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89-566: The Gjirokastër National Folk Festival was preceded by the National Festival of Song, Music and Dance held in Tiranë , capital of Albania in 1949 and subsequently on November 25–27, 1959. Ten years later, on October 8–16, 1968, the first National Folklore Festival was held in Gjirokastër to celebrate the birthday of Enver Hoxha , the communist leader of Albania and native of the city. The festival

178-569: A bazaar and included several watermills , even before 1614, when Sulejman Bargjini , a local ruler, built the Old Mosque , a small commercial centre, and a hammam (Turkish bath). This is confirmed by oral sources, which state that there were two earlier mosques 300–400 m from the Old Mosque, towards today's Ali Demi Street . The Mosque of Reç and the Mosque of Mujo were positioned on the left side of

267-625: A gamma-world-city , Tirana is the most important economic, financial, political, and trade centre in Albania due to its significant location in the centre of the country and its modern air , maritime , rail and road transportation . As the seat of power of the Government of Albania , it hosts the official residences of the President and Prime Minister of Albania and the Parliament of Albania . The city

356-409: A monarchy, a state-party regime and the parliamentary republic as well. Throughout all this period the function of the president of Albania and head of state has been exercised in various forms. The first government after the independence was headed by Ismail Qemali , who also enjoyed the competences of the head of state . On 6 February 1914, Prince Wilhelm Wied was appointed as head of state by

445-618: A narrow asphalt mountain road onto an area known as Fusha e Dajtit. From this small area there is a view of Tirana and its plain. Tiranë river flows through the city, as does the Lanë river. Tirana is home to several artificial lakes, including Tirana , Farka, Tufina, and Kashar. The present municipality was formed in the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities of Baldushk, Bërzhitë, Dajt, Farkë, Kashar, Krrabë, Ndroq, Petrelë, Pezë, Shëngjergj, Tirana, Vaqarr, Zall-Bastar and Zall-Herr, which became municipal units. The seat of

534-517: A number of events. Personalities visited the capital, such as former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker and Pope John Paul II . The former visit came amidst the historical setting after the fall of communism, as hundreds of thousands were chanting in Skanderbeg Square Baker's famous saying of "Freedom works!". Pope John Paul II became the first major religious leader to visit Tirana, though Mother Teresa had visited few years prior. During

623-673: A pressing concern as the number of cars has increased. These are mostly 1990s and early 2000s diesel cars, while it is widely believed that the fuel used in Albania contains larger amounts of sulfur and lead than in the European Union . Effective 1 January 2019, the government has imposed an import ban of used vehicles made prior to 2005 in an effort to curb pollution, encourage the buying of new cars from certified domestic dealerships, and to improve overall road safety. Another source of pollution are PM10 and PM2.5 inhaled particulate matter and NO 2 gases resulting from rapid growth in

712-596: A resident in the Republic of Albania for at least ten years. The president of Albania , officially styled President of the Republic of Albania represents the unity of the Albanian people in the country and abroad as the head of state . The president begins his duties officially after he takes the oath before the Parliament , but not before the mandate of the president who is leaving has been completed. The president of Albania

801-579: A vital component of the economy. Tirana has been officially dubbed as 'The Place Beyond Belief' by local authorities. The increasing number of international arrivals at the Tirana International Airport and Port of Durrës from across Europe, Australia and Asia has rapidly grown the number of foreign visitors in the city. The largest hotels of the city are the Tirana International Hotel , Maritim Plaza Tirana both situated in

890-518: Is elected through a secret vote and without debate by the Parliament of Albania by a majority of three-fifths of all its members and is elected for 5 years. However, the Constitution of Albania sets a limit to a maximum of two terms in office. The president-elect is required to take an oath of office before the members of the Parliament of Albania . Albania has experienced different models of governance, including an international protectorate,

979-448: Is projected to be a multifunctional terminal for rail, tram and bus transportation. City officials have also talked about a light rail extension all the way to the location of the former rail station. The new rail line from Tirana through Nënë Tereza International Airport to Durrës has started construction. In 2012, the Tirana municipality published a report according to which a project on

