In Vlora they left deep traces and had a large community, so that in 1520, out of about 4,000 inhabitants of the city, more than 2,700 were Jews.

The Jews of Vlora built a synagogue there and today their toponymy is still preserved in the city. Learn more about the model coexistence they built in Vlora, through the memories in the video above, of Skënder Spahiu, currently director of Local Museums in Vlora, which also tells about the museum project that will present their history in Albania.

Video team:

Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri

Historical information: Dorian Hatibi

Video-Production: Arlind Veshti

References:

1. Jakoel Josef. Izraelitët në Shqipëri. Tiranë 2020;

2. Grup Autorësh. Fjalori Enciklopedik Shqiptar. Tiranë 2008;

3. Nika Nevila. Jews in the central state archive. Tiranë 2016.

The post The Jews of Vlora, a model of coexistence first appeared on Amfora.

The “First Codex of Berat”, written on purple parchment and containing the Gospels according to Matthew and Mark, also dates back to the 6th century. While the second Codex with letters of gold, contains the complete text of the four gospels.

Learn more through the video above and watch the interview with Anila Droboniku, guide of the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, who recounts the centuries-long efforts of the invaders to loot them and how the secret of their hiding place was revealed, transferring them to the funds state, after the discovery on August 12, 1968, where they were hidden inside the Castle of Berat, under the floor of the Kisha “Fjetja e Shën Mërisë” (“The Dormition of Saint Mary” Church), which today has been adapted to the Onufri National Iconographic Museum.

Video team:

Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri

Historical information: Dorian Hatibi

Video-Production: Arlind Veshti

References:

1. “Kodikët e Shqipërisë”, Autorë: Alfred Moisiu, Aleks Buda, Anthimus Alexoudes, Erich Trapp, Johannes Koder, Kaliopi Naska, Koïchiro Matsuura, Kosta Naçi, Llambrini Mitrushi, Nevila Nika, Pierre Batiffol, Roderic L. Mullen, Shaban Sinani, Theofan Popa, Tiranë, 2003;

2. “Kodiku i Purpurt i Beratit”, Banka e Shqipërisë;

3. Photos of the codices: Amfora Media.

The post The Codices of Berat, the purple treasure of Albania first appeared on Amfora.

Decorated with 5 mosaics, it may have been a large luxurious villa, but perhaps also a temple. However, this archaeological discovery is a new opportunity for Durrës and Albania to have a new archaeological pole.

Learn more about this discovery through the video above and interviews with archaeologist Luan Përzhita, who led the research project, and archaeologist Berbis Islami, who focused on the discovered mosaics.

Video team:

Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri

Historical information: Dorian Hatibi

Video-Production: Arlind Veshti

The post The magnificent monument hidden beneath Gjergj Kastrioti in Durrës first appeared on Amfora.

Among the catalysts of the formation of the national identity of the Albanians was an elite school from which these patriots came. It was founded in Shkodër on October 17, 1877 and was called “Saverian College” (Kolegji Saverian).

For more, watch the video published above and the interview with the representative of “Atë Pjetër Meshkalla” High School, Paulo Vjerdha, who told about the continuation of the tradition created by the college, which is the predecessor of today’s school.

Video team:

Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri;

Historical information: Dorian Hatibi;

Video-Production: Arlind Veshti.

References:

1.⁠ ⁠Willi. Kamsi. Fjalori Enciklopedik Shqiptar. Tiranë 2009;

2.⁠ ⁠Meksi. Aleksandër. Historia e Arkitekturës në Shqipëri. Tiranë 2016;

3.⁠ ⁠Murzaku. Ines. Historia e Jezuitëve në Shqipëri. Tiranë 2022.

The post The Saverian College of Shkodër, “the cradle of patriots” first appeared on Amfora.

Stefan Kaçulini was the heir of the Kaçulini Family, which originated from Shkodra. He was born in Durrës and when he was 22 years old he started leading small groups for learning the Albanian language, which was forbidden at that time.

In 1903 he opened a stationery shop that was important in the struggle for independence in Durrës. Stefani was one of the founders of the Patriotic Clubs “Vëllazëria” (“Brotherhood”) and “Bashkimi” (“Union”). Even his wife, Maria, devoted herself to the development of education in Durrës.

Learn more about the history of the Kaçulini Family through this video and interview with one of its heirs, Aurel Kaçulini. Click here (in the Albanian version) and learn more about the brief history of the Kaçulini Family, from the moment of their arrival in Durrës until today, by reading about the figures who left their mark on the patriotic movement, political, social life and the field of education and medicine.

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Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri 
Historical information: Dorian Hatibi 
Video-Production: Arlind Veshti 

The Informal Group “Busulla e Trashëgimisë” (“Compass of Heritage”) continuously publishes the summarized history of the old families of Durrës. Click HERE and follow all the publications of the “Qyteti që Rrëfen” (“The city tells”) category.

