Mount dajti in tirana-albenia

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:40:40 +0000

Mount Dajti
1,612m high. Offers great views of Tirana. A very relaxing area, mount Dajti can be reached through an Austrian-built express cable car. The view along the route is worth the cost even if you don’t stay atop the mountain.A place where one can spend holidays and engage in various activities like trekking, excursions, sky sports,ski etc.The area has a limited number of hotels and restaurants, but it is great for taking a breath of fresh air, mountain sports, or to just get out of the city for a while. Unfortunately, litter is becoming a problem on Mount Dajti. This detracts from the experience somewhat, but the beautiful scenery still makes the trip worthwhile. 500 lek.
Blloku (The Block). This area, prior to the fall of communism, was reserved solely for government officials and was not allowed to be entered by the commoner. Opened to the public in 1991. It has since become the number one spot for Tirana’s youth. Among the apartment blocks, one can find some of Tirana’s best cafés, shops, and restaurants. The streets, especially in summer afternoons, are filled with Tirana’s citizens. You can also find here the villa of the former dictator, Enver Hoxha.
Piramida (International Center of Culture). The pyramid was built in 1987 according to the design of Enver Hoxha’s daughter and was originally a museum of her father. Today it’s a venue for many conventions and art events. US president George W Bush gave a speech in front of this building. The building was the most expensive erected under communism, and there are plans for future changes into it. The new designs are worked by architectural firm associated with Hoxha’s daughter.

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The Et’hem Bey Mosque in tirana-albenia

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:42:43 +0000

The Et'hem Bey Mosque

The Et’hem Bey Mosque is located in the center of the Albanian capital Tirana. Construction was started in 1789 by Molla Bey and it was finished in 1823 by his son Ethem Pasha (Haxhi Ethem Bey), great-grandson of Sulejman Pasha.

During the totalitarianism of the Socialist People’s Republic of Albania, the mosque was closed. In January 18, 1991, despite opposition from communist authorities, 10,000 people entered carrying flags. This was at the onset of the fall of communism in Albania. The frescoes of the mosque depict trees, waterfalls and bridges; still life paintings are a rarity in Islamic art.

The mosque in 1943

Lit up at night

Tours of the mosque are given daily, though not during prayer service

Perhaps the only real sight in Tirana, this pretty mosque is right on the city’s main square, making it hard to miss. Construction of the ‘Xhamia e Haxhi Ethem Beut’ mosque started in 1794 and was finished in 1821 by Et’hem Bey (who evidently got all the credit). Closed under communist rule, the mosque reopened as a house of worship in 1991, without permission from the authorities. 10,000 courageous people dared to attend and remarkably the police did not interfere. The event was a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Take a look at the frescoes outside and in the portico which depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in Islamic art. Take your shoes off before entering the inner room.

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Mount dajti in tirana-albenia

The Et’hem Bey Mosque in tirana-albenia