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Albania
> Vlora
A view of Vlora (Photo by Akile Papaj) |
Vlora (pop. 72,000) is located in southwestern Albania,
on the coast of the Adriatic, the second major sea port
after Durr's. In ancient
times, Vlora was known as Aulon. The oldest traces of
civilization in the area of Vlora date back to the 6th
century B.C. In the 4th century B.C., a stone wall is
built which surrounds the town. In ancient times, Vlora
was known for its wine, olives, and salt, and became the
main port of Illyria after the fall of Apolonia and Oricum.
During the Medieval age, the town's fate was linked with
the Castle of Kanina. In the year 1081 it was captured
by the Normans, in 1205 by Venice, later it was handed
over to the German Hohenschtaufs, and in 1272 it was incorporated
in the Kingdom of Arb'ria. In the 14th century, Vlora
was under the rule of the Balshaj Albanian feudal family.
During this period the town was known for its metal craftsmen,
sword makers, silk, and extraction of salt. The town fell
to the Ottoman Turks in 1417, it was the first Adriatic
port captured by them. In the following centuries it was
the center of the sanjak. In 1531, Sultan Suleyman used
the stones of Aulon to build a fortress near the town
(near the stadium in present Vlora) in a pentagon shape,
with walls adapted for artillery fire. Within the fortress
were high stone buildings and houses. This structure and
the Mosque of Muradia (Xhamia e Muradi's ) is believed
to be designed by Sinan, an Ottoman architect of Albanian
origin. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Vlora once
again became a prosperous trade, importing, and exporting
center. Vlora was incorporated in Ali Pash' Tepelena's
kingdom in 1812.
Albanian delegates headed by Ismajl Qemali declare
the independence
of Albania in Vlora, November 28th, 1912
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Vlora was the first capital of independent Albania. On
November 28th, 1912, the National Assembly of Albania
declared the independence of Albania in Vlora, to end
a five century Ottoman rule, and formed a provisional
government headed by Ismajl Qemali. However, the town
was captured by the Italians in 1914. In 1920, the National
Defense Committee was formed in Vlora, which organized
the forces that fought in the War of Vlora, which was
fought between the Albanians and Italians over the control
of the town, after the Italians refused to coincide to
the ultimatum of the government of Tirana to hand over
the city. The 7500 well armed Italian soldiers were forced
to withdraw in September, 1920, after the town was surrounded
by the Albanians.
Vlora remained a center of democratic
movements, in April, 1924, a committee was formed here,
which led an uprising against King Zog's rule, which
eventually led to the June Revolution, and the establishment
of the first democratic government of Albania. The Italians
entered the town after their invasion of Albania in
1939. The natives resisted the Italian occupation and
the town was liberated in October, 1944.
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Before World War II, Vlora had an oil production factory,
a flour factory, a power plant and several artisan workshops.
The town developed and expanded in the years after World
War II. Today it is an industrial city, and an education
center. Industries in Vlora include food, building materials,
chemicals, and glass. High educational institutions in
Vlora include the University of Vlora, the Naval Officers
School, and the School of Aviation. The city has a professional
theater, a cultural center, library, Museum of History,
Museum of Ethnography, History of the Independence Movement
Museum, etc.
Photos above and left by Akile Papaj |
The city has mostly expanded towards the shore, wider
streets were built and tall several story high buildings.
The city's main street has been widened, it connects Sheshi
i Flamurit (Flag Square) with the center of the city
in the Pavar'sia (Independence) quarter. The street
which enters the city from the north leads to the old
bazaar. The Monument of Independence and the Monument
of the Unknown Soldier are some of the monuments in Vlora.
Vlora is also a touristic center, many
hotels and recreational centers are found along the
beaches of Vlora.
Vlora at night |
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