A Little History of Tirana: From Ancient Gods to Modern Metropolis
Tirana, the bustling capital of Albania today, boasts a rich history dating back to the Illyrian era. Traces of ancient civilizations, from the Bronze and Iron Ages to more recent times, can be found scattered around the city. Notable among these remnants are “The Ancient City of Dorez” (formerly known as Dimali), “The Ancient City of Brysaka” (modern-day Persqopi in Petrela), and the “Ancient City of Tyranno,” from which Tirana draws its name.
According to Illyrian mythology, Tirana was the name of a god worshipped by the Illyrians since 480 BC. This deity, Turan or Tyranno, was associated with love and fertility, married to Laran, The tradition of naming towns after gods, kings, and emperors was prevalent in antiquity, and Tirana carries this legacy.
Today, evidence of the ancient city is visible in the remaining walls of a stronghold along the city’s avenue. These walls, constructed with giant stone blocks assembled without mortar, showcase the ancient construction techniques prevalent in Illyria from the 5th to 2nd centuries BC. Following the Roman invasion, Tirana was destroyed and later rebuilt as a strategic “castrum” or castle during Emperor Justinian’s reign.
The Roman influence is evident in the “Mosaic of Tirana,” dating back to the 3rd century AD, representing a Rustic Villa owned by a Roman veteran that later became a paleochristian church. Wars between the Bargjini and Toptani families in the late Middle Ages led to the destruction of Tirana.
In the 15th century, Venetian documents indicate 60 inhabited centers with 7300 inhabitants. The Turkish cadaster of 1583 records 110 residential centers with 20,000 inhabitants, highlighting Tirana’s growth. Before the Turkish invasion, Tirana’s population was entirely Christian, evident in the Christian toponyms and numerous churches, such as the remarkable St. Mary in Brrari dating back to 1201.
The Turkish invasion in 1614 marked the establishment of Tirana’s first mosque by Sulejman Pasha Bargjini. This mosque, unfortunately, collapsed during World War II, with a monument, “Partisan Liberator,” now standing in its place.
Tirana gained prominence as the temporary capital of Albania on February 8, 1920, and secured its final status on December 31, 1925, according to the “Congress of Lushnja.” King Zog’s agreements with Italy in the modern era aimed at both city modernization and the potential for union or annexation.
During World War II, Tirana was liberated from German Nazis by Albanian National Liberation Forces on November 17, 1944. It holds the unique distinction of being the only capital in Eastern and Southeastern Europe liberated without assistance from the Red Army.
From November 29, 1944, to March 22, 1992, Albania endured communist rule before transitioning to a pluralistic regime and a free-market economy. This era brought significant changes to Tirana, including population movements, internal migration, and widespread construction.
Today, Tirana stands as a modern metropolis, its ancient traces blending seamlessly with contemporary developments, making it a city that beautifully encapsulates Albania’s diverse and dynamic history.