Shkodra Demo
Self-Guided Audio Tour

In the northwest of Albania, from the edges of the Albanian Alps, to the coast of the Adriatic, lies the District of Shkodra. The city is crossed by the Buna River, Drini River, and Kiri River. "Skodra", is the name of the city that is documented early on the coins of the antiquity period. It means, where Drini River goes. Traces of the Middle Paleolithic (100,000-30,000 years ago) have been found in its territory. Other archaeological materials from the Early Bronze Age, (2000 BC), were found here. In the 5th century BC, the construction of the fortress "Rozafa", began with cyclopean stones. The inhabitants of Shkodra were the Illyrian tribe called Labeat. Throughout the early Middle Ages, with the influx of Slavs, the city was conquered and became the capital of the state of Zeta, in 1040. Trade and exchanges with Venice had turned Shkodra into a precious center for them, while in the eyes of the Ottomans, was seen as the spoils of war that had to be taken at all costs. From half of the century XVIII, Mehmet Pasha the Elder, from the Bushatlli family, called for lunch the Turkish Pasha, who ruled Shkodra, and held him there as a hostage. He forced him to write a letter to Sultan of Istambull, saying that the time had come for the country, to be governed by local rulers. Istanbul also accepted the names of the reign of Sanjak Mehmet, who was given the title "Pasha", in 1757, subsequently becoming the founder of the Pashallek of Shkodra. The Ottoman occupation did not stop Shkodra from continuing to be called, the "cradle of culture". Places of worship, libraries, and trades, brought the panorama of a developed medieval city. Churches and mosques are built very close to each other. The Lead mosque, which is located in Shkodër, was built in the years 1773–1774 by Mustafa Pashë Bushati. The architect Kole Idromeno, brought to Shkodra the influence of Italian architecture, and created what you see today, alongside Shkodra's promenade.

This monument is dedicated to The anti-communist people of Shkodra, who were the first to destroy the bust of the dictator in Albania. It is a white statue of the great Father Gjergj Fishta (1871-1940), an Albanian Franciscan, poet and translator. Notably he was the chairman of the commission of the Congress of Monastir, which sanctioned the Albanian alphabet. In 1921 he became the Vice President of the Albanian parliament, and in 1937, he completed and published his epic masterpiece "Lahuta e Malesise", meaning (High- lands Lute). An epic poem written in Gheg dialect of Albania, which took him over 30 years to complete. It contains 17,000 lines and is considered the "Albanian Iliad". He was the first Albanian writer nominated to Nobel Prize. =================== Now, On you left lies another monument 70meters away, please turn and walk near it.

This monument is dedicated to the victims of communism. Tributes for the Days of Resistance are held here, with the commemoration of the revolt of the prisoners of Spac, and the revolt of the Qafe Bari prison, two symbols of the anti-communist resistance in Albania.

Now, click next location and start walking while listening to this red framed audio. =================== History: Shkodra has a rich history and was once the center of the Illyrian Kingdom of the Ardia-net. It was also an important cultural and economic center during the Ottoman Empire. Population: Shkodra is the fifth largest city in Albania, with a population of around 77,000 people. Economy: Shkodra is an important economic center, with a strong agricultural and manufacturing sector. The city is also known for its production of traditional crafts, such as textiles and ceramics. Culture: Shkodra is a cultural hub, with a thriving music and arts scene. The city is known for its traditional Albanian music, such as the Shkodra-style wedding songs. Education: Shkodra is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Shkodra "Luigj Guraku-chee". Natural beauty: The city is surrounded by the Albanian Alps and is located near Lake Shkodra, which is the largest lake in Southern Europe. The area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Religious heritage: Shkodra has a long history of religious diversity, with a mix of Muslim, Catholic, and Orthodox communities. The city is home to several historic churches and mosques, including the Shkodra Cathedral.

Many foreigners who visited this Mosque stated that "such artistic works are rarely seen in other mosques. Shkodra should feel proud to have a truly great artist of Arabic calligraphy". Unfortunately, together with the mosque, its beautiful mihrab was destroyed in 1967, during communist's atheistic wave. Thus depriving the city of Shkodra of an artistic and cultural treasure. Mehmet Pasha, The Elder, had his tomb in the courtyard of this mosque. Hasan Riza Pasha was buried in the cemetery around the mosque, before his shroud was transferred to the Koman cemetery when the mosque was rebuilt. When you finish, exploring this mosque, please turn right and follow the road to Shkodra's library.