“Kembekryq” / «Crosslegged» statue in Pristina

According to Xhorxhina Bami (balkaninsight.com) «an art installation of a protester sitting in the central square of Pristina that commemorates the independence protests against the Serbian regime 32 years was unveiled on November 28 2022, with the mayor of Kosovo’s capital, Perparim Rama, in attendance. The art installation called “Kembekryq” (in English, “Cross-legged”) by local Kosovo artist Eliza Shala was inspired by Faik Rexhepi, an ethnic Albanian demonstrator who chose a different way to participate in the protests that began in 1990, sitting cross-legged in the street even as Serb police forces chased and beat other protesters. Shala said the artwork aims to represent historical events characterised by wisdom, peace and perseverance that are embodied in this gesture. (...) The art installation was unveiled on November 28, Albania’s Independence day, celebrated in Kosovo as Flag Day, which commemorates the freedom and independence associated with the red-and-black Albanian flag, a symbol revered by Kosovo Albanians. The artist wanted to convey the message that on this day, November 28, a protester can return each year, unhindered and welcomed, to enjoy the right to sit cross-legged in his or her own country. These photos were taken in July 2025 and show some views of the "KembeKryq" / "Crosslegged" sculpture and a mural photograph of President Ibrahim Rugova on a nearby building.