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33-670: Sinjë is a village and a former municipality in Berat County , central Albania . At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality Berat . The population at the 2011 census was 3,351. This article about a specific location in Berat County , Albania, is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Berat County Archaeologists have found artifacts including silver women's earrings and bronze belt-buckles in Bronze Age tumuli in Pëllumbas, one of

66-559: A de facto independent rule over Berat, he was also formally recognized by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos as he held the high Byzantine court title of sebastokrator . Some notable regions that were part of the Principality of Berat during this period are: Devoll , Berat , Skrapar , Tomorica, Selanica, Myzeqe , Korçe etc. . The Principality of Berat reached the peak of its power during

99-594: A 9th-century Greek language manuscript have revealed much about the history of the region and that Berat had a reputation for producing manuscripts; 76 of the 100 codes protected in the National Archives of Albania are from Berat, indicating its historical importance. The town of Berat became part of the unstable frontier of the Byzantine Empire following the fall of the Roman Empire and, along with much of

132-587: A denomination and Christians forming 13.88% of the county's population ( Orthodox (7.48%), Evangelists (0.05% (and Roman Catholics ) (1.15%). Albanians in Berat speak the Tosk dialect of the Albanian language. The main religions in Berat are Islam and Christianity . The landscape of a mixture of minarets of mosques and grand orthodox churches and chapels are a testament to the religious coexistence of Berat inhabitants. In

165-602: A semi-autonomous ruler. His domain was called the Pashalik of Yanina . He refortified the city in 1809. In 1867, Berat became a sanjak in the Janina (Yanya) vilayet. During Ottoman rule, it was known Arnavut Belgradı in Turkish (meaning "Albanian Belgrade") at first and then Berat. During the early period of Ottoman rule, Berat fell into severe decline. By the end of the 16th century, it had only 710 houses. However, it began to recover by

198-484: Is 1,798 km (694 sq mi) and the ninth unit of the Albanian county in area and the fifth in the Southern Region. Alone among the counties, Berat neither borders the sea nor another country. It is limited to the counties of Elbasan to the north, Korçë tn the east, Gjirokastër to the south and Fier to the west. The physical relief of the south of the county is dominated by Tomorr massif (known as

231-628: Is also a number of icons and some fine examples of religious silversmith's work (sacred vessels, icon casings, covers of Gospel books, etc.). Berat Gospels, which date from the 4th century, are copies (the originals are preserved in the National Archives in Tirana ). The church itself has a magnificent iconostasis of carved wood, with two very fine icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary . The bishop's throne and pulpit are also of considerable quality. Near

264-602: The Battle of Kosovo which had a great impact to the principality like to all other Albanian principalities of that time. Berat was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1417, but the Muzaka family would briefly regain their control in central Albania in 1444 after their alliance with Skanderbeg in the League of Lezhë , however after 6 years their territory would eventually be incorporated into

297-480: The Middle Ages , Berat was the seat of a Greek Orthodox Bishpric, and today Aromanian and even Greek speakers can be found in the city and some surrounding villages. In 2008, Berat was added to UNESCO 's World Heritage list as an example of the coexistence of religions and cultures. The Saint Mary of Blachernae Church dates back to the 13th century and contains 16th century mural paintings by Nikola, son of

330-606: The Palearctic Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub . Inside the county, there is a national park namely, the Tomorr National Park . According to the latest national census in 2023 this county has 140,956 inhabitants. Ethnic groups in the county as of the 2011 census include: Islam is the largest religion in the county, forming 40.18% of the total population. There are also some Bektashi Muslims with 8.23%, 8.44% percent consisting of believers without

363-570: The Principality of Albania between 1914 and 1915. It was occupied by the Allies in 1915 during the First World War , despite Albania's neutrality, before falling to Austro-Hungarian forces in 1916. Austria-Hungary sustained the occupation until 1918, after which it was occupied by Italy. Italy had plans to create an autonomous province over Albania, including the area of Berat. However, following

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396-494: The 17th century and became a major craft centre in the Ottoman Balkans, specializing in wood carving. During the 19th century, Berat played an important part in the Albanian national revival. It became a major base of support for the League of Prizren , the late 19th century organisation which was pro-Albanian independence. Between 1912 and 1914, it was under the control of the Albanian provisional government, and controlled by

