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Coordinates: 41°19′34″N 19°48′58″E / 41.326°N 19.816°E / 41.326; 19.816
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Tirana
Tiranë
Municipality of Tirana
Bashkia e Tiranës
Clockwise from Top: Skanderbeg Square (Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Et'hem Bey Mosque and the buildings of the Ministries); The Palace of Congresses; Skanderbeg Square (National Historical Museum and Tirana International Hotel); The Twin Towers along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard
Clockwise from Top: Skanderbeg Square (Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Et'hem Bey Mosque and the buildings of the Ministries); The Palace of Congresses; Skanderbeg Square (National Historical Museum and Tirana International Hotel); The Twin Towers along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard
Flag of Tirana
Flag
Coat of arms of Tirana
Coat of arms
Country Albania
CountyTirana County
DistrictTirana District
Municipal Units11
Founded1614
Government
 • MayorLulzim Basha (PD)[1]
Area
 • Total41.8 km2 (16.1 sq mi)
Elevation
110 m (360 ft)
Population
 (2008)[2]
 • Municipality
618,431
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
1001–1028[3]
Area code+355 4
Websitewww.tirana.gov.al

Tirana (/[invalid input: 'en-us-Tirana.ogg']t[invalid input: 'ɨ']ˈrɑːnə/, [undefined] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: no text (help)) is the capital and the largest city of Albania. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously[citation needed] inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania's capital city in 1920 and has a population of over 600,000. The city is home to many universities and is the center of the political, economical, and cultural life of the country.

Geography

Tirana by Spot Satellite

The Municipality of Tirana is located at (41.33°N, 19.82°E) in Tirana District, Tirana County on the river Ishëm, about 32 kilometers (20 mi) inland. Tirana's average altitude is 110 meters (360 ft) above sea level and its highest point measures 1,828 m (5,997.38 ft) at Mali me Gropa. The city is mostly surrounded by hills, with Dajti Mountain on the East and a slight valley opening on the North-West overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the distance. The Tiranë river also runs through the city, whereas the Lanë river is a brook. The city also contains a total of four artificial lakes: the Tirana Artificial Lake around which was built the Big Park, the Kodër-Kamëz Lake, Farka Lake, and Tufina Lake. Tirana is on the same parallel as Naples, Madrid and Istanbul and on the same meridian as Budapest and Kraków.

History

Antiquity

The area occupied by Tirana has been populated since Paleolithic times[4] dating back 10,000 to 30,000 years ago as suggested by evidence from tools found near Mount Dajt's quarry and in Pellumba Cave. As argued by various archaeologists, Tirana and its suburbs are filled with Illyrian toponyms as its precincts are some of the earliest regions in Albania to be inhabited.[5]

Various remains provide evidence for continuous human activity through history. The oldest discovery was a mosaic, dating back to the 3-rd century A.D., with several other remains found near a medieval temple at Shengjin Fountain. A castle, possibly called Tirkan or Theranda, was built by Emperor Justinian in 520 AD and restored by Ahmed Pasha Toptani in the 18th century.[5] The area had no special importance in Illyrian and classical times. In 1510, Marin Barleti, an Albanian Catholic priest and scholar, in the biography of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg, Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum principis (The story of life and deeds of Skanderbeg, the prince of Epirotes), referred to this area as a small village.[6]

Ottoman rule and World War I

Tirana Bazaar at the turn of the 20th century
Tirana in 1916

Records from the first land registrations under the Ottomans in 1431–32 show that Tirana consisted of 60 inhabited areas, with nearly 2,028 houses and 7,300 inhabitants. In 1614, Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler established the Ottoman town with a mosque, a commercial centre, and a hammam (Turkish sauna). The town was located along caravan routes and grew rapidly in importance until the early 19th century.

