Dissonant heritage and promotion of tourism in the case of Serbian medieval monuments in Kosovo

Serbian medieval monuments in Kosovo, recognized for their historical value and four of which are on UNESCO's endangered sites list, face complex challenges as dissonant heritage. These monuments, while symbolizing Serbian identity, are viewed with distaste by the Albanian population due to their association with centuries of Serbian presence in the region. The study reveals that popular tourist publications often distort interpretations or alienate historical identities, contributing to tensions rather than fostering mutual understanding. By analyzing media representations, this research highlights the dual role of these monuments as both cultural symbols and potential tools for tourism promotion, emphasizing the need for balanced narratives that acknowledge their significance without perpetuating divisions.

Pavličìć, J. (2016). Dissonant heritage and promotion of tourism in the case of Serbian medieval monuments in Kosovo. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 14(3), 189–205. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2016.1169349