The Foreign Service Journal, June 2016

102 JUNE 2016 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL roots of Catholi- cism that continue to flourish there today. Catholic Kosovo , by the spouse of the former military attaché to U.S. Embassy Pristina, Mari- lyn Kott, helps us uncover those roots. Don’t let the title of the book fool you. Kosovo’s major ethnic groups and religions are all so entwined that this book is not just about Catholicism’s significant role in this predominantly Muslim society; it is also a one-of-a-kind guide to some amaz- ing out-of-the-way places all over the country. Kosovo was a crossroads of trade before, during and after the Roman Empire planted its flag in the ancient city of Ulpiana, just outside the mod- ern-day capital, Pristina. The Roman ruins there are mesmerizing in their simplicity as they reveal Christianity’s ancient connection to this timeless country. The graves of the second- century Christian martyrs Florus and Laurus, for example, were recently unearthed in the ruins of the cathedral in Ulpiana. Kosovo also straddled the border between the two competing parts of the ancient world, Rome and Constanti- nople. The country was a thriving min- ing and trade center when Byzantium emerged from the ashes of the Eastern Roman empire, and for centuries remained a frontier of the Ottoman empire, acting as a buffer between it and the Austro-Hungarian world. Kosovo is a melting pot of empires and cultures, and Catholic Kosovo reveals all of that and more. Compiled and edited with care by Ms. Kott, who lived in Kosovo for over two years while her husband worked at the U.S. embassy, the book was researched by the author and a commit- ted cadre of local writers. Kott traveled the length and breadth of the country, broke bread with tradi- tional villagers, met with Catholic clergy and immersed herself in the culture and history of Europe’s newest nation. She and her fellow contributors provide the reader with detailed information on more than 50 sites of historical or cultural interest, along with more than 80 photographs and diagrams to help readers plan a visit. “I think that anyone interested in history will find Kosovo’s Catholic influ- ence a fascinating lens through which to view the region,” explains Marilyn. “The people have experienced a lot over the centuries, and the result is a remarkable history and culture, shaped by many influences.” During her sojourn in Kosovo Kott was also active in creating and assisting a variety of nongovernmental organiza- tions that serve the local and Mission communities in Pristina, receiving the annual AAFSW-Secretary of State’s Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad for this work. She has arranged that all profits from her book go to charities in the country. Kosovo was, and remains today, a crossroads of history. It is a fascinating country to visit and explore, and there is no better guide to helping make that happen than Catholic Kosovo . Best of all, profits from its sale—every single penny—go to charities in Kosovo. The author can be reached at MarilynKott@outlook.com. n Douglas E. Morris is the partner of an FSO, living with her in Turkey, Brussels and Kosovo. He is the author of 11 books, in- cluding the travel books Made Easy Travel Guides to Italy (https://sites.google.com/ site/madeeasytravelguidestoitaly/) and Open Road’s Best of Italy (www.BestofItaly Guide.com). Kott traveled the length and breadth of the country, broke bread with traditional villagers, met with Catholic clergy and immersed herself in the culture and history of Europe’s newest nation. You Are Our Eyes & Ears! Dear Readers: In order to produce a high-quality product, the FSJ depends on the revenue it earns from advertising. You can help with this. Please let us know the names of companies that have provided good service to you — a hotel, insurance company, auto dealership, or other concern. A referral from our readers is the best entrée! Ed Miltenberger Advertising & Circulation Manager Tel: (202) 944-5507 Email: miltenberger@afsa.org