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1068-511: Is simultaneously the premier air gateway to the country. The airport was officially named in honour of the Albanian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, Mother Teresa. It connects Tirana with many destinations in different countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The airport carried more than 3.3 million passengers in 2019 and is also the principal hub for the country's flag carrier , Air Albania . The city's geographical location in

1157-539: Is the official residence of the president of Albania. The Palace was commissioned by King Zog I of Albania to serve as his main official residence. After the second World War it has been used by the Government of Albania for holding official ceremonies and state receptions. Due to its location near the Grand Park of Tirana , its gardens are quite extensive. It is surrounded by trees for nearly 200 metres and decorated in patterns and shapes of various designs. In addition

1246-533: Is the capital and largest city of Albania . It is located in the centre of the country, enclosed by mountains and hills, with Dajti rising to the east and a slight valley to the northwest overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the distance. It is among the wettest and sunniest cities in Europe, with 2,544 hours of sun per year. Tirana was founded in 1614 by Ottoman Albanian general Sylejman Pasha Bargjini , centered on

1335-631: Is the supreme commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania and appoints and relieves military commanders of duty, conforming to applicable legislation. Furthermore, the Chief of the General Staff is appointed as well by the president. The Constitution , states that the president addresses messages to the Parliament , exercises the right of pardon according to the law, grants Albanian citizenship and permits it to be given up according to

1424-528: The 1991 parliamentary elections . The result was a victory for Ramiz Alia of the Party of Labour of Albania (PPSh), who received 56.2% of the vote in the third round of the elections, ahead of 3 other candidates. Sali Berisha , the Democratic Party of Albania (PD) candidate and runner-up in the election, received almost 38.7% of the vote. Ramiz Alia resigned as the president on 3 April 1992. The same year,

1513-584: The Albanian language started to be taught in Tirana's schools, and the patriotic club Bashkimi was founded in 1908. On 28 November 1912, the national flag was raised in Vlorë by President Ismail Qemali , marking the symbolic birth of Albania as a sovereign country. The next years, however, were marked by turmoil. During the Balkan Wars , Tirana was temporarily occupied by the Serbian army and it took part in uprising of

1602-546: The Albanian unrest . The fourth presidential election were held after the 1997 parliamentary election . The result was a victory for Rexhep Meidani of the Socialist Party of Albania (PS), who was elected by the Parliament of Albania through a vote of 110 to 3. The fifth presidential elections were held on 24 June 2002. The result was a victory for Alfred Moisiu , he was chosen by both Socialist Party of Albania (PS) and Democratic Party of Albania (PD) leaders at

1691-459: The Autostrada 1 (A1). During the communist regime in Albania , a plan for the construction of a ring road around Tirana arose in 1989s with no implementation until the 2010s. It is of major importance, especially concerning the demographic growth of the metropolitan region of Tirana as well as the importance of the economy. Although, constructions for the nowadays completed southern section of

1780-568: The Central Region of Albania and consists of the rural administrative units of Baldushk , Bërzhitë , Dajt , Farkë , Kashar , Krrabë , Ndroq , Petrelë , Pezë , Shëngjergj , Vaqarr , Zall-Bastar , Zall-Herr and Tirana. The administrative unit of Tirana is further partitioned into eleven urban administrative units, namely Tirana 1 , Tirana 2 , Tirana 3 , Tirana 4 , Tirana 5 , Tirana 6 , Tirana 7 , Tirana 8 , Tirana 9 , Tirana 10 and Tirana 11 . The Mayor of Tirana along with

1869-556: The Communist Party of Albania , and Enver Hoxha soon emerged as its leader. The town soon became the centre of the Albanian communists, who mobilised locals against Italian fascists and later Nazi Germans, while spreading ideological propaganda. On 4 February 1944, the Gestapo , supported by the forces of Xhafer Deva , executed 86 anti-fascists in Tirana. On 17 November 1944, the town

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1958-741: The EU-Western Balkans summit , marking the inaugural summit to be held outside the European Union's borders. On 21 September 2024, it was reported that Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama was planning to create the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order , a sovereign microstate for the Order within Tirana. Tirana extends at the Plain of Tirana in the centre of Albania between the mount of Dajti in

