The 16th International Tomato Festival was held on July 23, 2025, in Mamuşa – Kosovo’s only Turkish-majority municipality and a member of the Board of Directors of the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB).
Hosted by Mamuşa Mayor Abdülhadi Krasniç, the festival was attended by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Chairman of the Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo (KDTP) and Minister of Regional Development Fikrim Damka, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Pristina Sabri Tunç Angılı, Kosovo’s Minister of Agriculture Faton Peci, Mayor of Bağcılar Yasin Yıldız, Mayor of Yozgat Kazım Arslan, members of parliament from both Kosovo and Türkiye, institutional representatives, and local citizens.
Speaking at the event held at Mamuşa Anadolu Primary School, Prime Minister Kurti said the festival reflects the hardworking spirit of Mamuşa’s residents. He emphasized that Mamuşa is a model of abundance for Kosovo’s agriculture: “We have supported and assisted Mamuşa so far, but we will do even more. Because Mamuşa is working harder, producing more, and exporting more each day.”
Ambassador Angılı, in his remarks, emphasized that the true meaning of the festival lies in the respect shown for the labor and dedication of the people of Mamuşa. He noted that Mamuşa’s agricultural success contributes to the entire country of Kosovo: “This is a source of pride for us. Economic strength, prosperity through production, and abundant earnings are highly important. But what makes Mamuşa the apple of our eye is not just its success in agriculture – it is the fact that Mamuşa is the only Turkish municipality not only in Kosovo but in the entire Balkans”.
Minister Damka highlighted the bridge role they play between Kosovo and Türkiye, stating: “We will continue to strengthen the cooperation between the Republic of Türkiye and Kosovo even further.”
As part of the event, Mayors Krasniç, Yıldız, and Arslan also delivered speeches on the significance of the festival and the warm relations between Kosovo and Türkiye.
Following the speeches, plaques were presented to the guests. The festival concluded with folk dance performances and concerts by vocal artists.
Located near the southern city of Prizren, Mamuşa is home to approximately 5,600 people and holds the distinction of being the only municipality in Kosovo where Turks form the majority of the population.
