Defence, identity, and urban form: the extreme case of Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Albania, stands out as a unique example of urban and architectural design shaped by self-defence strategies employed by individual family units during the Classical and Late Ottoman periods. The study reveals that defence concerns significantly influenced the city's urban morphology and building typology, persisting until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The city's military character is deeply rooted in a local 'warrior' mentality, which permeated residents' identities even during times of peace. Through an analysis of Gjirokastra's residential neighbourhoods, the research highlights how the fear of war and feuds guided its development, creating a distinctive urban form that reflects centuries of conflict and resilience.

Mezini, L., & Pojani, D. (2014). Defence, identity, and urban form: the extreme case of Gjirokastra. Planning Perspectives, 30(3), 397–428. https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2014.943267