2047-577: The Lana River and were older than the Old Mosque. Later, the Et'hem Bey Mosque , built by Molla Bey of Petrela , was constructed. It employed the best artisans in the country and was completed in 1821 by Molla's son Etëhem , who was also Sulejman Bargjini's great-nephew. In 1800, the first newcomers arrived in the settlement , the so-called ortodoksit . They were Aromanians from villages near Korçë and Pogradec , who settled around modern day Tirana Park on

2136-721: The Mosaics of Tirana . With the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the fourth century, most of Albania came under the control of the eastern Byzantine Empire , as evident by the Petrelë Castle built during the reign of Justinian I . The city was fairly unimportant until the 20th century, when the Congress of Lushnjë proclaimed it as Albania's capital after the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912. Classified as

2225-549: The Mussolini period in Italy. Brasini laid the basis for the modern-day arrangement of the ministerial buildings in the city centre. The plan underwent revisions by Albanian architect Eshref Frashëri, Italian architect Castellani and Austrian architects Weiss and Kohler. The modern Albanian parliament building served as an officers' club. It was there that, in September 1928, Zog of Albania

2314-742: The Old Mosque and türbe . The site of present-day Tirana has been continuously inhabited since the Iron Age and was likely the core of the Illyrian Kingdom of the Taulantii , which in Classical Antiquity was centred in the hinterland of Epidamnus . Following the Illyrian Wars , it was annexed by Rome and became an integral part of the Roman Empire ; the heritage of that period is reflected by

2403-649: The Presidenca and Kryeministria , respectively, nevertheless the Parliament of Albania is headquartered at the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard . Tirana is also the home to the national Constitutional Court and Supreme Court . Important national institutions housed in Tirana include the Appeal Court and Administrative Court . The Bank of Albania is located at the Skanderbeg Square while other institutions such as

2492-421: The President of the Republic of Albania ( Albanian : Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë ), is the head of state , commander-in-chief of the military and the representative of the unity of the Albanian people . The president has the power to set the date of the elections for the Parliament as well as referendum , grants pardons and awards . In case of incapability to discharge duties of office,

2581-412: The second presidential elections were held on 22 March 1992. The result was a victory for Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party of Albania (PD), who received 57.3% of the vote in the second round of the elections, ahead of 5 other candidates, he was elected as president on 9 April 1992. Berisha also won the third presidential election in 1997 and was re-elected on 3 February 1997, he resigned due to

2670-625: The speaker of the Parliament assumes the office's powers and duties as acting president until the president resumes those powers and duties, or until election of a new president. The Office of the President of Albania consists of the immediate staff of the president of the country, as well as support staff reporting to the president. The office is seated in the Presidential Office in the capital city Tirana . The Constitution of Albania defines

2759-537: The tertiary sector is the most important for the economy of Tirana and employs more than 68% of work force of Tirana. 26% of the working population makes up the secondary sector followed by the primary sector with only 5%. The city began to develop at the beginning of the 16th century as it was part of the Ottoman Empire, when a bazaar was established, and its craftsmen manufactured silk and cotton fabrics, leather, ceramics and iron, silver and gold artefacts. In

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2848-462: The 20th century, the city and its surrounding areas expanded rapidly and became the most heavily industrialised region of the country. The most significant contribution is made by the tertiary sector which has developed considerably since the fall of communism in Albania. Forming the financial centre of the country, the financial industry is a major component of the city's tertiary sector and remains in good conditions overall due to privatization and

2937-508: The Ambassadors Conference. From September 1914 until January 1920, Albania was transformed into a battle field and experienced the change of a number of governments, where the post of the head of state was played by different governments regencies. On 8 January 1920 the Congress of Lushnjë elected the 'High Council' composed by four members, one of whom would exercise the functions of the head of state by introducing and bringing back

3026-624: The Artificial Lake . They started to be known as the llacifac and were the first Christians to arrive after the creation of the town. In 1807, Tirana became the centre of the Subprefecture of Krujë-Tirana. After 1816, Tirana languished under the control of the Toptani family of Krujë . Later, Tirana became a sub-prefecture of the newly created Vilayet of Shkodër and the Sanjak of Durrës. In 1889,

