Kosovo: A Moment in Civilization (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Opening at Gračanica Monastery

The film opens with the host, Stefan Popović, presenting the Gračanica Monastery to the audience. He introduces the monastery's rich history and profound significance, not only for the Serbs who built it, but for civilization as a whole.

Where

Gračanica Monastery, Kosovo

Popović's Childhood Visits to Gračanica

Popović shares personal memories from his childhood, recalling how he used to often visit the Gračanica Monastery. These reminiscences establish a deep personal bond between the host and the sacred sites featured throughout the documentary.

Where

Gračanica Monastery, Kosovo

Arrival at Our Lady of Ljeviš in Prizren

The host moves on to present the Our Lady of Ljeviš Serbian Orthodox Church in Prizren. He explains that this historic church was built in the 14th century and stands as one of the region's significant medieval religious monuments.

Where

Prizren, Kosovo

Conversion into a Mosque Under the Ottomans

Popović recounts how the Our Lady of Ljeviš church was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. This transformation marked a major turning point in the building's history, changing its religious and cultural role for centuries.

When

Ottoman Empire era

Where

Prizren, Kosovo

Return to Church Status

The building was converted back into a Serbian Orthodox church in the early 20th century. This restoration returned the historic site to its original religious purpose after centuries under Ottoman rule.

When

early 20th century

Where

Prizren, Kosovo

The Damaged Frescoes

Inside the church, Popović draws attention to the damaged frescoes on its walls. He discusses the condition of these sacred artworks and reflects on the toll that conflict and hardship have taken on this cultural heritage.

Where

Our Lady of Ljeviš, Prizren

Burning of the Church in the 2004 Unrest

Popović recalls how the church was burned during the 2004 unrest in Kosovo. The event stands as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of Serbian religious and cultural heritage in the region.

When

2004

Where

Prizren, Kosovo

Presentation of the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć

The documentary continues as Popović presents the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć. He explains the deep significance the monastery has held for Orthodox Serbs throughout history as a central spiritual institution.

Where

Peć, Kosovo

Struggles of the Peć Monastery

Popović describes the many struggles the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć has gone through over time. He places these hardships within the broader story of the monastery's enduring importance to the Serbian Orthodox community.

Where

Peć, Kosovo

Changes Since Before the Kosovo War

The host reflects on the changes that have occurred at the monastery and its surroundings since he last visited before the Kosovo War. His observations reveal how the conflict and its aftermath reshaped the area around the sacred site.

When

since the Kosovo War

Where

Patriarchal Monastery of Peć

Visit to the Visoki Dečani Monastery

Popović then arrives at the Visoki Dečani monastery to continue his journey. He begins his presentation of the site and its place within the religious and cultural heritage of the region.

Where

Visoki Dečani monastery, Kosovo

First Childhood Visit Remembered

Popović fondly talks about his first visit to the Visoki Dečani monastery as a child. The personal story adds an emotional dimension to the film and illustrates the lifelong connection he has with the monastery.

Where

Visoki Dečani monastery, Kosovo

Interview with Archimandrite Sava (Janjić)

The host conducts an interview with Archimandrite Sava (Janjić) at the monastery. Sava speaks about the importance of Visoki Dečani for mankind and its role as a monument of spiritual and cultural value.

Where

Visoki Dečani monastery, Kosovo

Extremist Attacks Against the Monastery

During the interview, Archimandrite Sava describes the attacks that were carried out against the Visoki Dečani monastery by extremists. His testimony underscores the ongoing threats facing the monastery and those who protect it.

Where

Visoki Dečani monastery, Kosovo

Final Appeal to UNESCO

In his closing message, Popović asks UNESCO not to admit Kosovo into its membership. He argues that the Government of Kosovo is a threat to the monasteries, claiming that those who have attacked cultural heritage sites cannot be entrusted with their protection.