During this period, the Et'hem Bey Mosque built by Molla Bey of Petrela, began to be constructed. It employed the best artisans in the country and was completed in 1821 by Molla's son, who was also Sulejman Bargjini's grandnephew. In 1800, the first newcomers arrived in the settlement, the so-called ortodoksit. They were Vlachs from villages near Korçë and Pogradec who settled around modern day Park on the Artificial Lake.[7] They started to be known as the llacifac and were the first Christians to arrive after the creation of the town. After Serb reprisals in the Debar region, thousands of locals fled to Tirana. In 1807, Tirana became the center of the Sub-Prefecture of Krujë-Tirana. After 1816, Tirana languished under the control of the Toptani family of Krujë. Later, Tirana became a Sub-Prefecture of the newly created Vilayet of Shkodër and Sanjak of Durrës. In 1889, the Albanian language started to be taught in Tirana's schools, while the patriotic club Bashkimi was founded in 1908. On 28 November 1912, the national flag was raised in agreement with Ismail Qemali. During the Balkan Wars, the town was temporarily occupied by the Serbian army, and it took part in uprising of the villages led by Haxhi Qamili. In 1917, the first city outline was compiled by Austro-Hungarian architects.

Capital city

Building featuring Italian architecture now used as the Ministry of Defence
The complex of the ministries seen from Skanderbeg Square

On 8 February 1920, the Congress of Lushnjë proclaimed Tirana as the temporary capital of Albania which had acquired independence in 1912.[8] The city retained that status permanently on 31 December 1925. The first regulatory city plan was compiled in 1923 by Austrian architects.[9] The center of Tirana was the project of Florestano de Fausto and Armando Brasini, well known architects of the Benito Mussolini period in Italy. Brasini laid the basis for the modern-day arrangement of the ministerial buildings in the city centre. The plan underwent revisions by Albanian architect Eshref Frashëri, Italian architect Castellani, and Austrian architects Weiss and Kohler. The rectangular parallel road system of Tirana e Re district took shape while the Northern portion of the main Boulevard was opened. On the political sphere, Tirana experienced tumultuous events such as intermittent attacks from the army of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and forces of Zogu on the Shkalla e Tujanit (Step of Tujan). In 1924, Tirana was at the center of a coup d'état led by Fan S. Noli. Since 1925, when they were banned in Turkey, the Bektashis, an order of dervishes who take their name from Haji Bektash, a Sufi saint of the 13th and 14th centuries, made Tirana their primary settlement. Modern Albanian parliamentary building served as a club of officers. It was there that in September 1928, Zog of Albania was crowned King Zog I, King of the Albanians.

Monarchy and war

Much of the construction in central Tirana was part of the cooperation package between King Zog and Fascist Italy.
Modern day Mother Teresa Square features typical Fascist architecture

The period is characterized by the execution of the above city projects, clashes between occupying forces and local resistance, and the coming to power of the communists. The ministerial complex, boulevard axis, Royal Palace (Palace of the Brigades), former Municipal building and the National Bank started to be constructed. The latter is the work of Italian Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo. The northern portion of modern Dëshmorët e Kombit (National Martyrs) Boulevard finished in 1930 and named Zog I Boulevard. The city served as a venue for the signing of the Pact of Tirana between Italy and Albania. In 1939, Tirana was captured by Fascist forces appointing a puppet government. Italian architect Gherardo Bosio was asked to elaborate on previous plans and introduce a project for the area in present day Mother Teresa Square.[10] The Southern Boulevard axis and surrounding buildings were finished, while a number of roads were renamed with Fascist names. During a visit in Tirana, a failed assassination attempt was carried by a local activist towards Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. In November 1941, Enver Hoxha founded the Communist Party of Albania. The town became the center of the Albanian communists who mobilized locals against Italian fascists and later Nazi Germans while spreading ideological propaganda. The town was liberated on 17 November 1944 after a fierce battle between the Communists and German forces. The Nazis eventually withdrew and the communists seized power.

Communism

Enver Hoxha's mausoleum
Skanderbeg Square in 1988.

Following the communists taking power, the city saw the creation of socialist-styled apartment complexes and factories, and the redesign of Skanderbeg Square. A number of buildings of historical value were demolished to make way for present day Skanderbeg Square. The area housing Tirana's Old Bazaar and the Orthodox Cathedral were razed to the ground. Instead, the Soviet styled Palace of Culture was erected. The Italian built former Tirana Municipal building was detonated and the National Historical Museum constructed in its place. The structure housing the Parliament of Albania during King Zog's reign was turned into a children's theater, while the northern part of the boulevard was named Stalin Boulevard. As private ownership was forbidden, mass transport was characterized by the use of bicycles and buses. After Hoxha's death, a mausoleum in the form of a pyramid was constructed by relatives in his memory.