3115-575: The Balkans turmoil in the mid-1990s, the city experienced dramatic events such as the unfolding of the 1997 unrest in Albania and a failed coup d'état on 14 September 1998. In 1999, following the Kosovo War , Tirana Airport became a NATO airbase, serving its mission in the former Yugoslavia. During his term from 2000 to 2011, the former mayor of Tirana , Edi Rama , undertook a campaign to demolish illegal constructed buildings across Tirana as well as along

3204-689: The Cabinet of Tirana exercises executive power. The Assembly of Tirana functions as the city parliament and consists of 55 members, serving four-year terms. It primarily deals with budget, global orientations and relations between the city and the Government of Albania . It has 14 committees and its chairman is Aldrin Dalipi from the Socialist Party. Each of the members have a specific portfolio such as economy, finance, juridical, education, health care, and several professional services, agencies and institutes. In 2000,

3293-492: The Constitution and laws of the country, that I will respect the rights and freedoms of citizens, protect the independence of the Republic of Albania, and I will serve the general interest and the progress of the Albanian people. So help me God! The Presidential Office ( Albanian : Presidenca ) is the official workplace of the president. It consists of the immediate staff of the president, as well as support staff reporting to

3382-467: The Palace was designed by Italian well-known architect Gherardo Bosio . The title First Lady of Albania is an unofficial title; it is not an elected one, carries no official duties, and receives no salary. Nonetheless, first ladies have held a highly visible position in Albanian society. The role has evolved over the years, but she is, first and foremost, the spouse of the president. However, she accompanies

3471-449: The Region. Tirana is twinned with Ankara , Beijing , Bursa , Doha , Florence , Kharkiv , Sarajevo and has signed partnership agreements with Verona and Zagreb . It has also signed special bilateral agreements with Zaragoza . Tirana is the heart of the economy of Albania and the most industrialised and economically fastest growing region in Albania. Of the main sectors ,

3560-571: The appearance and use of the presidential standard, flown on buildings of the Office of the President, the residence of the president, the transportation vehicles when in use by the president, and in other ceremonial occasions. The spouse of the president is recognized as the first lady of Albania , but holds no official role in the presidency . She often plays a protocol role at the Presidential Palace and during official visits . The president

3649-417: The biography of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg , Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum principis ( The story of life and deeds of Skanderbeg, the prince of Epirotes ), referred to this area as a small village, distinguishing between "Little Tirana" and "Great Tirana". It is later mentioned in 1572 as Borgo di Tirana . According to Hahn , the settlement had already started to develop as

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3738-415: The centre of Albania has long established the city as an integral terminus for the national road transportation , thus connecting the city to all parts of Albania and the neighbouring countries. The Rruga Shtetërore 1 (SH1) connects Tirana with Shkodër and Montenegro in the north, and constitutes an essential section of the proposed Adriatic–Ionian motorway . The Rruga Shtetërore 2 (SH2) continues in

3827-522: The centre of Tirana from the central campus of University of Tirana in the Mother Teresa Square up to the Skanderbeg Square, was declared the place of Cultural Assembly, and given state protection. The historical core of the capital lies around pedestrian only Murat Toptani Street, while the most prominent city district is Blloku . In 2010, the municipality undertook the installing of street name signs and entrance numbers while every apartment entrance

3916-742: The city is ranked among the wettest cities in Europe . Temperatures vary throughout the year from an average of 6.7 °C (44.1 °F) in January to 24 °C (75 °F) in July. Springs and summers are very warm to hot often reaching over 20 °C (68 °F) from May to September. During autumn and winter , from November to March, the average temperature drops and is not lower than 6.7 °C (44.1 °F). The city receives approximately 2500 hours of sun. In September 2015, Tirana organized its first vehicle-free day, joining forces with numerous cities across

4005-463: The city's population from 1920 onward and for some years thereafter. On 8 February 1920, the Congress of Lushnjë proclaimed Tirana as the temporary capital of Albania, which had gained independence in 1912. The city acquired that status permanently on 31 December 1925. In 1923, the first regulatory city plan was compiled by Austrian architects. The centre of Tirana was the project of Florestano Di Fausto and Armando Brasini , well-known architects of

4094-594: The commendable monetary policy . All of the most important financial institutions, such as the Bank of Albania and the Albanian Stock Exchange are centred in Tirana as well as most of the banking companies such as the Banka Kombëtare Tregtare , Raiffeisen Bank , Credins Bank , Intesa Sanpaolo Bank and Tirana Bank . The telecommunication industry represents another major and growing contributor to

