Albania

The Jewel of Forsaken Nature, Primal History and Unique Culture

Albania is a piece of heaven in the Balkans of Southeast Europe, that is rich with natural beauty, history and civilization. Splendid beaches on the Ionic and Adriatic seas, scenic mountains and ancient cities are only several layers of cultural and landscape highlights offered by Albania. A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites or along its virgin coastlines, Albania guarantees its visitors a remarkable experience, either when they come to seek adventure, or when they come to be able to rest.

Albania which is in the western part of Europe is well known due to its rich cultural heritage, monuments as well as beautiful sceneries. Noted as such, Albania and its arts culture as well as its traditions still has a lot to contribute on the international front.

To obtain all information about Albania, look at its Wikipedia site to see its detailed history as well as general information. To get the official resource and news visit the official site of Albania

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Geographical Location

Albania is a state located on the territory of Western Balkan and its borders touch the state of Montenegro in the northwest, Kosovo in the north, North Macedonia in the east, and Greece in the south. It is positioned in the west against the Adriatic Sea and the south-west against Ionian Sea. It is a 28,748-square kilometer country that accommodates numerous types of terrains involving mountains, rivers, and beaches.

The position of the country of Albania was the strategic place between the Mediterranean and the Balkans and therefore the unique mixing of the East with the West occurrence. It is close to Italy, on the other side of the Adriatic Sea too, and this cultural influence is seen in the architecture, food and the language adopted by that country.

Natural features and Landforms

The country of Albania is highly diversified. The north is the Albanian Alps which are steep mountains with large river valleys that are good to trek and hike through the mountains accompanied with exploring nature. The Llogara Pass has panoramic views over the sea and the Shkodra Lake that borders with Montenegro is the largest Balkan lake.

Some of the most beautiful beaches like Dhermi, Jale or Ksamil can be met along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts and captured the attention of sun worshipers, water sports fans and nature admirers. Vjosa River, which is considered as one of the last rivers in Europe that are not developed, is situated in Albania, and represents the specific ecosystem and possibilities of the eco-tourism.

Climate

Albania has a typical Mediterranean and the summers are hot and dry, and the winters are warm and wet. The coastal zone has hot summers with the average temperature being between 25C and 35C (77F and 95 F) and the inland being cooler and more temperate. It becomes quite cold in the mountains: in winter temperatures may fall below 10 o C (50 o F), and there is snow in higher conditions.

Spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) is the best season to visit Albania, as it is not too hot and wintery, and the weather conditions are perfect because you can enjoy natural beauties of this country and the village of cultural sites without masses of tourists.

The ancient history and classical period

The history of Albania is dated back to the ancient period when it was occupied by different tribes of Illyriors. Ancient Illyrians were one of the first inhabitants of the Balkans and today, some sites of their settlement are still visited in modern Albania. The Greeks then affected the country, particularly along the coast, especially the Shore of Epirus, where Butrint, the ancient Greek city is one of the most prominent archaeological sites of Albania.

Albania was also greatly influenced by the Romans and there were also Roman settlements such as Apollonia and Dyrrachium ( present-day Durres) which was a major slave trading center and cultural center during the Roman Empire. This was substituted by Byzantine rule which made Albania an important member of the Byzantine Empire.

Ottoman Government and Autonomy

Albania was aseized by the Ottomans in the 15 th century and spent more than 400 years with them as a component of the Ottoman Empire. This period was marked with major cultural and religious transformations in the country; many of the Albanians became Muslims. The architecture, language and cuisine of Albania were affected by the Ottoman period too.

Albania proclaimed its freedom in the Ottoman Empire in 1912 but only after the end of World War I did this state gain full sovereignty. The treaty of London formally recognized the independence of Albania and gave the country borders.

Albania in the 20th Century and in the Modern Times

Albania in the 20th century experienced political disturbances, and during this era Albania enjoyed a long duration of communist government led by Enver Hoxha who remained its leader between 1946 and 1985. Under his regime, Albania was one of the most secluded nations world wide whereby there were rigid regulations on education, religion and civil rights.

After the collapse of communism in 1990s, Albania embarked on a democratic government and since the transition, the country has tremendously improved in both economic growth and modernization. Albania received -in 2014- the EU candidate status and Albania continues to work towards aligning its norms and values with the European ones.

Diversity Ethnic and Religious

Albania is a diverse ethnic country and Albanians form the largest proportion of the population. Other, smaller ethnic groups, which can be found in the country, are Macedonian, Montenegrin, Greek and Roma. Most Albanians are Muslims (both Sunni and Shia, or convert to-), and a large part is either Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic.

Religion in Albania has itself been an issue of unity and disunity, after the communist era Albania established itself an atheist state in 1967. Today Albania is characterized with religious tolerance as people of varying faith walk together and also every religious group has the festivals which are celebrated.