Considering that after the 1970s Albania followed a self isolationist policy, a number of high-profile figures visited the city including former Soviet President Nikita Khrushchev, former Premier of the People's Republic of China, Zhou Enlai and former Minister for Foreign Matters of the German Democratic Republic, Oskar Fischer. The city served as the ceremonial venue following Enver Hoxha's death. Mother Teresa became the first religious figure to visit the country following its long declared atheist stance. She laid respect to her parents resting at a local cemetery. Starting at Student City and ending at Skanderbeg Square with the toppling of Enver Hoxha's statue, the city saw significant demonstrations by University of Tirana students demanding political freedoms.

Transition

Southern part of Tirana Plain
Illegal structures on Lana River banks

The post communist period is described as the worst in terms of urban development. Buildings began to be constructed without planning and public areas were usurped in various forms giving way to neglect. Informal districts formed around the city as internal migrants gathered from around the country.

During this period Tirana was transformed from a centrally planned economy to a market oriented economy. The first private cars took on to the streets and businesses started to be established, particularly kiosks, and some multistory buildings. Enver Hoxha's mausoleum was dismantled and renamed after persecuted activist Pjeter Arbnori. All buildings and apartments were denationalized, while a modern water, telephone, and electrical systems were built during 1992–1996. These systems form the backbone of modern Tirana.

On the political sphere, the city witnessed some historical and violent events. A number of Western personalities visited the capital such as former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker. The visit came amid an historical setting following the fall of communism as hundreds of thousands of citizens were chanting on Skanderbeg Square Baker's famous saying of "Freedom works!". Later, Pope John Paul II became the first leading religious figure to visit Tirana following its declared atheist stance. The city experienced chaotic events such as the 1997 unrest in Albania and a failed coup d'etat on September 1998.

Rebirth

The rehabilitation of the area around Lana River
Traditional houses are being threatened by unregulated construction of apartment buildings.

In 2000, a radical campaign was undertaken to beautify and liberate public space previously occupied by illegal establishments. The campaign called Return to Identity included the transformation of Lana River banks, local parks, and other structures to their pre-1990 state. Former Tirana's mayor, Edi Rama, led an initiative to paint the façades of Tirana's buildings in bright colours, although much of their interiors continue to degrade.[11][12] Public transport was privatized as new second hand buses were introduced, municipal services expanded, and a richer calendar of events introduced. Road infrastructure considerably improved as all main roads underwent reconstruction, including the Ring Road (Unaza), and main boulevard. Another campaign targeted common areas between apartment complexes by bringing back lost space due to usurpation or neglect, while new parks and squares were built giving Tirana a more European look. Sharra landfill site was reconstructed by eliminating the environmental catastrophe of unregulated garbage burning. It is observed that some existing green spaces are used for the construction of skyscrapers, while apartment buildings are being built on grounds of former traditional houses.

In 2007, U.S. President George W. Bush visited Tirana by marking the first time that such a high ranking American official visits Albania and an unprecedented security presence in and around the capital.[13] The 2008 Gërdec explosions were especially felt in the capital as windows were shattered and citizens shaken. In 21 January 2011, Albanian police clashed with opposition supporters in front of the Government building with cars being set on fire, and where 3 persons were killed, and 150 wounded.[14]

Although much has been done, many problems still remain unsolved such as loss of public space due to continuous and uncoordinated construction, unpaved roads in suburban areas, degradation of Tirana's Artificial Lake, rehabilitation of Skanderbeg Square, and the construction of a central bus station and public parking lots. Some proposed future plans include the continuation of illegal buildings' legalization process, construction of the southwestern portion of the Big Ring road, a tram system, and the rehabilitation of the Tirana Train Station area.

Climate

Tirana has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and moderately dry summers, and cool and wet winters.

