Mitrovica or Kosovska Mitrovica, also referred to as South Mitrovica or South Kosovska Mitrovica, is a city in northern Kosovo and administrative center of the district of Mitrovica. In 2013, the city was split into two municipalities, South Mitrovica and North Mitrovica. Settled 10 km (6.2 mi) from Ujmani/Gazivoda Lake, on the confluence of the rivers Ibër, Sitnica, Lushta, and Trepça, the city is surrounded by the mountains of Kopaonik, Rogozna, Mokna, and Çyçavica. According to the 2024 census, the municipality had 72,662 inhabitants of which 64,742 reside in southern Mitrovica and 7,920 in northern Mitrovica.
The history of Mitrovica is rooted in antiquity, with evidence of early settlements of Neolithic and Roman-era artifacts discovered in the region. During the Middle Ages, the area played an important role in the Byzantine and Serbian Empires, while the modern city was founded during the rule of the Ottoman Empire, being first mentioned in the 17th century. Its strategic location along trade routes made it an important center for commerce and cultural exchange during this time. The complex historical context of these foreign influences contributed to the diverse heritage and cultural mosaic of Mitrovica, which continues to be a notable aspect of the city's identity.
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