The history

Gjilan municipality is located in the south-eastern part of the Republic of Kosovo. It has an area of 392 km/2 with the coordinates 42 degrees North, 21.20 degrees East. 90.863 inhabitants currently live in the municipality. On its south part, the municipality is bordered with Macedonia and Serbia. On other sidës it is surrounded by additional municipalities of the Republic  Kosovo.

First data to document Gjilan as an inhabited zone date from the XIVth century mentioning it as Fshati Gjilan-Village Gjilan. The precise time of its foundation as an administrative center is not known. However, the second part of XVIIIth century seems most likely.

The city was founded by the Gjinolli  Family originating from the administrative and political center of Artana.  Construction of the city was quick and done by making land purchasing simple and creating conditions to attract newcomers.

Characteristics of old Gjilan derive from oriental-Islamic which could be seen in tarmacs of the streets, in the city-center (qarshia) with ist tiny shops, from the habitation mass, in mosques, fountains, and hamams etc. Throughout history, few of these architectonic buildings managed to survave and currently special important buildings are under institutional protection.

Recent years have brought fast developments towards the creation of an image of a modern city. Surroundings built to European standard shave become both functional and attractive to both citizens of Gjilan and visitors.