Climate data for Tirana
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 19
(66) 		22
(72) 		26
(79) 		28
(82) 		33
(91) 		37
(99) 		38
(100) 		40
(104) 		35
(95) 		31
(88) 		25
(77) 		22
(72) 		40
(104)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 12
(54) 		12
(54) 		15
(59) 		18
(64) 		23
(73) 		28
(82) 		31
(88) 		31
(88) 		27
(81) 		23
(73) 		17
(63) 		14
(57) 		21
(70)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2
(36) 		2
(36) 		5
(41) 		8
(46) 		12
(54) 		16
(61) 		17
(63) 		17
(63) 		14
(57) 		10
(50) 		8
(46) 		5
(41) 		10
(50)
Record low °C (°F) −8
(18) 		−8
(18) 		−4
(25) 		−1
(30) 		3
(37) 		6
(43) 		11
(52) 		10
(50) 		5
(41) 		1
(34) 		−3
(27) 		−7
(19) 		−8
(18)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 135
(5.3) 		152
(6.0) 		128
(5.0) 		117
(4.6) 		122
(4.8) 		86
(3.4) 		32
(1.3) 		32
(1.3) 		60
(2.4) 		105
(4.1) 		211
(8.3) 		173
(6.8) 		1,353
(53.3)
Average rainy days 13 13 14 13 12 7 5 4 6 9 16 16 128
Source: BBC Weather Service:Tirana

Demographics

Panoramic view of Tirana from Mount Dajt in 2004.

As of 2008, the urban population was officially estimated at 618,431.[2]

In 1703, Tirana had about 4,000 inhabitants and by 1820 the number tripled to 12,000. The first census conducted a few years after becoming capital showed a total population of 10,845. During the 1950s, Tirana experienced rapid industrial growth and the population increased to about 137,000. After the end of communist rule in 1991, Tirana experienced its fastest population growth when people from rural areas moved to the capital for better economic opportunities. In 1990, Tirana had 250,000 inhabitants, but the large-scale influx increased the population to well over 600,000.

  • Tirana's expansion from 1990 to 2005
    Tirana's expansion from 1990 to 2005
  • Albanian Parliament Offices
    Albanian Parliament Offices
  • Tirana by Night seen from the revolving restaurant at Sky Tower
    Tirana by Night seen from the revolving restaurant at Sky Tower
Historical population of Tirana
(Source: [15] [16] [17] [a])
Year170318201923193719551985200120082009
Population4,00012,00010,84535,000108,200200,000610,000618,431650,837

^a Population figures are given inside city limits at that time.

Health

The largest hospital in Tirana is called Mother Theresa Hospital (Qëndra Spitalore Universitare Nënë Tereza), which is associated with University of Tirana, Faculty of Medicine. The Hospital is a 1,456-bed facility that offers comprehensive inpatient tertiary care to over 12,000 patients annually. The hospital is currently undergoing major changes in infrastructure and equipment. Recently, a number of private hospitals have been opened.

Culture

See also: Culture of Albania

Institutions and events

File:Taiwan Center, Rinia Park Tirana.jpg
"Taivani" one of Tirana's most popular restaurants seen from the revolving restaurant at Sky Tower
Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower on the left
Dajti Mountain overlooking Tirana seen from the Dajti Cable Car
Tabak Bridge
Deshmoret e Kombit Main Boulevard
Petrela Castle near Tirana
National Historical Museum

The main cultural institutions of Tirana are the National Theater, the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, and the National Arts Gallery (Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve). Performances of renown world composers are regularly performed by the Symphonic Orchestra of the Albanian Radio and Television. The city serves as a regular venue for the Tirana Biennale, Tirana Jazz Festival, Summer Day, White Night on 28 November, Rally Albania, Netet e Klipit Shqiptar, and Tirana Fashion Week. Recently, Tirana has been redesigning its identity to a more Mediterranean city full of cafes and a vibrant nightlife.

Sights

Tirana is trying to improve its tourism potential by reconstructing important landmarks. The town is home to the following historical sites:

Tirana is home to 5 well-preserved traditional houses (museum-houses), 56 cultural monuments, 8 public libraries, and the National Library of Albania (Biblioteka Kombëtare).[18]

Education

See also: Education in Albania

Tirana is home to a significant young population. As such it is host to many academic institutions such as the University of Tirana, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Agricultural University of Tirana, Academy of Physical Education and Sports, Academy of Music and Arts of Albania, the Academy of Sciences of Albania, and the Skanderbeg Military University, national and international academic research institutions, as well as NGOs. English Base is the best English Language school in Tirana.

