Identity Documentation and National Identity Formation Among Albanians in Kosovo: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

Short-Term Scientific Mission Blog: Field Notes

Grantee name: Dr. Deona Cali

Details of the STSM:

Title: Identity Documentation and National Identity Formation Among Albanians in Kosovo: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

Start and end date: 11/09/2024 to 20/09/2024

Home Country: Albania

Host Country: United Kingdom

In September 2024, I spent ten days as a visiting researcher at Newcastle University in the UK. This experience marked a significant step forward in my research and offered an exciting opportunity to explore new possibilities for future collaboration. During my stay, I focused on a topic that has long fascinated me: how identity documents—such as passports and ID cards—shape the sense of belonging among the people of Kosovo.

Kosovo’s history is characterized by centuries of territorial disputes, ethnic tensions, and political struggles. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Kosovo endured conflict and a prolonged fight for independence, which it declared in 2008. Despite this, Kosovo continues to face challenges in gaining full international recognition, with some countries refusing to acknowledge its sovereignty. This complex political landscape affects all aspects of life, from governance to daily social interactions.

An often-neglected aspect of nation-building in Kosovo is the significance of identity documents—such as passports and ID cards—and their impact on individuals’ sense of belonging. While much research has focused on political and ethnic divisions, the influence of these documents on how citizens, particularly Albanians and Serbs, perceive their identity within the nation has received limited attention.

This led me to explore several key questions:

How do identity documents from a newly recognized state affect the sense of belonging among different ethnic groups in Kosovo?
Do younger and older generations, shaped by different political eras, perceive these documents differently?
How do international organizations and local authorities influence the perception of these documents, and what role do they play in fostering or hindering social unity in Kosovo?

These questions highlight how something as routine as an ID card can play a crucial role in the process of nation-building.

During my time at Newcastle, I spent a significant amount of time in the Philip Robinson Library, where I explored a wide range of materials on migration, identity, and citizenship. These resources helped me understand how identity documents have evolved over the years. Through this research, I gained a deeper understanding of how identity documents serve not only a legal function but also shape how people perceive their place in society.

Sharing my Research at a Guest Lecture

One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to deliver a guest lecture at Newcastle University’s School of History, Classics, and Archaeology. On September 18, I presented my research on national identity, documentation, and the role of migration in shaping a country. The lecture sparked lively discussions with faculty members, and their feedback provided me with new ideas to consider as I move forward with my work.

Additionally, I introduced the COST Action project, which broadened awareness of our work and laid the foundation for potential future collaborations.

Beyond academic research, I explored local resources such as the Tyne and Wear Archives and the Discovery Museum. The museum’s exhibition on migration in Newcastle was particularly moving, as it shared personal stories of individuals who had migrated to the city, each in search of a new sense of belonging. These narratives resonated with the challenges migrants face everywhere—challenges that transcend physical borders and connect deeply with the human experience of identity. They reminded me that the concept of national identity extends far beyond official documents; it is deeply personal, rooted in everyday experiences, relationships, and memories.

My visit to Newcastle University was incredibly productive and enriching. It opened doors to new collaborations with scholars, allowing me to deepen our collective understanding of how identity documents intersect with personal and national identity, especially in contested regions like Kosovo. This research journey is far from over, and I look forward to what lies ahead.