What is the Capital of Albania? It is the capital of Albania and at the same time, the largest city is Tirana. The population of the city with an area of 1,586 km² is 374,801 by the year 2018. Tirana is one of the 12 provinces of Albania. The province is adjacent to Durres in the north, Debar in the north, Elbasan in the southwest, and Fier in the south.
When did Tirana Become the Capital?
Tirana was founded in 1614 by Shkodra Ottoman general Sulejman Pasha. The Old Mosque was first established. During the Turkish sovereignty, Tirana, a district center of Shkodra province in Durres Sanjak, It remained a village as small as a hundred years ago. In the 1700’s the city developed into an important commercial center. During the Balkan Wars, the Ottomans lost the city in 1912. It was declared the capital of independent Albania in 1919
Following the Italian and German occupations of World War I (1939-44), on January 11, 1946, a Communist People’s Republic was declared in Tirana. This city has expanded considerably with the help of Soviet and Chinese. Hydroelectric and thermal power plants were completed in 1951 and Tirana soon became the largest city and main industrial center of the country.
After the Indepenceny
It was in 1925 that Albania, which declared its independence in 1919, was recognized by other states. Tirana, which remained in the Yugoslav Union after World War II, underwent a great deal of change during this period. Buildings bearing the traces of Yugoslav-Soviet architecture were built at the site of the destruction of old buildings in the city. Most of Tirana’s present-day view is made up of structures built during this period.
Besides these, Tirana, which was under the rule of the communist regime for some time, was severely damaged. Today, the capital city of Albania is considered one of the most important cities in the Balkans.
Features of Tirane
You can easily walk to Tirana, which has a small center compared to other European capitals. Tirana is also one of the most sun-drenched cities in Europe at the same time. The city receives about 3,000 hours of sun a year. This is one of the factors that influence the living conditions in the city in the positive direction. This has positive effects on agricultural activities in Tirana. Variety is observed in the production of fruits and vegetables in Tirana, where the number of sunny days is high.
Tirana’s most important economical source is trade. Commercial activities that started from the 16th century continued without any interruption. In addition to trade, the most important income sources of the city are real estate, banking activities, transportation and media.
Important Places to See in Tirana
You can find many places to visit during your trip to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Recognized as one of the largest cities in the Balkans, the city offers a lavish holiday opportunity with historical sites and scenic beauty. At the beginning of the places that must be visited absolutely; Skanderbeg Square, National Museum of History, Ethem Bey Mosque.