In recent years, Tirana has seen the creation of a vast number of private academic institutions, including: Albanian University (U.F.O - Universitas.Fabrefacta Optime), Epoka University, University of New York, Tirana, European University of Tirana, Luarasi University, Academy of Film and Multimedia "Marubi", etc.

Districts

Municipal Units of Tirana
Blloku, Tirana's nightlife area.
Main article: Administrative divisions of Tirana
See also: List of Tirana's neighborhoods

The Municipality of Tirana is divided into 11 smaller administrative units referred to as Njësi Bashkiake (Municipal Units). These are made up of their own mayor and council, and sometimes are known as Mini-Bashki (Mini-Municipality). In 2000, the centre of Tirana from the central campus of Tirana University up to Skanderbeg Square was declared the place of Cultural Assembly, and given special claims to state protection.

The historical core of the capital lies around Murat Toptani Street, while the most prominent city district has become Blloku. Once a secluded and heavily guarded Politbureau residential area, it has turned into the most influential district of Tirana where the young and fashionable fill the numerous clubs and cafes. During the evening hours, the area turns into a giant promenade where some of the most beautiful youth can be seen. Tirana's influential elite resides in the village of Selita in Tirana's outskirts. The area is famous for its astonishing villa architecture.

Until recently, the city lacked a proper address system. In 2010, the municipality undertook a campaign to installing street name and entrance number signs, with every apartment entrance being physically stamped.[19]

Economy

Tirana is Albania's major industrial centre. It has experienced rapid growth and established many new industries since the 1920s. The principal industries include agricultural products and machinery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, metal products, and lately services.

Tirana began to develop in the beginning of the 16th century, when a bazaar was established, and its craftsmen manufactured silk and cotton fabrics, leather, ceramics and iron, silver, and gold artifacts. Sited in a fertile plain, the Tirana area exported 2,600 barrels of olive oil and 14,000 packages of tobacco to Venice by 1769. In 1901, it had 140,000 olive trees, 400 oil mills, and 700 shops. The TID tower, an 85 meters business tower is being constructed in the city by redefining architecture in Albania. Tirana has a number of malls, such as City Park at 3 km².

Environment

Kavaja Street
A typical street scene in Tirana

The city suffers from problems related to overpopulation, such as waste management, lack of running water and electricity, and high levels of air pollution and noise pollution. Air pollution has worsened as the number of cars has increased by several orders of magnitude to over 300,000. These are mostly older, diesel cars that pollute much more than newer models elsewhere in Europe. Additionally, most of the fuel used in Albania contains larger amounts of sulfur and lead than in the European Union. Another source of pollution are PM10 and PM2.5 inhaled particulate matter and NO2 gases.[20][21] Untreated solid waste is an additional problem present in the city and outskirts. In recent years, there has been complaints of excessive noise pollution. The problems are exacerbated by aging infrastructure. Despite the problems, Tirana has also experienced a very rapid growth in the construction of new buildings and expanding road infrastructure.[22] The Big Park at the Tirana Artificial Lake has some effect on absorbing CO2 emissions. Recently, over 2000 trees have been planted around many sidewalks throughout the city.

Media

Tirana is the media hub of Albania. The city is home to the headquarters of the Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), and national commercial broadcasters Top Channel and TV Klan. Numerous radio stations operate in the capital, with the most notable being Radio Tirana, commercial Top Albania Radio and Plus 2 Radio. Tirana is home to the publication of a vast number of dailies including Shqip, Zëri i Popullit, Shekulli, Gazeta Shqiptare and Koha Jonë.

Sports

See also: KF Tirana, Partizani Tirana, and Dinamo Tirana

Tirana is the major centre for sport in Albania and Tirana's football clubs have won more championships than any other clubs in Albania. Tirana has two stadiums, the Qemal Stafa Stadium, that holds around 20,000 spectators and the Selman Stërmasi stadium which holds around 12,000 spectators. The Tirana sportive infrastructure is developing fast because of municipality and MTKRS investments. From 2007 Tirana Municipality has built up to 80 sport gardens in most of Tirana neighbourhoods.

