Albania

Albania

Albania, with its Albanian name Shqipëria, is a Balkan and Mediterranean country with its 28,748 square kilometer area and its location, both culturally and geographically. Located in Southern Europe, Albania is home to the Adriatic and Ionian seas with its 611 km of coastline.
In border neighbors; Montenegro and Kosovo to the north and northeast, Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south.

Land of the Mountains
Although Albania has a coast on the Adriatic and Ionian seas, more than 70% of the country is mountainous. In the west of the country, the Dinaric Alps lie parallel to the Adriatic Sea, and the Albanian Alps lie in the north. The highest point of the country is Korab Mountain with a height of 2764 m. The elevation of its territory above sea level is an average of 200 meters. The average altitude of Albania is 708 meters and this causes Albania to be named as a country of mountains as a realistic definition.
The major streams of Albania are the Drin River with 280 km, the Seman River with 253 km and the Viyasa River with 236 km. These rivers are a kind of lifeblood of Albania.

Climate
Due to its location and structure, climatic conditions also vary in Albania. It has a Mediterranean climate where winters are warm and rainy, and summers are hot and dry in the southern and coastal areas. In the middle part, it has a continental climate with lots of rainy and cold winters and relatively rainy and dry in summer. Alple, which is located in the northeast, is under the influence of heavy rain and cold due to r, Alpine climate is observed.

Population and Cities
According to the 2012 census, 3,002,859 people live in Albania. Now this is just over 3 million according to estimates. Approximately 36% of this population lives in cities. In terms of ethnic structure, unlike the countries of the region, Albanians make up 97 percent of the population. In this respect, it has a homogeneous population structure.
In Tirana, the largest city and capital of the country, together with the metropolitan area of ​​the city, over 765 thousand people live.
Albania is administratively separated by 12 major. These provinces are:
Berat, Durrës (Dıraç) Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokastër (Ergiri) Korçë Görice, Kukës, Lezhë (Leç) Dibër (Debre) Shkodër (Shkodra) Tirana (Tirana) Vlorë (Avlonia). Again, there are 36 cities (districts) under these provinces.

NAME ORIGIN
Albania and Albanian name as country name is the Turkicized version of Arvanit, a Toska Albanian tribe. According to Semsettin Sami, an Ottoman intellectual of Albanian origin, it means an Albanian farmer.
The term Albania (Albania), which is used in international and world languages, means "standing high" because it is a mountainous country. Albania is called "Albania" and Albanians are called "Albanian".
In Albanian, the name of the country and nation is derived from the eagle Shqiponja. Albania is called Shqipëria, meaning the land of the eagles, while it is used in Albanian (Shqip) and Albanian (Shqiptar).

Language
The official language in Albania is Albanian. Albanian (gjuha shqipe) is a language that belongs to the Indo-European language family and is divided into a unique branch in itself. Since the ancestors of the Albanians, the oldest people of Europe, Pelasg and Illyrians, thousands of years of regional history is spoken.
Albanian has undoubtedly been influenced by many languages ​​during these thousands of years, including Latin, Roman (Byzantine) and neighborhood, Greek, Slavic, Turkish and Arabic from the Ottoman period due to the Venetian influence, and it contains words from these languages. However, after thousands of years, Albanian has remained a pure language as a vocabulary.
Albanian is spoken extensively in Albania, as well as in Kosovo and Macedonia, where Albanians live intensely. Apart from that, however, it is widely used in many countries in Europe and also Turkey.

Religion
Religion was among the prohibited subjects by the communist regime of Enver Hoxha (Hoxha), which ruled for 46 years between 1944-1991 in Albania, and Albania was declared the world's first and only atheist state. In this respect, most of the society in Albania lived completely outside religious issues between these years.
Following the collapse of this regime and the communist regimes in Eastern Europe in 1991, religious issues were again released in Albania.
After this long time, in the 2011 census, the relations of Albanian citizens to religion are as follows;
56.7% Islam, 10.03% Roman Catholic, 6.75% Albanian Orthodox, 5.49% not affiliated with a particular religion
2.5% Atheist, 2.09% Bektashi, 0.14% Protestant / Evangelical

The world, and especially that opens the door to many visitors from Turkey, Albania, is a focus area found that with full attention and sightseeing venues. While offering an alternative route to all travelers with its natural areas, climatic conditions, historical and touristic places; It is a favorite country for athletes with its mountainous areas. The country, which has a different vitality in each city, is also very welcoming with its warm people.

