Hairlines and Timelines: A Turkish Heart in the Heart of Kosovo

Pristina, Kosovo - Labour mobility is increasingly shaping Kosovo’s*economy and the very fabric of its communities. According to a recent IOM Kosovo Labour Mobility Study, almost 400,000 emigrated from Kosovo over the past 13 years, while demand for foreign labour rose — with over 3,600 employment-related residence permits issued in 2023 alone. 

Despite skills shortages in key economic sectors and an ageing workforce, migrant stories such as Bilals’ represent a shining example of resilience and integration. Bilal Erdemir, a 44-year-old Turkish hairstylist arrived in Kosovo over two decades ago. He represents one of the many migrants who have shown how determination, skills, and a sense of belonging can transform migration into a story of shared growth and prosperity.

Arriving in Pristina in 2004 in search of work, having left behind the bustling city of Istanbul, he did not anticipate staying long-term. However, over the years, his heart became entrenched in Kosovo, a place that many find hard to leave due to its breathtaking nature, low cost of living, and welcoming people. 

Life was not always easy for Bilar during the early years. At first, some people were wary of him because he was a foreigner. But over time, his consistency, character, and craft endeared him to the locals where he earned their trust. 

"The beginning was difficult and filled with real sacrifices. Nothing comes easy," Bilal says. 

He began working at a salon in Ulpiana, an old neighbourhood in Pristina, which was not as modern as what he was accustomed to in Istanbul. It took him time to adjust, but within a few years, through hard work and dedication, Bilal opened his own salon.  

Today, he runs a well-established business in Albi Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in Kosovo, located on the outskirts of Pristina. His salon employs nine people, including three professional stylists from Türkiye and six locals. Together, they form a diverse and experienced team, blending international techniques with local talent to serve a loyal and growing clientele. 

Among them is Fatjon, a young man who balances work and study thanks to Bilal’s flexible schedule — a small example of the supportive environment he has built over the years. 

Running his own business, which specialises in women’s haircuts, came with many sacrifices for Bilal - waking up in the early hours and working late in the evening until 10pm to ensure that his customers receive the best possible service.  

His adoring clients have appreciated his work from the very beginning. "They say my work is art," Bilal notes. Today, his clientele includes several notable public figures, and long-time customers who keep coming back impressed by his skills with scissors. 

"Kosovo and Türkiye are very similar. The only real difference is language," he admits. 

Today, Bilal speaks fluent Albanian, a reflection of his determination to integrate into society and the much-loved city of Pristina which is close to his heart.  

The salon is at the centre of every aspect of Bilal’s life - he even met his wife there and after six months they got married. Today they have three children. His oldest son identifies more with Türkiye, while his daughter and youngest child feel more connected to life in Kosovo. 

"This place is my home. When I visit Türkiye, I start missing my life and the salon after only a week," Bilal states. 

During the pandemic he was forced to close the salon for three months. It was one of the toughest periods that he experienced. 

"I had never been away from work that long," he said. "Albi Mall waived the rent, and the state stepped in and helped with staff salaries. That made a big difference." 

Despite everything he has built, Bilal is still a little uncertain about the future. 

"There are too many hairdressers in Pristina. What this place needs are factories and production." While proud of his achievements, he admits that his profession is demanding and not something his children are eager to continue. Without a fresh impetus, the business may not last. 

Another Turkish hairstylist, Mertcan, joined the team 1.5 years ago. He chose to move here because of the cultural similarities. 

"Everything’s been good. The only challenge is the language," Mertcan concluded.Fikrie Krasniqi, a loyal client who migrated from Kosovo to Sweden many years ago discovered Bilal’s salon during a visit. Since then, she has been returning regularly, timing her vacations around her appointments. For her, coming back to Bilal’s chair is more than a beauty routine — it’s a reconnection with home and community. 

"No one else understands my hair like Bilal. We’ve become like family," she says smiling. 

Bilal encourages others to invest in Kosovo, particularly in sectors that create jobs and promote long-term development. 
 

"There’s potential here, especially with such a young population. If wages improve, Kosovo could grow fast," he said. 

Bilal’s story is one of many that reflect the living realities behind migration and labour mobility in Kosovo. As part of its broader vision for labour migration, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) works closely with local authorities to strengthen migration governance, mobility, and regular pathways. These efforts are also guided by IOM’s Labour Mobility Strategy for the Western Balkans, which aims to create safer, more inclusive, and well-managed mobility across the region. 

Editor’s Note: 
* All references to Kosovo should be understood in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). 

The figures cited in this article are based on findings from IOM Kosovo’s forthcoming 2024 Labour Mobility Study, which is not yet publicly available. 

The initiatives referenced are aligned with the priorities outlined in the IOM Kosovo Strategy 2022–2025.