Priština: od varošice do grada (1929-1941)

Abstract

Priština, within the Gračanica county, belonged to the Vardar Banovina. Based on the population census in 1931, it was one of the largest cities in Southern Serbia. However, at the beginning of the thirties of the 20th century, it was an underdeveloped town that needed state investments. The Yugoslav state made efforts to modernize Priština, as well as other cities in Kosovo and Metohija. Investments were made in construction, so nine buildings were built in Priština, electric lighting was introduced, streets and roads were improved. The railway line Kosovo Polje - Priština was built. However, even during attempts at modernization, there were problems, especially with members of the Albanian population, who were in the majority in this area, and who were uninterested in Yugoslav state measures or were afraid of changes. There were industrial companies in Priština, and an automatic mill was built. Trade showed signs of improvement, although like other industries, it was difficult to tear people away from the way they had worked generations before. Craftsmanship, which was traditional in Kosovo and Metohija, was stagnating in Priština, which was evident in the number of commercial, catering and craft shops, primarily because it began to develop as an economic center. Educational and health opportunities were in the beginning of development. In the Priština district, there were the fewest buildings that corresponded to the school’s needs, and the teaching staff was not adequate either. The conditions for the modernization of education were generally difficult in the area of Kosovo and Metohija. The arrangement of health conditions was of indisputable importance for the population of Kosovo and Metohija. Banovina Hospital was built in Priština, which was one of the largest, but people’s awareness of going to the doctor was low. The efforts and investments of the Yugoslav state in the area of Kosovo and Metohija, and therefore Priština as an economic center in development, were interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War.