 All About Albania
Albania is a country that is located in Southern Europe and is of great location. It gains a great advantage with its neighbor to the Adriatic Sea and the unique culture of the country. Neighboring Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Greece, the country is also close to the Aegean Sea.
Albania is not a very old country. It has recently declared its independence and became autonomous. He lived under the Ottoman Empire until he declared his independence in 1912. In the following periods, the communist regime continued for about 4 years and then the rule of pluralist democracy was adopted. In more recent history, Albania, which can be considered a new movement, became a NATO country in 2009.

 Cities
The capital of Albania is Tirana. The cities of Vlorë, Berat, Debre, Durres, Elbasan, Ergiri, Fier, Gorice, Shkodra, Kukes and Lech, which came after Tirana, also draw attention in terms of population density. Each city of Albania is frequently visited by travelers for its natural beauty.

Climate
Albania is in a milder and milder structure with its location in the Mediterranean climate zone. Summer is sunny, dry and hot. The winter season is mild but very rainy. The higher the altitude, the higher the cold. The climate of Albania can vary in different parts of the country.

 Weather forecast
Albania, as a region, is in the center of attention of visitors for all four seasons, as it dominates the Mediterranean climate zone. The weather in Albania is hot and dry in the summer, while the winters are generally rainy. It is not very cold in winter. As you can see, the country's weather is suitable for you to visit in almost any season.

 Languages ​​Spoken
Since the official language of the country is Albanian, the language you will hear most often when you visit will be Albanian. In addition, different languages ​​are spoken in the country. The most common languages ​​are English, Greek, and Italian. French is also among the languages ​​that are widely spoken. Apart from these, it is possible to meet people who speak one of the languages ​​German, Serbian, Turkish and Romanian.

 Cuisine
Albanian cuisine has its origins for many years. Albania has a rich cuisine, especially with dishes inspired by neighboring countries, and its food culture and habits generally include vegetable dishes. Tomato, vinegar, cucumber and olive are among the most popular foods. In addition, casserole dishes are also very famous.

The most preferred alcohol in Albania is raki. Especially mulberry flavored rakı attracts more attention. The national drink of the country is boza. If you happen to be in Albania during the winter, don't forget to drink a cinnamon boza.

 Things to Know
Considering the Albanian religion, approximately 56 percent of the country is Muslim. Ten percent are Christians and seven percent are Orthodox. There is religious freedom in the country. Due to the combination of different religions, a general tolerance prevails.

 Traditions
Considering the general lifestyle of Albanians, its people are renowned for their hospitality. The very friendly people love to participate in many activities such as dancing. Country-wide does not like to talk about religion and politics.

Transportation
The lack of infrastructure is among the biggest problems of the country. Despite numerous studies, a full recovery has not been achieved. It is quite easy to travel within the borders of Albania. The cheap ticket prices encourage people to travel. Bicycle use is also very common in the country.

 Currency unit
The official currency of the country of Albania is LEK. When compared with today's exchange rate values, 1 Albanian lek equals 0.049 Turkish lira.

 Tour guide
In Albania, which has unique natural beauties, there are also entertainments waiting for the visitors. Festivals are the main ones. The biggest festival held in Albania is the Pagan Summer Festival. This festival, which is celebrated every year, hosts very colorful images. The theme of the festival is to celebrate the summer coming with the end of winter.
The Independence Day, celebrated on November 28, is considered the most important holiday of the Albanian people. The subject of the holiday is the independence of the country in 1912.
The Gjirokaster National Folklore Festival is also an artistic music festival organized by the Albanian people. The festival is celebrated with traditional clothes and colorful dances. This festival is among the most important festivals reflecting the Albanian culture.
There are also many museums in Albania. These museums, which reflect its historical structure and attract many tourists, are among the must-see places.
The National History Museum of Tirana literally reflects the history of Albania. Thanks to its magnificent structure every year, the museum is visited by millions of people and has more than three thousand historical artifacts. Especially the works belonging to the Ottoman period are the favorite of the visitors.