Cultural Upon and Practices

Albanian culture cultures are strongly affected by Illyrian, Roman, Ottoman an Christian cultures. The nation is known about their traditional music and dance and such genres such as iso-polyphony (registered in the UNESCO list), folk songs, which are transmitted over the generations. The lute, flute and the drum among other traditional instruments are still used to play at festivals and celebrations.

Albania also has its conventional clothing e.g. the fustanella ( a skirt like attire worn by males) and the çarshaf ( long dresses worn by women), that are donned at cultural festivals and ceremonies.

Language

Albania is a country in which the official language is Albanian, an Indo-European language which has two dialects Tosk (spoken in the south) and Gheg (spoken in the north). The latter is present in only Albanian, which has its alphabet which is based on Latin.

Religious Festivals

In Albania Easter and Christmas are big events, Christians attend church and families organise system. The Muslim people also have Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr which are also major festivals comprising reunions with the family, feasts and prayer sessions.

Days of Special and National Holidays

One very significant national holiday is Independence Day (November 28) when the country declared its independence in the Ottoman Empire in 1912. The Day of Liberation (November 29) is a commemoration of the defeat of World War II and the release of the country out of Nazi occupation.

Cultural Festivals

Gjirokastra The Gjirokastra Festival is a festival in Albania of Albanian culture, held in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Gjirokastra, featuring Albanian music, Albanian dancing, and Albanian art. The Shkodra Folk Festival provides Albania with an opportunity to portray one of its amazing cultures, such as folk customs.

Economic Development

Chief economic activities that are leading to the steady growth of the economy of Albania include agriculture, energy and tourism. The nation has an agricultural reputation laid in producing olive oil, wine, tobacco, and citrus fruits. The government also relies on mining as a segment of the economy especially in the mining of chromite, coal, and bauxite.

Tourism

In Albania, tourism has gained significance in the economy where the attractive coastline, mountains terrain, archeological remains and sites attract foreign nationals and tourists across the globe. The great tourist attraction sites are the capital city of Tirana, Saranda, Berat and the renowned Butrint National Park.

Profession and Commerce

Huge production of minerals, agricultural goods, and textiles is also done in Albania. It is also trying to build its infrastructure and renewable energy sources particularly the hydropower.

Things to see in Albania

The six attractions the list of which a person should not miss in Albania are as follows:

1. Tirana

Inhabited by bright streets, historical objects, and an emerging cultural life, the capital of Albania Tirana impresses with its liveliness. Check Skanderbeg Square, Et Ehem Bey Mosque and National History Museum.

2. Butrint

Butrint – ancient Greek and Roman city; World Heritage site of the UNESCO. It provides a spectacular view of Albanian historical past whose ruins are well preserved.

3. Berat

Berat the town of a thousand windows is a well-known town in terms of its Ottoman architecture, fortress and the beautiful views which it offers in its riverside.

4. Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has well maintained Ottoman architecture, narrow paved stone streets, and an old fortress.

5. Ksamil

Ksamil boasts of the crystal beaches, its blue clear waters and its vicinity to the ruins of Butrint whose ruins date back to ancient times.

6. Llogara Pass

The Llogara Pass is a most beautiful view seen in Albania and in this, one can have a view of the Ionian Sea, Albanian Riviera and the mountain landscapes.

Healthcare System

Albania presents universal healthcare by its public health care. Healthcare delivery is also present but access and quality seem to be somewhat problematic especially in rural settings.

Education System

Albania provides free education at all levels including the secondary education, higher education and universities. There are more universities in the country with the most famous being Tirana university.

Transport Network

Albania possesses an emerging transport network and the large highways are between cities and towns. The main international airport to Albania is the Tirana International Airport.

Urban Development

The key cities such as Tirana and Shkodra have experienced substantial urban growth over the last few years through the development of state of the art transportation systems and shopping malls, tourist-related infrastructure.

Ideal Seasons

Albania is beautiful in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October): Some parts of the country have a lot to offer during these seasons; one can also have a pleasant weather during this period.

Special Event and Festivals

Traditional festivals of Gjirokastra festival and Shkodra folk festival is some of the major festivals to visit.

In Conclusion: 

Albania is one of those countries where many contradictions can be found: an amazing combination of history, culture, and beauty of nature. Regardless of the UNESCO sites and the ancient cities to the beautiful mountains and the beaches, Albania is a girded world that still impresses the tourists all over the globe.

Question/Answers

When should you visit Albania?

It is most enjoyable to visit it during spring ( April to June ) or autumn ( September to October ) and during those periods, the weather is good.

Which are the best things to do in Albania?

The best sites are Tirana, Butrint, Berat, Gjirokastra and Ksamil.

Which are the languages spoken in Albania?

The official tongue is Albanian.

Is Albania tourism safe?

Albania can be judged safe by tourists and the security of such places is mild with the convivial mood.

Which cultural festivals must I attend in Albania?

Some of the major cultural festivals which should be attended in Albania are the Gjirokastra Festival and the Shkodra Folk Festival.