429-556: The Albania's most famous medieval painter Onufri . The first inscription recording Onufri's name was found in 1951 in the Shelqan church. The Kastoria church dates to 23 July 1547 and has a reference to Onufri's origin: "I am Onufri, and come from the town of Berat." Onufri's style in painting was inherited by his son, Nikola (Nicholas), though not so successful as his father. Onufri's museum contains works of Onufri, Nikola and other painters. There

462-615: The Byzantine Empire marched unsuccessfully against the Angevin capital of Durrës. In 1280–1281, the Sicilian forces under Hugh the Red of Sully laid siege to Berat. In March 1281, a relief force from Constantinople under the command of Michael Tarchaneiotes was able to drive off the besieging Sicilian army . In 1335–1337, Albanian tribes took control of the area between Berat and Vlorë for

495-562: The Osum river flowing from southeast to the northwest becomes also wider. The county is home to the source of the Seman river. The river originates close to Kuçovë at the confluence of the Osum and Devoll rivers. The Osum river flows through the Osum canyon and the city of Berat , where the river has formed the narrow Gorica gorge. The river banks tend to be densely forested. Other notable rivers include

528-404: The Principality of Berat was conquered by the new Serbian Empire , but was recreated after that empire's fall in 1355. In an alliance with the Đurađ I Balšić , and the great lord of Ohrid Andrea Gropa , in 1372 Andrea Muzaka managed to also conquer Kostur from Prince Marko After the death of Andrea, the rule was passed to his son Teodor II Muzaka who in 1389 is said to have taken place in

561-575: The Throne of Gods) and Mount Shpirag. Standing at 2,416 metres (7,927 ft) above sea level , the mountain is one of the highest points in Southern Albania. A deep ravine cut by the Osum river on Tomorrs west side, which is 915 metres (3,002 ft) deep in a limestone formation, is where Berat is situated on stepped terraces. The north is comprised mostly by lowlands and the Myzeqe plain. The valley of

594-620: The area, as early as the 6th century BC. It was captured by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Livy (31.27.2) describes Antipatrea as a strongly fortified city in a narrow pass that the Romans sacked and burned. The city was composed of two fortifications on both banks of the Osum River . Historical manuscripts such as the 6th century Codex Purpureus Beratinus , discovered in 1868, and the Codex Aureus ,

627-606: The beginning of the Enver Hoxha dictatorship. Communist Albania retained control over Albania for many decades, until finally falling in 1992. Berat has since then been part of the Republic of Albania . Berat is one of 12 counties of Albania , located in the north of the Southern Region . The county lies about 300 metres up to 2400 metres above sea level . It lies between latitudes 41° N, and longitudes 20° E. The county area

660-627: The county such as alpine climate . Summers are generally dry while heavy rains are experienced during the winter. Climate conditions near Berat are conducive to farming and related agricultural industries. Mean monthly temperature ranges between 6.5  °C (43.7  °F ) (in January) and 24 °C (75 °F) (in July). Phytogeographically , the county falls within the Illyrian deciduous forests and Pindus Mountains mixed forests terrestrial ecoregions of

693-608: The covering of its cupola. This mosque is the centre of the town. The Halveti Teqe ( Albanian : Teqeja e Helvetive ) of 1790 is a khanqah (or zawiya) of the Khalwati Sufi order. It has a porch and a carved and gilded ceiling. Near of tekke is purported to be the grave of Shabbatai Zevi , a Turkish Jew who had been banished to Dulcigno (present day Ulcinj) who created controversy among his followers upon his conversion to Islam . Folk music culture exists in Berat County and

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726-508: The defeat of Italy in the Vlora War , Albania retook control of Berat. Italy again occupied Berat in 1939 during the Italian invasion of Albania . Following Italy's capitulation, Germany occupied Albania between 1943 and 1944. In November 1944, the communist-controlled Anti-Fascist National Liberation Council of Albania declared in Berat that it was the provisional government of the country, signalling

