Botushë

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Botushë is a small Albanian village in the Gjakova municipality in southwest Kosovo, near the border with Albania. It sits in the Gjakova Highlands and the area called Reka e Keqe, on the Gusha stream. The village is at about 508 meters above sea level and has a population of around 584 people (2024). It is located about 23 km from Gjakova and 3 km from Junik.

The people of Botushë are overwhelmingly Albanian. The name Botushë (also Batushë) comes from Albanian language roots. The village has many old place names and is known for its long history in the region.

Botushë has ancient roots, with evidence of prehistoric and Roman-era activity nearby. In the 14th century, the Dečani Monastery owned Botushë. In the 1330s it is listed as a small village with a few households. In 1485, Ottoman records show 35 households in Botushë, with names reflecting both Albanian and Slavic influences.

The village is tied to the historic Gashi tribe and is known for resisting Ottoman rule. A notable local leader, Sulejman Aga Botusha, organized movements for Albanian rights and independence. In the early 20th century, Botushë was involved in uprisings near Gjakova, and Ottoman forces fought hard to suppress them.

During the Kosovo War in the late 1990s, Botushë suffered major destruction. Many houses were destroyed or damaged, including the village mosque. A memorial plaque in the village honors those who died.

Botushë has connections to several historic sites, such as Jerina Castle on the nearby hill and the nearby Cave of Çeli. Many old toponyms in the area reflect its long history, and the village remains a notable part of the Highlands of Gjakova. Notable people from Botushë include Sulejman Aga Botusha, Jashar Salihu (a Kosovo War hero), and Islam Aga, a leader in the League of Prizren.