published in: Historijski Pogledi 9, 2023: p. 205-224.
The paper explores the constitutional developments and educational reforms in Yugoslavia, particularly focusing on the Albanian minority. After World War II, Yugoslavia faced political and economic challenges, prompting significant reforms starting with the 1946 Yugoslav Constitution. This constitution shaped the nation’s political, economic, cultural, and educational structures. While some regions like Macedonia achieved political recognition, Kosovo remained under Serbian control, facing systemic oppression and segregationist policies. These policies included forced relocations, suppression of political expression, and the imprisonment of Albanian leaders. This marginalization persisted until the late 1960s when demonstrations by Albanians across Kosovo led to demands for national rights, such as the establishment of the University of Prishtina.
The Albanian minority's plight contrasted with the experiences of smaller non-Albanian groups like the Hungarians, who gained increased rights through constitutional reforms in 1946, 1953, 1963, and 1974. Hungarian communities benefited from schools and instruction in their native language, unlike the Albanians, who faced restrictions on cultural expression and political organization. Other minorities, such as Russians, Bulgarians, and Germans, were fewer in number and had minimal visibility in Yugoslav public life. The Serbian-dominated leadership under Alexander Ranković suppressed Albanian rights, including the use of their national symbols, until significant political shifts occurred after 1966, gradually improving the conditions for Albanians in the region.
The period between 1966 and 1974 marked a turning point for Albanians in Yugoslavia. Key political changes included replacing Serbian officials with Albanians, expanding educational opportunities, and fostering higher education. These reforms reflected broader constitutional changes aimed at enhancing the political, social, and cultural integration of Yugoslavia’s diverse minorities. The author uses descriptive and analytical methods, supported by Yugoslav and Albanian historiography, to examine this pivotal period and its implications for the nation's history and minority relations.
Read the publication here.
[Information provided by Ana Radakovic]