The Bunkart Museum, as another structure reflecting the history of Albania, meets with visitors. It attracts the attention of tourists with the traces of the old wars. Enriched with interviews and photographs, the museum was originally built as a shelter and turned into a museum in later periods.
Marubi National Museum of Photography is a place that fully reflects its Albanian origins. It is among the must-see places with its rich photographs and cutting-edge technology.

 Places to visit
Ksamil Village is one of the must-see places in the country. Albania is a country that can be visited comfortably with its very colorful and lively life as well as cheap living conditions. The clear coast of Ksamil Village is one of the places frequented by many tourists. In addition, the small islands in the close parts of the village are among the places that visitors enjoy. These islands are reached by private boats and boats.
The capital city of Tirana is a city established on the foothills of 1617 meters high. Skanderbeg Statue in the center of the city is one of the most striking places. Ethem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower are also places to be seen in the city. Famous murals of the Ethem Bey Mosque are also popular with tourists.
Vatan Martyrs Street is also one of the important streets of Tirana city. The beauty of the Lana River adds a different atmosphere to the city. Especially there are many tourists who come to visit the natural view of the river.
Elbasan city is the third most populous city in the country. The most striking aspect is their tiled houses. This city is also remarkable for tourists, with its ruins from the Ottoman period. The King Mosque is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Houses in the city of Berat have a structure that will make you feel like in Safranbolu. In addition, these houses are under protection by UNESCO. The city of Berat is very popular with tourists.
The city of Saranda is one of the most important places in the country. It is a complete holiday city with its simple beauty and calm structure.
Gjirokaster Castle is the second largest castle in the Balkans. With its flamboyant structure and colorful life, it is visited with interest by many people. There are church, fountains and Clock Tower within the walls of the castle.

 Gift Items to Buy
If you have come to Albania and are thinking of buying gifts for your relatives, you should definitely visit the Kruja Bazaar. You can come across many souvenirs and handmade items here. In addition, marginal trinkets, musical instruments and handmade covers are among the most preferred souvenirs.
Especially raki made from local grapes and local wines are among the very popular gift choices.

The Most Important Places You Can See In Albania

Tirana
The capital city of Tirana is located on the plain at the foot of the Dajti mountains at an altitude of 1617 meters. Like many Balkan cities, the river runs through Tirana. The city doesn't have a very attractive face. The Skanderbeg Statue, the Ethem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower, which are located in the square in the heart of the city and become the symbol of Albania, are the main places to see. Ethem Bey Mosque, built by Hacı Ethem Bey in 1793, is famous for its murals. Go up the clock tower and watch the city from above. You can even climb to the top of the Enver Hoca Pyramid.

Elbasan
Located next to the Shkumbin River, Elbasan is the third most populous and most important city in Albania after Tirana and Durres. Elbasan is a quiet city with a population of approximately 240,000. With its round-tiled houses, it looks like an Ottoman-era Anatolian town that has partially preserved its status. In Elbasan, the city where the Ottomans first set foot in Albania, the symbol of the city is the 16th century Clock Tower, which is still an Ottoman structure and still preserves its originality. Ottoman period buildings Namazgah, Kral Mosque (Sultan Mosque) and Nazire Mosque are among the main attractions.

Kruja
Kruja, which means krujë in Albanian, is a must-see place with its magnificent view, historical bazaar and castle. Krujë Castle, also known as Akçahisar Castle, is the most important place to see here. Iskender Bey Museum located in the castle should be visited. The Old Ottoman Bazaar, which extends at the entrance of the castle, is ideal for shopping.

Durres
Durrës, also known as Durrës, is Albania's second largest city after Tirana. The city, 33 kilometers west of Tirana, is an important historical and economical holiday destination. The coastline is very popular in Durres. On the opposite shore of Durres, located in a relatively narrow region of the Adriatic Sea, are the Italian cities of Bari and Brindisi.

Shkodra
Surrounded by the biggest lake of the Balkans and mountains called Taraboş because it resembles the Turkish title, Shkodra is the historical center of Albania with the three thousand year old Rozafa Castle. Rozafa Castle, which is the first of the places to visit in the city, is the point where the view of the city is best surrounded by Bojana and Drin Rivers. History Museum, Turkish Baths, old Ottoman houses in narrow streets, Ottoman Prison, Dilaver Pasha House, 14th century St. Stephen Cathedral, the 19th century Shkodra Cathedral and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque converted from a church can also be seen.