TIRANA, Feb. 12 – Tirana is celebrating its 95th anniversary as Albania’s capital with two exhibitions at the TEN multidisciplinary centre.
The exhibitions featuring several renowned artists bring pictures and artworks displaying Tirana’s transformation as the country’s political, economic and cultural epicenter since February 11, 1920 when it was announced as Albania’s capital by the Lushnja Congress.
Last year, Tirana marked its 400th anniversary of establishment with a series of events tracing its development from the early 17th century to the current modern city.
Tirana was established in 1614 by Sulejman Pasha from the village of Mullet. Firstly, he constructed a mosque, a bakery and a Turkish sauna.
However, the capital outskirts boast settlements and archeological heritage dating back from ancient times such as the Paleochristian basilica near Peza of the 3rd century (Durak village), and the 4th century basilica of Tirana or the Church of Kroi i Shëngjinit.
Tirana surroundings also boast two fortresses, the 4th-century Petrela fortress and the 15th- century Preza fortress.
The capital owes much of its characteristic architecture to Italian architects, who designed major public buildings and squares in Albania from 1925 to 1943. In Tirana, Italian planners and architects designed the main square named after the national hero Skanderbeg, the central boulevard, the ministry buildings, the national bank and the town hall.