4183-473: The construction of new buildings and expanding road infrastructure. Untreated solid waste is present in the city and outskirts. Additionally, there have been complaints of excessive noise pollution. Despite the problems, the Grand Park at the Artificial Lake has some effect on absorbing CO 2 emissions, while over 2.000 trees have been planted around sidewalks. Works for four new large parks have started in

4272-530: The construction of two tram lines was under evaluation. The tram lines would have a total length of 16.7 kilometres (10.4 miles). The plan was never implemented. Under the plan, the two tram lines would have intersected in Skanderbeg Square. The public transport in Tirana is, for now, focused only in the city centre, so that the people living in the suburbs have fewer or no public transport connections. President of Albania The president of Albania ( Albanian : Presidenti i Shqipërisë ), officially styled

4361-551: The east, the hills of Kërrabe, Sauk and Vaqarr in the south, and a valley to the north overlooking the Adriatic Sea . The average altitude is about 110 meters (360 ft) above sea level , with a maximum of 1,828 metres (5,997 feet) at Maja Mincekut of Mali me Gropa in Shenmeri. The city is surrounded by two important protected areas : the Dajti National Park and Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Protected Landscape . In winter,

4450-402: The end of Albania's long anti-religious atheist stance. She paid respects to her mother and sister resting at a local cemetery. Starting at the campus and ending at Skanderbeg Square with the toppling of Enver Hoxha's statue, the city saw significant demonstrations by University of Tirana students demanding political freedoms in the early 1990s. On the political aspect, the city witnessed

4539-585: The fourth round the incumbent Chairman of the Parliament of Albania , Ilir Meta of the Socialist Movement for Integration (SMI) was elected as seventh president of Albania with 87 votes. As of Article 89 of the Albanian Constitution sets the following qualifications for holding the presidency, to be a natural-born citizen of the Albanian Republic , to be at least forty years old and to be

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4628-487: The globe to fight against the existing problem of urban air pollution. This initiative resulted in a considerable drop in both air and noise pollution, encouraging the Municipality to organise a vehicle-free day every month. The city suffers from problems related to overpopulation , such as waste management , high levels of air pollution and significant noise pollution . Over the last decades, air pollution has become

4717-400: The governmental buildings in Tirana protesting against political corruption and state capture, particularly associated with the former prime minister Sali Berisha 's government. In September 2014, Pope Francis made an official state visit to Tirana simultaneously becoming the second pontiff to visit Albania, after Pope John Paul II in 1992. Following the municipal elections of 2015, power

4806-522: The ground in order to build the Soviet-styled Palace of Culture. The northern portion of the main boulevard was renamed Stalin Boulevard and his statue was erected in the city square. Because private car ownership was banned, mass transportation consisted mainly of bicycles, trucks and buses. After Hoxha's death, a pyramidal museum was constructed in his memory by the government. Before and after

4895-591: The heart of the city near Skanderbeg Square, and the Hyatt-owned luxury Mak Hotel Tirana located next to the Air Albania Stadium , where Mariott Tirana Hotel is also planned to open. Other major hotels present in central Tirana include the Rogner Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Tirana, Xheko Imperial Hotel, Best Western Premier Ark Hotel, and Mondial Hotel. Tirana is served by Nënë Tereza International Airport , which

4984-420: The hinterland of Epidamnus . When the Romans arrived in Illyria after their victory of the Illyrian Wars , they populated and integrated the area into their empire under the political control of the city of Rome. The oldest surviving discovery from this period is a Roman house dating to the 3rd century, which was transformed into an aisleless church with a mosaic floor. A castle , possibly known as Tirkan ,

5073-546: The holding of the first parliamentary elections in December 1945 and also by the transformation of the head of state 's function into a collegial body, the Presidium of the Parliament of Albania . During the communism from 11 January 1946 until 12 December 1990, the functions of the head of state were carried out by Omer Nishani from 10 January 1946 to 1 August 1953, by Haxhi Lleshi from 1 August 1953 to 22 November 1982 and by Ramiz Alia from 22 November 1982 to 22 February 1991. The 'Presidential Council', headed by Ramiz Alia

