The Lipyan Municipality in central Kosovo has granted Turkish the status of an “official usage language” following efforts led by Enis Kervan, a representative from the Kosovar Democratic Turkish Party (KDTP). The municipal council unanimously approved the decision, marking a significant development for the Turkish-speaking community in Yanova village, where Turks form the majority.

Turkish, spoken in Kosovo for centuries, already holds “official language” status in Prizren and Mamuşa municipalities. Additionally, it is recognized as an “official usage language” in Priştine, Gilan, Vushtrri, and parts of Mitrovica. The decision in Lipyan reinforces Turkish’s role as a cultural and linguistic pillar within Kosovo.

According to Kosovo’s laws, any traditionally spoken language within a municipality can be granted “official usage language” status regardless of the population ratio. This year’s census revealed that approximately 50,000 people in Kosovo speak Turkish alongside their native language, emphasizing its continued significance in the region.