The Photo Collection of Edith Durham

Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo, 1903 - 1913

ED019_RAI 400.13223 Kosovo. Ren Vula, a Muslim boy from Gjakova (holding horse), and Edith Durham’s faithful guide, the moustached Mark Shantoja (Marko Shantoya), a Catholic from Shkodra; photo taken in Kosovo (Photo: Edith Durham, ca. 12 August 1908). “Poor Marko would never admit to me that there were any Serbs in Prizren. “What is that man?” I would ask. “A native.” “What do you mean by a native?” “He was born here.” “Yes, but is he a Serb or Albanian?” “Lady, there are no Serbs here. This is an Albanian town.” Further pressed, he would admit: “Perhaps he belongs to that schismatic Church. I know nothing about his religion.” And this, though Serb costume and speech were unmistakable.” (Edith Durham, High Albania, 1909).