Leskovac

Leskovac (Serbian Cyrillic: Лесковац, pronounced [lěskoʋats]) is a city and the administrative center of the Jablanica District in southern Serbia. It is situated in the Leskovac Depression (Leskovačka kotlina), by the small river of Veternica, near the confluence point with South Morava. According to the 2022 census, the city itself has a population of 58,338 while the city administrative area has 123,950 inhabitants. The town, as a village, was first mentioned during the reign of emperor Stefan Dušan (r. 1331–1355). During the Ottoman period, Leskovac became an administrative centre and a notable craftsman's and merchant town. Following liberation in the late 19th century, the town became important in the textile industry and expanded to become the third largest urban area in the state. After German occupation in World War II, it was heavily bombed by the Allies in 1944, which left much of the town destroyed. Located in the southeast of Serbia, Leskovac is regarded the meat capital, with an annual six-day grill festival showcasing specialties such as Pljeskavica, Ćevapi, Mućkalica, rotisserie, and paprika.