Transport

See also: Transport in Albania

Municipal, national and international transport links have developed over recent years as demand has increased. The city serves as the meeting point for national roads SH1, SH2 and SH3. Construction of the outer big ring road started in 2011. The following section is liable to change and is only indicative.

Bus

See also: Bus lines in Tirana

Local transport within Tirana is by bus or taxi. Coach and minibus (furgon) services also run, according to demand, to the coast and northern and southern Albania from different locations in Tirana. International coach services connect to Greece, via Korçë or Kakavije, to Kosovo via the new Durrës-Morine highway, and to the Republic of Macedonia via Struga.

Rail

See also: Albanian Railways

There are regular passenger services to Durrës and Pogradec, via Elbasan. The Tirana Railway Station is north of Skanderbeg Square, alongside the coach terminal at the north end of Boulevard Zogu I. There are no international passenger services, although there is a freight-only railway through Shkodër to Montenegro (though this is currently disused).

Air

Tirana International Airport
Main article: Tirana International Airport Mother Theresa

Tirana International Airport Mother Theresa (Nënë Tereza in Albanian), also known as Rinas Airport, was reconstructed in 2007. It is located 15 kilometres northwest of the city, off the road to Durrës. Airlines using Rinas include Albanian Airlines. Flights run to Athens, London, Rimini, Bari, Genoa, Rome, Bologna, Munich, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Vienna among other places. It is one of the biggest airports in the region. Several foreign airlines also serve Rinas Airport: Alitalia (from Rome and Milan), British Airways (from London Gatwick Airport), Austrian Airlines (from Vienna), Adria Airways (Ljubljana), Jat Airways (Belgrade), Lufthansa (Munich), Malev (Budapest), Olympic Air (Athens), Hemus Air (Sofia) and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul). In summer there is a direct charter flight from JFK, New York.

Sea

Tirana is served by the port of Durrës, that is 36 km distant from the capital. Passenger ferries from Durrës sail to Trieste, Ancona, Otranto, Brindisi, Bari, Genoa (Italy), Zadar, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Koper (Slovenia), Bar (Montenegro), Corfu (Greece) and others.

Bicycle

Bicycles can be rented from four stations located at Rinia Park and along Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard. The system is part of the Ecovolis bicycle sharing program launched in 2011.[23] A full day ride costs 100 leks. Cycling in the streets can be quite dangerous as bike lanes are lacking. However, in recent years, combined bus and bike lanes were built on Tirana's main streets. Bike only lanes are located on existing sidewalks along Lana River, and on Kavaja Street.

Mayors

Zyber Hallulli
Servet Libohova
Ismail Ndroqi
Ali Begeja
Ali Derhemi
Xhemal Kondi
Fuat Toptani
Izet Dibra
Rasim Kalakula
Rexhep Jella
Abedin Nepravishta
Qemal Butka
Abedin Nepravishta
Qazim Mulleti

1913–1914
 1915–1916
 1917–1922
 1922–1923
 1923–1924
 1924–1925
 1925–1927
 1927–1928
 1928–1930
 1930–1933
 1933–1935
 1936–1937
 1937–1939
 1939–1940

Omer Fortuzi
Halil Meniku
Llazar Treska
Ibrahim Sina
Isuf Keçi
Sabri Pilkati
Peço Kagjini
Sami Gjebero
Ibrahim Sina
Sami Gjebero
Irfan Ceklkupa
Rifat Dedja
Sabri Pilkati
Rifat Dedja

1940–1943
 1943–1944
 1944–1945
 1947–1949
 1950–1951
 1951-1951
 1951–1952
 1953–1954
 1954–1955
 1956–1957
 1957–1958
 1958–1961
 1961–1962
 1962–1964

Sabri Pilkati
Myqerem Fuga
Ndue Marashi
Nesip Ibrahimi
Jashar Mezenxhiu
Llambi Gegprifti
Leandro Zoto
Llambi Gegprifti
Tomor Malasi
Sali Kelmendi
Albert Brojka
Edi Rama
Lulzim Basha

1965–1966
 1970–1973
 1974–1975
 1976–1983
 1984–1985
 1986–1987
 1987–1988
 1989–1990
 1991–1992
 1992–1996
 1996–2000
 2000-2011
 2011-

