IRD Completes Restoration of Historic Kosovo Church 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NOVEMBER 5, 2012

CONTACT: MELISSA PRICE

571-366-1596

PRESS@IRD-DC.ORG

ARLINGTON, VA –  International Relief and Development  (IRD) completed the

restoration of St. Nicola Church in Bogosevac, Kosovo. The first tour of the restored,

historic, culture structure included Atifete Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo;

Tracey Ann Jacobson, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo; and other government

and religious leaders.

“IRD had its start assisting vulnerable people and helping stabilize communities in the

Balkans,” said Dr. Arthur B. Keys, President and CEO of IRD. “We have worked for over a

decade to help communities in this region develop understanding and tolerance, and this

historic restoration project is an important part of a long-term effort to develop Kosovo and

its neighbors.” 

IRD’s Kosovo Cultural Heritage Project, funded by the U.S. Department of State and the

U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo, seeks to protect important sites and, in the process,

create opportunities for dialogue and cooperation in order to foster social unity and stability.

In addition to St. Nicola Church, IRD is leading the restoration of the Sheh Zade Old House

in Prizen and the Church of St. Stephen in Velika Hoca/ Hocee Madhe.

The sites were chosen through careful consultation with local stakeholders, and decisions

were based on the sites’ historical, cultural, and artistic value; the interest of the local

population; and the ability of local entities to care for the buildings following their

restoration. The restorations are preserving superb examples of traditional architecture with

significant cultural and historic importance. IRD works directly with two local

organizations, the Kosovar Stability Initiative (KSI) and the Center for Peace and Tolerance

(CPT), to increase awareness of the rich history and religious and architectural heritage

represented by these sites.

St. Nicola Church was built at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries. It has

a rectangular floor plan and is barrel-vaulted with an east-facing apse. Its beautiful murals

date from this period. The church was listed as a national protected site in 1956.

For more information on IRD, visit www.ird.org, and visit the IRD Voices blog to read

first-hand accounts from IRD staff in the field. You can also stay up-to- date on IRD’s latest

news by following us on Facebook , Twitter (@ird_voices), Flickr, or YouTube. 

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 IRD is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization responsible for implementing relief,

stabilization, and development programs worldwide. IRD's mission is to reduce the

suffering of the world's most vulnerable groups and provide the tools and resources needed 

to increase their self-sufficiency. Specializing in meeting the needs of communities emerging

 from conflict or natural disaster, IRD partners with donors, local organizations, and many

others to deliver sustainable services in agriculture, governance, health, and infrastructure.

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