovo and Metohija can be traced only from the second half of the nineteenth century, which was a period of large-scale Jewish immigration and increasing Jewish economic activity in this underdeveloped region.2 At the time, the small Jewish community, mainly settled in Pristina and Kosovska Mitrovica, was of completely Sephardic origin. Individuals from neighbouring territories came to Kosovo and Metohija, and sometimes multiple family members or entire families. Thus the Jewish families descended from Skoplje, Thessaloniki, Kyustendil, Kostur, Pirot, Bitolj and other areas.3 These Jews were thoroughly incorporated into all aspects of Ottoman society, being loyal subjects of this ethnically and socially diverse empire, and they were immensely grateful for the shelter provided to them by the empire. At the same time, they carried in their hearts and thoughts their beloved and lamented homeland of Spain, which they had had to abandon in the fifteenth century. This multiplicity of emotions, as well as of relationships, attitudes and needs, was reflected in their language – which was at the time still the main means of communication, and the foundation of social life.