Notable people

Below are some of the most notable personalities born in Tirana or that spent most of their lives in Tirana:

Honorary citizens

The following persons are honorary citizens:[24]

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Albania

Twin towns – sister cities

Tirana is twinned with:[25]

See also

References and notes

  1. ^ www.tirana.gov.al
  2. ^ a b "Human Resources Directorate of Tirana Municipality" (PDF). Retrieved 27 June 2010.
  3. ^ Template:Sq icon Kodi postar Posta Shqiptare. www.postashqiptare.al. Retrieved on 13 November 2008
  4. ^ As argued by Prof. Dr. Muzafer Korkuti, an Albanian archeologists and researcher. "Tirane si qëndër e Historisë dhe Trashëgimisë Kulturore"
  5. ^ a b Heppner, Harald (1994). Hauptstädte in Südosteuropa: Geschichte, Funktion, nationale Symbolkraft. Wien u.a. Böhlau. pp. 133, 135. ISBN 9783205982555.
  6. ^ To know more about the history of Tirana, please consult Tirana ne shekuj: Terona, Theranda, Tirkan, Tirannea, Tirana : monografi, disa artikuj e materiale arkivore kushtuar historisë së Tiranës by Skënder Jasa. (Victoria, 1997)
  7. ^ Template:Sq icon ""Tiranasit" e ardhur rishtaz". Gazeta Shqiptare. Retrieved 17 August 2008.
  8. ^ Pearson, Owen (2006). Albania and King Zog: independence, republic and monarchy 1908–1939. IB Taurus. p. 140. ISBN 1845110137. It was decided that the Congress of Lushnje was not to be dissolved until elections had been held and the new government had taken power into its hands and begun to exercise its functions in Tirana in opposition to the Provisional Government in Italian occupied Durrës
  9. ^ Kera, Gentiana. Aspects of the urban development of Tirana: 1820-1939, Seventh International Conference of Urban History. Athens, 2004.
  10. ^ Bleta, Indrit. Influences of political regime shifts on the urban scene of a capital city, Case Study: Tirana. Turkey, 2010.
  11. ^ "A bright and colourful new style of urban design emerges in Albania". Resource for Urban Design Information. Retrieved 16 August 2008.
  12. ^ Pusca, Anca (2008). "The aesthetics of change: Exploring post-Communist spaces". Global Society. 22 (3): 369–386. doi:10.1080/13600820802090512.
  13. ^ Bush greeted as hero in Albania – BBC NEWS
  14. ^ http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/breakingnews/2011/01/21/nb-00
  15. ^ Albania: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population World Gazetteer.2009-12-01
  16. ^ Template:Sq icon Population statistics of the Municipality of Tirana
  17. ^ Template:Sq icon Population projections from INSTAT
  18. ^ Template:Sq icon Statistikat 2007 PDF Municipality of Tirana. Retrieved on 20 July 2008
  19. ^ http://www.tirana.gov.al/?cid=1,154,2320
  20. ^ Environmental Center for Administration & Technology Tirana. 2008. Tirana Air Quality Report. Tirana: EU/LIFE Program; German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety.
  21. ^ Dako, Alba; Lika, Mirela and Hysen Mankolli. 2008. Monitoring aspects of air quality in urban areas of Tirana and Durrës, Albania. Natura Montenegrina 7, no. 2: 549-557
  22. ^ Cameron, Rob (3 December 2004). "Tirana: Where the streets have no name". BBC News.
  23. ^ Ecovolis
  24. ^ Tirana.gov.al
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab "Twinning Cities: International Relations" (PDF). Municipality of Tirana. www.tirana.gov.al. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  26. ^ "Barcelona internacional – Ciutats agermanades" (in Spanish). 2006–2009 Ajuntament de Barcelona. Retrieved 13 July 2009. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ "Sister Cities". Beijing Municipal Government. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  28. ^ International Relations. Municipality of Tirana. www.tirana.gov.al. Retrieved on 25 January 2008.

Notes:

a.   ^ Template:Kosovo-note

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tirana.

41°19′34″N 19°48′58″E / 41.326°N 19.816°E / 41.326; 19.816

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