This video was made by the Informal Group “Busulla e Trashëgimisë”, within the project “Qyteti që Rrëfen”, with the financial support of Leviz Albania, a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC and in cooperation with Amfora Media. 

The views and opinions expressed on the video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the constitutions of the donors.

Media Amfora continuously publishes short informative videos about history and cultural heritage. Click HERE and follow all publications of the “Culture in 1 Minute” category.

Photo on the head: From the published video.

References: 

1. Arkivi Qendror i Shtetit. Gf.3. Fo.235. Viti 1937. Dok. 198;
2. Arkivi Qendror i Shtetit. Gf.1. Fo.489. Viti 1962. Dok. 51;
3. Hidri. Sali: Stefan Kaçulini në lëvizjen patriotike durrsake. Toena. Tiranë. 2004.

The post Kaçulini Family: Patriots and teachers first appeared on Amfora.

The Tedeschini (Tedeskini) family was noble and had its own coat of arms. They arrived in Durrës from Abruzzo (Italy) in 1767. They were known as doctors, pharmacists, theologians, diplomats and merchants.

One of her heirs, Emidio Tedeschini II was born in Durrës on April 20, 1909 and was a brilliant intellectual, devout believer and courageous lawyer. Learn more about its history through the video and interview with one of its heirs, Emidio’s son, Josef Tedeschini IV.

Click here and learn more about the brief history of the family, from the moment of arrival in Durrës until today, getting to know the consuls, pharmacists and the first modern doctors in Durrës.

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Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri 
Historical information: Dorian Hatibi 
Video-Production: Arlind Veshti 

The Informal Group “Busulla e Trashëgimisë” (“Compass of Heritage”) continuously publishes the summarized history of the old families of Durrës. Click HERE and follow all the publications of the “Qyteti që Rrëfen” (“The city tells”) category.

This video was made by the Informal Group “Busulla e Trashëgimisë”, within the project “Qyteti që Rrëfen”, with the financial support of Leviz Albania, a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC and in cooperation with Amfora Media. 

The views and opinions expressed on the video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the constitutions of the donors.

Media Amfora continuously publishes short informative videos about history and cultural heritage. Click HERE and follow all publications of the “Culture in 1 Minute” category.

Photo on the head: From the published video.

References: 

1. Dibra, Zenepe. Fjalori Enciklopedik i Hapësirës Shkodrane. 2;
2. Grim, Gerhard. Johan George von Hahn – Jeta dhe Vepra. Mynich. 1964;
3. Maximilian I. Recollection of my life. Vëll. II. 1868;
4. Pllumi. Zef. Dr. Emidio Tedeskini. Pak kujtime për të. Hylli i Dritës. 2004;
5. Përmbledhje e dokumenteve venedikase dhe osmane të shekullit të XVIII.

The post The first modern consuls, pharmacists and doctors in Durrës first appeared on Amfora.

Up until today we have heard of underground museums or underground cities, but not of the entire underground of a city declared museum.

The next video in the “Culture in 1 Minute” series deals with a unique decision of 1961, where the government of the time declared the entire underground of the city of Durres a museum, making it almost untouchable from possible damage to archeology.

Decision of the Council of Ministers number 172, dated 2 June 1961, among other things in the first point determined that the old part of the city of Durres and the underground should be declared museums. The image of the decision is published for the first time by Media Amfora.

Learn more about the legal significance of this Decision through an interview with lawyer Erisilda Shpata and what effect this decision has today.

For more follow the video posted on the top.

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Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri
Historical information: Geri Emiri
Video production: Arlind Veshti

This video was developed with the support of the “Media for All” project, funded by the UK Government. The views and opinions expressed on the video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the constitutions of the donors.

Photo on the head: From the published video.

Reference: 1. Decision of the Council of Ministers number 172, dated 2 June 1961, “On the proclamation of museum cities”;
2. Internet address of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, category, “List of Protected Areas Durres Region:

http://iktk.gov.al/site/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Zonat-e-mbrojtura_Monumentet-_-Qarku-Durres.pdf

The post The city with an underground museum first appeared on Amfora.

The mosaic in the Chapel of the Durres Amphitheater is the only mural mosaic in Albania. Interpretations for its subject vary, but it is thought to have been built around the 6th-10th centuries AD.

The Durres underground counts today at least 7 mosaics that are scattered throughout the city. 5 of them enjoy the status of Culture Monument, 2 others have not been taken into protection, as it is thought that in the rich underground of the city are still hidden mosaics, fragments of which have appeared partially during the new constructions.