5162-491: The law, gives decorations and titles of honor according to the law, accords the highest military rank according to the law, on the proposal of the Prime Minister , he appoints and withdraws plenipotentiary representatives of the Republic of Albania to other states and international organizations, accepts letters of credentials and the withdrawal of diplomatic representatives of other states and international organization accredited to him, signs international agreements according to

5251-485: The law, upon proposal of the Prime Minister , he appoints the Director of the National Security Department, nominates rectors of universities upon proposal of their council's representatives, sets the date of the elections for the Parliament , for the organs of local power and for the conduct of a referendum and requests opinions and information in writing from the directors of state institutions for issues that have to do with their duties. Before assuming presidential duty,

5340-420: The major problems such as shortages of drinking water and electricity. In June 2007, George W. Bush traveled to Tirana on an official state visit, becoming the first U.S. President to visit the former communist country. In 2008, the Gërdec explosions were felt in the capital as windows were shattered and citizens shaken. In January 2011, the Albanian opposition demonstrations were triggered in front of

5429-407: The ministries of Culture , Defence , Education , Finance , Foreign Affairs , Health , Infrastructure , Internal Affairs , Justice and Tourism are spread over Tirana. The city is also the home to all the consulates and embassies in Albania, thereby making it an important centre for international diplomacy in the country. Tirana is a founding member of the Union of Albanian Municipalities in

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5518-433: The mountains are often covered with snow and are a popular retreat for the population of Tirana, which rarely receives snowfalls. In terms of biodiversity , the forests are mainly composed of pine , oak and beech , while its interior relief is dotted with canyons , waterfalls, caves, lakes and other landforms. Thanks to its natural heritage, it is considered the "Natural Balcony of Tirana". The mountain can be reached by

5607-541: The municipality is the city of Tirana. Tirana has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) according to the Köppen climate classification and receives enough precipitation during summer to avoid the Mediterranean climate ( Csa ) classification. The average precipitation in Tirana is about 1,266 millimetres (49.8 inches) per year. The city receives the majority of precipitation in winter months, which occurs from November to March, and less in summer months, from June to September. In terms of precipitation, both rain and snow,

5696-523: The ones started by Veliaj's predecessor. In their first few council meetings, 242 social houses got allocated to families in need. Construction permits were suspended until the capital's development plan is revised and synthesized. Between December 2018 and February 2019, a series of demonstrations erupted in the central areas of Tirana and other cities of the country in response to a controversial law on higher education, poor quality of teaching, high tuition rates and corruption. In September 2019, Tirana

5785-416: The parliamentarian way of governance. In 1924, Fan Noli was elected as head of government while exercising at the same time the functions of the head of state. After the frequent changes in governance, the Parliament of Albania approved and passed the republican form of regime on 25 January 1925 and elected Zog I of Albania as the president of Albania. The nation was proclaimed a monarchy and Ahmet Zogu

5874-648: The president-elect is required to take an oath of office before the Parliament , swearing loyalty to the Constitution . The text of the oath in its Albanian form is sensitive to gender and all nouns always retain a neutral form. The president-elect takes the following oath of office, specified by the Constitution : Albanian : Betohem se do t’i bindem Kushtetutës dhe ligjeve të vendit, do të respektoj të drejtat dhe liritë e shtetasve, do të mbroj pavarësinë e Republikës së Shqipërisë dhe do t’i shërbej interesit të përgjithshëm dhe përparimit të Popullit Shqiptar. Zoti më ndihmoftë! English : I swear that I will obey to

5963-437: The president. Since the collapse of communism, the building was used as the Office of the president, having been used for this purpose uninterrupted up to this day. The building consists three floors where two entrance gates lead an oval driveway from the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard . The Presidential Palace ( Albanian : Pallati presidencial ), popularly known as the Palace of Brigades ( Albanian : Pallati i Brigadave ),

6052-401: The proclamation of Albania's policy of self-imposed isolationism , a number of high-profile figures paid visits to the city, such as Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev , Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and East German Foreign Minister Oskar Fischer . In 1985, Enver Hoxha's funeral was held in Tirana. A few years later, Mother Teresa became the first religious figure to visit the country after

