Fshat.
Qafë is a mountainous village situated at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, within the municipality of Gostivar in western North Macedonia. Above the village rises Mount Ujëmiri, one of the highest mountains in the country, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,062 meters. The name of the village derives from the Albanian word qafë, meaning “neck” or mountain pass.
Qafë lies in a beautiful hilly-mountainous landscape and is known for its pristine nature, fresh air, and breathtaking panoramas. These natural features have made it a well-frequented mountain tourist destination, especially during the summer season.
The village, inhabited by Albanians, has existed for centuries and, like many settlements of the Pollog region, has passed through various historical periods.
History of the Village of Qafë
• Ottoman Period (15th–20th centuries) – The Gostivar area was part of the Ottoman Empire for around five centuries. During this time, the inhabitants were mainly engaged in livestock breeding, agriculture, and the use of forest resources.
• 20th Century – After the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the region passed under different state administrations (the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes/Yugoslavia, and later Socialist Yugoslavia). Life in the village maintained its traditional character, with strong family organization and kinship ties, although during this period Serbian forces were able to reach these high mountainous areas and carry out massacres against the Albanian population.
• After 1991 – With the independence of North Macedonia, many residents emigrated, but a large part of the local population invested in building new houses and developing mountain tourism.
Sulltana of Qafë
During the period of 1912–1913, Chetnik forces under the leadership of Mikajle Brodski massacred a total of 65 Albanian men, women and children from the village. One particular incident, occurred when a local girl named Sulltana the daughter of Mazllam, grabbed a pair of scissors and killed Mikajle’s nephew while wounding two other chetniks before being killed herself. Sulltana of Qafë became ingrained in the local folklore of the region
Qafë Today – A Mountain Tourist Destination
Today, Qafë is known for:
🌲 Its untouched nature and dense forests
🌄 Panoramic views over the Pollog valley
🏡 Holiday homes and tourist villas
🌞 A cool and pleasant climate during the summer
Many families from Gostivar and Kërçova build weekend houses there to spend their holidays or free time. The area is suitable for mountain hiking, picnics, and family tourism.