TIRANA, Aug. 2 – An Albanian collector has come up with the idea of establishing the country’s first private museum showcasing rare Albanian flags dating back to the first half of the 20th century.
Renowned historian and collector Shpetim Sala says the museum will feature 40 Albanian flags dating from 1905 to 1944 which have been preserved for almost a century by the Sala and Toptani families in Korà§a and Tirana.
A quite unique initiative in Albania, the museum will also display other items that show the importance of the flag, and how through centuries, the flag has been a symbol of unity and demonstration of the Albanian spirit. Various items where the eagle symbol has been carved will also be part of the museum.
“We are looking for a suitable place that reflects the values of this museum as the first private flag museum in Albania,” collector Sala told daily Gazeta Shqiptare in an interview.
How many flags will the museum have?
There will be about 40 flags in the museum.
What historical aspect do the flags represent?
The flags date from 1905 to 1944. They have been part of different memorial events; one of them is the flag of 1905, which was part of the uprising that took place in northern Albania, the flag of the “Gjuha Shqipe” (Albanian Language) club in Shkoder that dates back to 1910, and also a flag created in 1908 by the “Besa Besà«” association which arrived to Korà§a from the U.S. This flag was used in the Korà§a uprising.
What is the story behind them? Where were they preserved and by whom?
A number of them has been preserved by the Sala and Toptani families.
Where will the museum be located?
For the moment we haven’t found a place yet. We are looking for an appropriate place which will reflect the values of this museum, as the first of its kind in Albania.
What is the monetary value of the flags?
As far as this question is concerned, I’m sorry I’m not able to give a correct answer; their registration with the National Center of the Cultural Properties’ Inventory has not been carried out yet. However, we are aware of the fact that the value of this collection is quite huge and irreplaceable.
Which is the oldest flag, when does it date?
The oldest flag belongs to the uprising in northern Shkoder in 1905.
When do these flags date back in general and which are the earliest?
The flags date from 1905 to 1944. Besides the flags, the museum will also be focusing on different important historical objects accompanying the flag’s journey through the centuries. In addition, other objects will be included, such as the front part of a case craved with the Albanian eagle, embroidery with the Albanian eagle, and also other items dating from the 18th century.
Is there any flag that makes a historical finding or provides additional historical information?
A big number of them represent the journey of the national Albanian flag through the centuries.
What’s the current physical condition of the flags? Is there any need for restoration?
In general, the flags are in a good physical condition, but again there is always need for preservation and restoration.
Is your collection registered and certificated?
Currently, we are going through the process of certification. We have finished with the registration at the National Center of the Cultural Properties’ Inventory yet.
The flag history
The Albanian flag portrays a double-headed black eagle centrally positioned on a red background. The eagle was a common heraldic symbol for many Albanian dynasties in the late Middle Ages and came to be the symbol of the Albanians in general. It is also said to have been the flag of Skanderbeg. As a symbol of modern Albania, the flag began to be seen during the years of the national awakening and was in common use during the uprisings of 1909-1912. It was this flag that Ismail Qemali raised in Vlora on 28 November 1912 in proclaiming Albanian independence. During the reign of King Zog a crown was added, during the Italian occupation two axes and during the communist period a five-pointed golden star, the latter was removed in April 1992 soon after the collapse of the 45-year communist regime.
The red flag with the double-headed black eagle is both the official symbol of the Republic of Albania and the National symbol of all Albanians.
