Museum-City of Gjirokastra
(2005)
Albania
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The historic town of Gjirokastra, in the Drinos river valley in southern
Albania, is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of
large estate. The 13th-century citadel provides the focal point of the town with
its typical tower houses (Turkish kule). Characteristic of the Balkan region,
Gjirokastra contains a series of outstanding examples of kule, a type of
building which crystallized in the 17th century.
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But Gjirokastra also features some more elaborate examples
from the early 19th century. The kule has a tall basement, a first floor
for use in the cold season, and a second floor for the warm season.
Interiors feature rich decorative details and painted floral
patterns, particularly in the zones reserved for the reception of visitors. The
town also retains a bazaar, an 18th-century mosque and two churches of the same
period.
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The postwar communist regime of Albania developed the city
as an industrial and commercial centre.
It was elevated to the status of a "museum-city" largely due
to the fact that it was the birthplace of the dictator Enver Hoxha
(1908-1985), who was born there on 16th October 1908.
His house was converted into a museum which became a focal point of
Hoxha's cult of personality.
- Albania 1951. Enver Hoxha and the birthplace of the Albanian
Communist Party.
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Gjirokastėr suffered severe economic problems following the end
of communist rule in 1991. It was particularly badly affected by the 1997
collapse of a massive pyramid scheme, which destabilised the entire Albanian
economy. The city became the focus of a rebellion against the government of Sali
Berisha, and violent and violent anti-government protests took place which
eventually forced Berisha's resignation. On December 16, 1997, Hoxha's house was
blown up by unknown (but presumably anti-communist) attackers.
Sources and links:
Other World Heritage Sites in Albania (on this
website). Eventually refer to the UNESCO-listing,
Albania section, for further information on the individual properties.
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Revised 18 aug 2007
Copyright © 1999 Heindorffhus
All Rights Reserved
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