6141-493: The ring road started in 2011, however, the northern and eastern sections are still in the planning process. Rail lines of Hekurudha Shqiptare (HSH) connected Tirana with all of the major cities of Albania, including Durrës, Shkodër and Vlorë. In 2013, the Tirana Railway Station was closed and moved to Kashar by the city government in order to create space for the New Boulevard ( Albanian : Bulevardi i Ri ) project. The new Tirana Station will be constructed in Laprakë , which

6230-557: The river banks of Lanë to bring the area to its pre-1990 state. In an attempt to widen roads, Rama authorized the bulldozing of private properties so that they could be paved over, thus widening streets. Most main roads underwent reconstruction, including the Unaza, Rruga e Kavajës and the main boulevard. Rama also led the initiative to paint the façades of Tirana's buildings in bright colours, although much of their interiors continued to degrade. Rama's critics claimed that he focused too much attention on cosmetic changes without fixing any of

6319-402: The sector. A rapid development occurred as well as after the end of communism and decades of isolationism mainly due to the new national policy of reform and opening up sped up the industry's development. Vodafone , Telekom Albania and Eagle are the leading telecommunication providers in Tirana, as in all the country. The tourism industry of the city has expanded in recent years to become

6408-563: The summer of 2015 located in Kashar, Farkë , Vaqarr, and Dajt . These parks are part of the new urban plan striving to increase the concentration of green spaces in the capital. The government has included designated green areas around Tirana as part of the Tirana Greenbelt where construction is not permitted or limited. The municipality of Tirana is encompassed in the County of Tirana within

6497-506: The third round were held. At least in the fourth round on 20 July, Bamir Topi of the Democratic Party of Albania (PD) won the election. The seventh presidential elections were held on 30 May 2012 with four rounds until 11 June 2012. The first through third rounds of voting were inconclusive. In the fourth round, the result was a victory for Bujar Nishani of the Democratic Party of Albania (PD). The most recent and eighth presidential elections were held on 19, 20, 27 and 28 April 2017. In

6586-478: The time Fatos Nano (PS leader) and Sali Berisha (PD leader). He was elected by the Parliament of Albania through a vote of 97 to 19. The sixth presidential elections were held on 20 June 2007 with almost four rounds. In the first round on 20 June 2007 and 27 June 2007, no candidate was presented. The Government of Albania and the opposition presented their proposed candidate lists on 5 July 2007, but did not accept either list. Afterwards, on 14 July 2007

6675-413: The total number of parliamentarian to win. If the required majority is not reached in the first round of voting, a second round takes place within seven days. If a majority is still not reached, a third round must take place within a further period of seven days. If required, a further two rounds must be held within seven days, with the majority needed to win reduced to an absolute majority of 50% +1 votes of

6764-496: The total number of parliamentarian. In the fifth round, only the two top candidates from the fourth round are kept. If after five rounds of voting no candidate has attained the necessary majority outlined for each round of voting, Parliament will be dissolved and elections must be held within 45 days. Following the disintegration of the communist regime, the first multi-party elections in Albania were held in 1991, simultaneously with

6853-610: The villages led by Haxhi Qamili . In August 1916, the first city map was compiled by the specialists of the Austro-Hungarian army. Following the capture of the town of Debar by Serbia , many of its Albanian inhabitants fled to Turkey , the rest went to Tirana. Of those that ended up in Istanbul , some of their number migrated to Albania, mainly to Tirana where the Dibran community (people from Dibër County ) formed an important segment of

6942-616: The west and provides direct connection to Durrës on the Adriatic Sea. The Rruga Shtetërore 3 (SH3) is being transformed to the Autostrada 3 (A3) and follows the ancient Via Egnatia . It significantly constitutes a major section of the Pan-European Corridor VIII and links the city with Elbasan , Korçë and Greece in the south. Tirana is further connected, through the Milot interchange in the northwest, with Kosovo following as part of

7031-627: Was announced as the European Youth Capital for 2022. The area of Tirana has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times with the earliest recognised reference found at the Cave of Pëllumbas belonging to the Palaeolithic period. Illyrians were the first population of the area and formed most likely the core of the Illyrian kingdom of the Taulantii , which in classical antiquity was centered in

