Photo exhibition remembers December democratic movement

TIRANA, Dec. 8- On the occasion of remembering the democratic movement of students in December of 1990 who launched the historical process of regime change in Albania, and also to mark World Youth Day, photo exhibitions have been opened at the National Museum and at the Arbnori international culture center with black and white photos freezing in time those important moments. The photographs of Gani Xhengo have been brought from the archives of the Albanian Telegraphic Agency and have been displayed for the public. The exhibitions have been symbolically named “December Images” and “I Was There Too”.
The images bring back the dramatic memories of Albania in the nineties between a political revolution, young figures such as Azem Hajdari, Arben Broci, Avdyl Matoshi who no longer live and the economic collapse with the long lines of people buying food and fuel. All of the pictures carry a symbolic burden of history and documentation of the hard times that marked the introduction of pluralism, market economy and the rapture with a five decades long dictatorship. The pictures display mostly sadness and drama from the tragic events, but also the hope of the revolution. Other images tell the fateful tale of the large exodus movements with ships heading towards Italy and citizens using force to seek shelter in foreign embassies, while other photos document the rebirth of religious celebrations. The politicians who were present during the protests have also been captured by the careful eye of the camera.