An overview of the development of Mitrovica through the years
Publisher: Kosovar Stability Initiative (IKS), Kosovo Date: May 2014 Volume: 34 pages, pdf Description The research presented here introduces some preliminary background information for another forthcoming publication on Mitrovica, which examines the developments in the northern part of Kosovo from the end of conflict in 1999 and sheds some light into changes that have taken place as a result of the First Brussels Agreement. The research paper is divided in three parts that look at the development in Mitrovica from different aspects. The first part looks at the historical dimension that has shaped Mitrovica over the years. It looks at three main aspects: war, trade, and industry starting from the pre WWI period and provides an overview of the importance of Mitrovica as a garrison town during the 20th century as well as its rise in importance as a trading town aided by the connection into the railway line from Thessaloniki. This part also highlights the beginnings of foreign direct investment inflow of the late 1920s that paved the road for the development of the rich mining region. The second part of the paper looks at the industrial growth of the city and the accompanying demographic changes, migration, and ethnic composition of the city and the region over the years spanning from pre WWII era. The third part focuses on the economy of Mitrovica and the legacy of state dependency that has followed it until today and its implications on the economic life and employment composition in both South and North Mitrovica.