7120-479: Was asked to elaborate on previous plans and introduce a new project in the area of present-day Mother Teresa Square . A failed assassination attempt was made on Victor Emmanuel III of Italy by a local resistance activist during a visit to Tirana. In November 1941, two emissaries of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia (KPJ), Miladin Popović and Dušan Mugoša, called a meeting of three Albanian communist groups and founded

7209-764: Was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between the 4th and 6th century and later restored by Ahmed Pasha Toptani in the 18th century. Tirana is mentioned in Venetian documents in the 1350s as well as in 1418: "...the resident Pjeter, son of late Domenik from the village of Tirana..." . Records of the first land registrations under the Ottomans in 1431–32 show that Tirana consisted of 60 inhabited areas, with nearly 2,028 houses and 7,300 inhabitants. In 1510, Marin Barleti , an Albanian Catholic priest and scholar, in

7298-535: Was crowned King Zog I, King of the Albanians. Tirana was the venue for the signing of the Pact of Tirana between Fascist Italy and Albania. During the rule of King Zog, many Muhaxhirs emigrated towards Tirana, which led to a growing population in the capital city in the early 20th century. In 1939, Tirana was captured by Fascist forces, who appointed a puppet government . In the meantime, Italian architect Gherardo Bosio

7387-554: Was crowned the King of Albanians on 28 September 1928. After Albania was occupied by Italy in April 1939 and the unification of the two countries, Victor Emmanuel III became the King of Albania . From 1943 to 1944 the regencies governance was introduced once again under the German occupation. The end of the second World War and the liberation of Albania that took place in 1944 were followed by

7476-453: Was founded on 22 February 1991 and it lasted until 30 April 1991. The election of the first president of the parliamentary Republic of Albania on 30 April 1991 by a multi political parties Assembly, marked the foundation of the constitutional institution of the president of Albania. The President of Albania is elected by a secret vote and without debate in the Parliament of Albania . A candidate needs to receive votes from three-fifths of

7565-513: Was liberated after a fierce battle between the Communists and German forces . The Nazis eventually withdrew and the communists seized power. From 1944 to 1991, massive socialist-style apartment complexes and factories were built, while Skanderbeg Square was redesigned, with a number of buildings demolished. For instance, Tirana's former Old Bazaar and the Orthodox Cathedral were razed to

7654-468: Was physically stamped. Tirana is the capital city of the Republic of Albania thus playing an essential role in shaping the political and economic life of the country. It is the home to government functions and institutions for which the government of Albania is responsible, as for instance the executive , juridical and legislative branches of Albania. The President and Prime Minister of Albania officially reside and work in Tirana specifically at

7743-485: Was ravaged by a 5.6 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter located near Durrës. Two months after, in November 2019, another strong earthquake with the magnitude of 6.4 hit the region again resulting comparatively few damages in Tirana. The same month, Tirana was announced as the European Youth Capital for 2022 with a planned program including events of cultural and social importance. In December 2022, Tirana hosted

7832-1392: Was reheld every five years in 1973, 1978, 1983, and 1988. In 1995 the festival was held in the citadel of Berat , while since September 2000 it has been held again in Gjirokastër. The 9th season was held in September 2009. The winners of the Festival was the Shkodër County as overall best performance, whereas the best individual performances was deemed those of bards Sherif Dervishi and Myfterin Uka . The festival's 10th season took place from May 10–16, 2015. The latest season took place from June 24 to July 1, 2023. Traditional Albanian clothing, dances, and folklore are showcased in several other festivals including Sofra Dardane every June in Bajram Curri , Oda Dibrane in Peshkopi , Logu i Bjeshkeve every August in Kelmend , Cham Dance Festival in Saranda and Konispol, and other festivals in various Albanian cities. Tiran%C3%AB Tirana ( / t ɪ ˈ r ɑː n ə / tih- RAH -nə , Albanian pronunciation: [tiˈɾana] ; Gheg Albanian : Tirona )

7921-465: Was transferred from the Democratic Party representative Lulzim Basha to the Socialist Party candidate Erion Veliaj . Albania then underwent a territorial reform, in which defunct communes were merged with municipalities. Thirteen of Tirana's former communes were integrated as administrative units joining the existing eleven. Since then, Tirana is undergoing significant changes in infrastructure, law enforcement and new projects, as well as continuing

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