Historic center Berat and Gjirokastra

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized Berat Historical Center and Gjirokastra of Albania as a World Cultural Heritage in 2005.

The historic center of Berat and Gjirokastra is a typical Ottoman architectural site. Located in central Albania, Berat is a testament to the coexistence of a religious and cultural community for centuries. The town of Berat is one of the oldest towns in Albania. Scientists have identified traces of people living here from 2600 to 1800 BC. The first Berat people were called Illyria , then Arber and then Albania .

Some typical architecture and common landscape in Berat and Gjirokastra.

In ancient times, Berat was known as a center that succeeded in fighting against Roman invaders. In the Middle Ages, the town of Berat was managed by the Bulgarians for a short period of time from 860 to 1018. Historically, the name Berat began to appear on historical documents from 1018. Around this time in many ethnic groups including Angevins, Serbs, and the royal family of Muzakaj lineage. In Berat there is an ancient castle called Kala by the locals, the castle was first built in the 4th century BC. Over many historical periods, destroyed, damaged and through many times of renovation, repair and architecture of the current castle was rebuilt in the 13th century.

Currently in Berat there are still churches with Byzatine architecture , mostly built in the 13th century. Some churches built under Ottoman dynasty were built in the 14th century.

Gjirokastra is a town located in Drinos valley on Albania 's great river. Gjirokastra is a complex of two-storey houses built in the typical Albanian architectural style of the 17th century. Gjirokastra also has a market, 2 churches and a mosque built. erected in the 18th century. In essence Gjirokastra was owned by landowners of the region, houses and large buildings here, also by the landowners of the region. Because it is located in a valley, the architecture of houses and roads here is very unique, creating a very unique common architectural landscape. The houses are next to each other, rising up and down the mountain and hills. Because of its location, the houses here are often built with many windows to allow light to enter the house.

Albania's historic centers of Berat and Gjirokastra have so far been well maintained with strategic plans and restoration programs of the Government.

Historical center Berat and Gjirokastra are accredited by Unesco Organization according to criteria (iii) and criteria (iv).

Criterion (iii): Historical center Berat and Gjirokastra are testament to the development of urban society in the Balkan region. The coordination in the construction and planning of housing architecture and public works in Gjirokastra between people and authorities is also a testament to the excellent management of the administration of that period.

Criterion (iv): The historic center of Berat and Gjirokastra also contains unique cultural and architectural works. Besides, both of these towns have religious buildings and especially the harmony between different religions in the same social school.

In the uprising against the Turks in 1834, Berat castle was damaged quite a lot and completely lost its defensive function. Also in this war, many architectural works were affected but then these projects were repaired and renovated. So both historic towns still bear important historical marks and are recognized by the Albanian government as an important heritage of the country .

However, today, both Berat and Gjirokastra have experienced many turbulences. In 1965, the Albanian Government established the Albania Cultural Cultural Institute . Since then, monuments including the Berat Historical Center and Gjirokastra have been preserved and restored under a periodic program of the Institute. A few years later, due to the legacy political changes, the historic center of Berat and Gjirokastra was neglected until 2007. A plan for the restoration and preservation of this cultural heritage was built accordingly. There are specific conservation programs for each year from 2007 to 2011. At the end of this project, Albnia Cultural Institute continues to build heritage conservation programs in the following years.