759-685: The first time, that time the Muzakaj formed the Lordship of Berat . Serbs took control of the area in 1345. Later, it passed back into the hands of Muzaka, restoring the Lordship, until 1450. The Ottoman Empire conquered it in 1450 from the Muzaka family. Skanderbeg's Albanian forces unsuccessfully besieged the fort in 1455. It remained under Ottoman control until 1912, when it became part of Albania . Ali Pasha (born 1744-died 1822), an Ottoman Albanian ruler, took control of Berat between 1788 and 1822, as

792-526: The latter part of the 13th century, Berat again came under the control of the Byzantine Empire. In 1272 Berat was captured by the forces of the Kingdom of Albania , while Michael VIII Palaiologos sent letters to the Albanian leaders of Berat and Durrës asking them to abandon their alliance with Charles I of Naples ; they sent the letters to Charles as a sign of their loyalty. In 1274 Michael VIII recaptured Berat and after being joined by Albanians, who supported

825-492: The legend states, the grieving woman for whom they had contested wept over their deaths; her tears created the Osum river. She was then said to have turned to stone, becoming the foundation on which Berat Castle is now built. Both Tomorr and Shpirag are visible from the city of Berat. The county experiences a Mediterranean climate . This means that the winters are mild and wet and the summers are hot and dry but it vary by local topography. There are diverse microclimates in

858-513: The performers often wear traditional dress. Lordship of Berat The Principality of Muzaka ( Albanian : Principata e Muzakajve ), also known as the Lordship of Berat , was an independent realm ruled by the Albanian Muzaka family with its capital at Berat , covering territories in Central and Southern Albania , Western Macedonia and Northern Greece . One of the first rulers

891-578: The rest of the Balkan peninsula , it suffered from repeated invasions by Slavs and other tribes. During the Byzantine period, it was known as Pulcheriopolis. The Bulgarians under Simeon I captured the town in the 9th century and renamed it Beligrad (White City). They were eventually driven out in the 11th century. During the 13th century, it fell to Michael I Ducas , the ruler of the Despotate of Epirus . In

924-559: The rule of Andrea II Muzaka who, according to the chronicle of Gjon Muzaka, defeated King Vukasin and was awarded with the title of Despot by the Emperor of Constantinople , the second highest title just below to that of Emperor . Andrea II expanded his territory to the maximum extent it would reach: from the Adriatic Sea between the Vjosa river and Devoll to the east, including Korça. In 1343

957-517: The street which descends from the fortress is the Bachelors' Mosque ( Albanian : Xhami e Beqareve ), built in 1827. It has an attractive portico and an interesting external decoration of flowers, plants, and houses. The King Mosque ( Albanian : Xhamia e Mbretit ), the oldest in the town built in the reign of Bayazid II (1481–1512), is notable for its fine ceiling. The Lead Mosque ( Albanian : Xhamia e Plumbit ), built in 1555 and so called from

990-426: The territories of the Principality, including Vlorë and Berat, became a part of the Ottoman Empire . It's uncertain when the Muzaka family started to rule over Berat , however one of the first notable rulers known so far is Andrea I Muzaka who ruled over the region of Myzeqe . Principality of Berat separates into two periods of time, between the period of 1279 to 1343, and 1355 to 1417. Andrea I Muzaka established

1023-522: The villages of Berat. These items are similar to other artifacts found in northern Albania ( Kukës and Mat ), Kosovo ( Gjilan ) and northwestern Greece (Pogoni). Antipatrea ( Ancient Greek : Ἀντιπάτρεια ) was an ancient Greek polis in Illyria , now Berat. It was founded by Cassander as Antipatreia , who named it after his father Antipater at 314 BC. An ancient Greek fortress and settlement are still visible today. Dassaretae tribe existed in

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1056-400: The Çorovoda river, passing through the town of Çorovodë . The geographical formations of the region are frequently mentioned in local folklore . According to legend, Tomorr personified a giant who fought his brother Shpirag, personified by a nearby mountain, for the love of a young woman. The two brothers fought bitterly for her affections and ended up killing each other. Deep in sorrow,

1089-575: Was Andrea I Muzaka whose reign was recognized by the Byzantine Emperor . During the Battle of Savra , the Ottomans captured Berat from Balša II , together with Kruja and Ulcinj . They soon retreated from all of those towns keeping only Castoria under their permanent control. Some sources explain that Ottomans probably remained in Berat with intention to use it as foothold to capture Valona. By 1396 Muzaka family took over control of Berat. In 1417

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