The Old Bazaar of Tirana: Preserving History and Urban Identity

Bringing back to the public’s attention the history of Tirana’s Old Bazaar, once one of the Albanian capital’s most important economic and cultural centres, was the goal of an event organized by the Swiss Embassy and the Atë Zef Valentini Cultural Centre on 6 February at the Atë Zef Valentini Library.

The authors of the publication, Anna Shkreli, Arba Baxhaku and Alen Bejko, presented their research and shared unknown stories about the Old Bazaar. The project presentation was followed by an open discussion with the creativity team. The audience had the opportunity to actively participate in a dialogue on the importance of protecting and promoting Tirana’s cultural heritage. The discussion prompted reflections on the role of historical preservation in defining urban identity and the challenges posed by the city’s rapid modernization.

The initiative was warmly welcomed by those present, highlighting the importance of institutional collaboration for the preservation of history. Both the Atë Zef Valentini Centre and the Swiss Embassy in Tirana voiced their commitment to support further projects aimed at promoting culture and history in Albania.