A look into Albania's repressive communist regime - Bunk Art 2

“The local name for Albania in the Albanian language is Shqipëria.  The name "Shqipëria" is believed to be derived from the Albanian word "shqipoj," meaning "to speak/to spell," or from the eagle, which is "shqiponjë" in Albanian. It is on the national flag. Bordering countries are Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.

The official language of Albania is Shqip or Shqipe (Albanian). It's an Indo-European language and the only surviving member of its branch, often referred to as the Albanoid branch. While Albanian is the dominant language, with 98.76% of the population claiming it as their native language, several other languages are spoken by minority groups and through foreign language education.

The establishment of the People's Republic of Albania in 1944 under the leadership of Enver Hoxha (pronounced Hodja) was a significant epoch in modern Albanian history. Hoxha's regime embraced Marxist–Leninist ideologies and implemented authoritarian policies, including prohibition of religious practices, severe restrictions on travel, and abolition of private property rights. It was also defined by a persistent pattern of purges, extensive repression, instances of betrayal, and hostility to external influences. Any form of opposition or resistance to his rule was met with expeditious and severe consequences, such as internal exile, extended imprisonment, and execution. The regime confronted a multitude of challenges, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, health crises and gender inequality. In response, Hoxha initiated a modernisation initiative aimed at attaining economic and social liberation and transforming Albania into an industrial society. The regime placed a high priority on the diversification of the economy through Soviet-style industrialisation, comprehensive infrastructure development such as the introduction of a transformative railway system, expansion of education and healthcare services, elimination of adult illiteracy, and targeted advancements in areas such as women's rights. 

Bunkers in Albania were constructed to prevent potential external invasions. By 1983, approximately 173,371 bunkers were scattered throughout its territory.

Albania's diplomatic history under Hoxha was characterised by notable conflicts. Initially aligned with Yugoslavia as a satellite state, the relationship deteriorated as Yugoslavia aimed to incorporate Albania within its territory. Subsequently, Albania established relations with the Soviet Union and engaged trade agreements with other Eastern European countries, but experienced disagreements over Soviet policies, leading to strained ties with Moscow and diplomatic separation in 1961. Simultaneously, tensions with the West heightened due to Albania's refusal to hold free elections and allegations of Western support for anti-communist uprisings. Albania's enduring partnership was with China; it sided with Beijing during the Sino-Soviet conflict, resulting in severed ties with the Soviet Union and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact in response to the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. But their relations stagnated in 1970, prompting both to reassess their commitment, and Albania actively reduced its dependence on China.

Under Hoxha's regime, Albania underwent a widespread campaign targeting religious clergy of various faiths, resulting in public persecution and executions, particularly targeting Muslims, Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox adherents. In 1946, religious estates underwent nationalisation, coinciding with the closure or transformation of religious institutions into various other purposes. This culminated in 1976, when Albania became the world's first constitutionally atheist state. Under this regime, citizens were forced to renounce their religious beliefs, adopt a secular way of life, and embrace socialist ideology”.

The above text is from Wikipedia – the best concise way to detail the past and explain  Bunk Art 2.

In 1992, the Communist party suffered a defeat and the subsequent years, there was major upheaval politically, economically and socially; leading to a civil war in 1997. It aimed towards western countries and from 2009, after NATO membership, the country prospered.

This unique exhibition is located in the former anti atomic shelter of the Ministry of Interior. Built between 1981 and 1986, the bunker chronicles the history of the Albanian Ministry of the Interior from 1912 to 1991. It houses the first major video museum dedicated to the victims of communist terror. 

   

  

Modern Tirana 

Budapest - A Pictorial Tour of the Parliament Complex

This a is a pictorial tour of Budapest’s Parliament – and also some background to how it was built. Enjoy. 

A map of Hungary showing Buda and Pest in relation to rest of the country. 

The beautiful building is exquisitely maintained – its in a large plaza – on one side is the river, on the other side, huge marble statues commemorating various events. 

PLEASE do read the detailed text at the end of how the building was created and the various important architectural elements specifically made for it. I congratulate the Hungarian authorities for arranging excellent tours in different languages for visitors – the explanatory panels everywhere are very clear, readable and in depth. 

The regal grandeur of the various halls and especially the main staircase with the absolutely amazing paintings on the ceilings and along the walls are incredible in their beauty. 

These carvings are on the pillars of the hall - they show Hungarians from different walks of life - the countryman to the wealthy.

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