The third day of the Prishtina International Summer University (PISU) continued with the regular morning courses, as well as with the workshops that had already begun during the first days of the programme. On this day, the workshop “Reading the Values of Historic Places” also began, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lana Kudumović from Istanbul Technical University and Prof. Dr. Florina Jerliu from the University of Prishtina, and held at the Modelarium of the Faculty of Architecture.
The workshop addressed the importance of identifying, reading, and interpreting the values of cultural heritage, including both tangible and intangible components that shape the way historic spaces are understood and experienced. During the discussions, participants reflected on the importance of preserving traditions and cultural heritage, as well as on the ways in which, in certain parts of Prishtina, tradition and modernity naturally intertwine, creating unique experiences for international students.
The workshop will continue on July 9, when students will work in groups to analyse how a specific part of the capital is experienced through architecture, urban texture, atmosphere, and social interactions at different times of the day.
As part of the day’s PISU activities, the third edition of UPWard Festival, the International Student Film Festival, also opened at Kino ABC with the screening of the film “Magi”, directed by Brikena Elshani. The opening ceremony was attended by the Rector of the University of Prishtina, Prof. Arben Hajrullahu, vice-rectors, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Hazir Haziri, academic staff, and PISU student participants.
In his remarks, Rector Hajrullahu praised the work, dedication, and creativity of the students of the Faculty of Arts, encouraging them to continue developing their talent and artistic expression. After the screening, actress Erza Sejdiu, who plays the role of Magi, shared her experience with the audience and spoke about her emotional connection with the character, who reflects the challenges, sensitivity, and strength of many young girls.
UPWard Festival will continue in the coming days. This year’s official programme features 69 films from around the world, selected from approximately 1,430 submissions, which will compete for the festival’s awards.
In the evening, at 19:00, as is already a tradition within PISU, Traditional Night was held — an activity that aims to offer local and international students and professors a closer experience of our culture, traditions, and hospitality.
This year, Traditional Night was organized outdoors, in the courtyard in front of the “Pjetër Bogdani” National Library of Kosovo. Participants had the opportunity to enjoy the artistic programme performed by the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances “Shota”, which presented a rich part of our cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional costumes.
In addition to the artistic programme, participants enjoyed traditional food and took part in games and cultural activities, through which they learned more about Kosovo, our culture, and several words in the Albanian language. These activities were organized by Prof. Blerta Mustafa, the staff of the Department of English Language and Literature at the Faculty of Philology, and their students.
The third day of PISU concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere, bringing together learning, art, culture, and international exchange in a rich experience for all participants.