The sweet ring, known by the scientific name Castana sativa, which extends to the natural mass in the western part of Kosovo, constitutes one of the important natural assets of Dukagjin Raraf.

For its inhabitants, the forest was once one of the main sources of life. This is what Aslan Demiri of Morina recalls, which these days is toward completing its harvest.

Before us, especially the village of Morina, we lived in the bush. All expenses, most of the revenue we’ve provided. The spear was also used for bread but also for waiting for guests. In recent years we have not had a need to shake them because the strong winds that they are blowing blow down the earth themselves. Thus, we do not need to climb trees to shake them, as they are too high, and this also poses danger. Moreover, not many forests remain in the branches, as most are falling themselves, he said of RTK, Aslan Demiri, farmer from Morina and Gjakova.

Because of the importance of this tree for its inhabitants of this three, who consider it a precious gift of nature, the Yunik Community also gives special attention to its preservation and promotion. Within the framework of annual activities, there is the Güney Day, where residents present this fruit and other agricultural products.

It is a fruit that God has blessed for us, for us, and for the surroundings. We did not need to plant it, nor could we water it, nor could we release it. It’s one of the longest-lived trees, but technical wood, he said.

We built houses with the wood of the forest because it’s very stable. The riddle has served many things, even in place of bread. While from its sale we have had extremely good profits all year round, said Islam Qestaj, farmer from Junik.

Over the years, we have had increased care for the straw so that we can preserve it. Turkey has a very ancient tradition, as our families have collected it through generations and through it have had a slightly easier life, said Ruzhdi Shehu, chairman of the Yunik municipality.

However, despite the interest and efforts of local institutions, as well as various international organisations for protection from disease, the drying of trees is continuing at a disturbing pace.

A phenomenon that endangers not only the natural wealth of this three but also a tradition inherited from generations.

Source Layer: RTKLive