While the mosaic christened as ‘Beauty of Durres’ is thought to belong to the IV century BC. Originally discovered in 1916 in the courtyard of an apartment in the 11th district of the city, it has an area of ​​9 square meters and presents the portrait of a woman on a black background, with floral motifs. Since 1982 it has been exhibited in the National Historical Museum in Tirana.

For more follow the video posted on the top.

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Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri
Historical information: Dorian Hatibi
Video-Production: Arlind Veshti

This video was developed with the support of the “Media for All” project, funded by the UK Government. The views and opinions expressed on the video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the constitutions of the donors.

Photo on the head: From the published video.

References:
1. Reynis-Zhando Zhanin: “Mozaiku mural në Kapelën e Amfiteatrit të Dyrrahut/ La mosaïque murale dans la chapelle de l’amphithéâtre de Dyrrachium”. Iliria, vol. 13 n° 1, 1983. Page. 225-232;
2. Zeqo Moikom. Maria Andaloro: “I mosaici parietali di Durazzo o dell’origine costantinopolitana del tema iconografico di Maria Regina”, Mainz 1986. Iliria, vol. 19 n°1, 1989. Page. 283-288;
3. Albanian Encyclopedic Dictionary, Academy of Sciences: “Durres mosaic with a portrait of a woman”. Page 726. Tirana. 1984;
4. Internet address of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, category, “Cultural Monuments of Durres Region:

http://iktk.gov.al/site/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Monumentet-_-Qarku-Durres.pdf

The post City of Mosaics first appeared on Amfora.

There have been several clashes in the territory of Durres that left indelible traces in European history.

Alexius Conmen’s had just ascended the turbulent throne of the Eastern Roman Empire, which had emerged from a long and grueling war with the Bulgarians and was seriously endangered in the east by the Seljuk Turks.

While Robert Guiscard controlled all of Southern Italy. He was the most famous representative of the Norman-Viking family Altavilla and aimed at the conquest of Constantinople. They faced each other in Durres, from June 1081 to February 1082.

The victory of the war of betrayal by Robert Guiscard, brought gradually the Eastern Roman Empire (“Byzantine Empire”), never to be rebuilt.

For more follow the video posted on the top.

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Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri
Historical information: Dorian Hatibi
Video-Production: Arlind Veshti

This video was developed with the support of the “Media for All” project, funded by the UK Government. The views and opinions expressed on the video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the constitutions of the donors.

Photo on the head: From the published video.

Reference:

1. Komnena, Ana. Alekseida. Burime tregimtare bizantine pёr historinё e Shqipёrisё shek. X-XV. Tiranё, 1975;

2. Malaterra, Goffred. De rebus gestis Rogerii Calabriae.

The post The Normans Against the Byzantine Empire first appeared on Amfora.

Jan Kukuzeli was born in Durrës at the end of the 13th century. After being orphaned by his father as a child, he grew up and was educated by his mother. At the age of adolescence, he moved to Constantinople, where he studied musicology under the patronage of composer Joan Glikis.
After astonishing the whole imperial court with his magnificent voice, he began to be nicknamed the “Voice of the Angel”, and was appointed as a psalter in the choir of St. Sophia Church.

Despite his fame in the capital, he turned to ascetic life and decided to live as a monk on Mount Athos, near the monastery of the Great Lavra. There he would express all his musical genius, creating wonderful melodies that revolutionized all Byzantine musicology.
Created the “Musical Circle System” or what will be known as the “Kukuzel Wheel”. He stood out through his style of composing, which was called “Kalophonic style” or “Beautiful singing style”.

After his death, Jan Kukuzeli is revered as a saint throughout the Orthodox world and is remembered by the ecclesiastical calendar every October 1, the day when, according to tradition, he was separated from earthly life. Nowadays in many Orthodox churches and monasteries the compositions of the Durres musicologist, written around the 14th century, are still played.
The composer and musicologist, Edmond Buharaja, tells through the video of the series “Culture in 1 minute”, about the genius and contribution of Jan Kukuzel in the revolutionization of Byzantine musicology.
For more follow the video posted on the top.

Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri
Historical information: Dorian Hatibi
Video-Production: Arlind Veshti
This video was developed with the support of the “Media for All” project, funded by the UK Government. The views and opinions expressed on the video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the constitutions of the donors.

Photo on the head: From the published video.
References: 1. Kisha Orthodhokse Autoqefale e Shqipërisë: Thesari i shenjtorëve. Tirana. 2004;
2. Sina Kilica, Holta: Kodikët ekfonetikë të Shqipërisë. Tirana. 2019;
3. Beduli, Dhimitёr: Kishё dhe Kulturё. Tirana. 2006. Page 30;
4. Makarios, Hieromonaku: Sinaksari. Tirana. 2014. Volume 1.

The post Jan Kukuzeli, the genius of Byzantine musicology first appeared on Amfora.