Rožaje

Rožaje is a town located in the northern part of Montenegro, on the Ibar River, serving as the cultural center for Bosniaks in the region. With a population of 13,608 (2023 data), the town celebrates its anniversary on September 30. Rožaje has a long history, dating back to ancient times with Illyrian settlements, followed by Slavic habitation. The first recorded mention of the settlement dates to the 16th century, when it was known as Trgovište. Under Ottoman rule, the Sultan Murat II Mosque was built in the town, considered the oldest in Rožaje. In the 18th century, Albanian clans settled here, and in the 19th century, the town experienced intense Serbification after the Balkan Wars. During World War I and World War II, Rožaje witnessed fighting, and after World War II, it became part of Yugoslavia. In modern times, Rožaje has faced economic challenges, especially after the closure of the Gornji Ibar factory in 1992. Rožaje is distinguished by its rich cultural heritage, including numerous mosques such as the Kučanska Džamija, and religious diversity, with Muslims making up 96.52% of the population. The primary language spoken in the town is Bosnian, with Albanian and Serbian speakers forming minorities. Rožaje lies on the main road connecting Montenegro with Kosovo, making it an important transportation hub. The town offers several tourist attractions, including a replica of Sarajevo’s Sebilj, as well as beautiful mountainous surroundings ideal for tourism.