Publications
Evaluation of geomorphological conditions in the dynamics of urban development evolution in the city of Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra's urban development over four centuries is intricately linked to its geomorphological conditions, with the city's expansion influenced by terrain vertical zoning and landform transformations. The study reveals that Ottoman-style houses dominate the hilly sectors, while apartment blocks cluster along the Drino valley, reflecting a dynamic interplay between natural relief elements and urban growth. To guide future urban planning, the research emphasizes the need for scientifically-based criteria to balance expansion with the preservation of cultural heritage, considering evolving landforms shaped by increasing urban pressure and tourism.
Vernacular Architecture and the State of Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastra through Restoration Camps: Analysis and Technology Application
Restoration camps in Gjirokastra revealed significant structural vulnerabilities in its vernacular architecture, including stone wall delamination, timber decay, roof leakage, and foundation settlement. The study employed interdisciplinary collaboration among universities, UNESCO, and local authorities to digitally document and conserve these heritage buildings using high-resolution laser-scanning and photogrammetric techniques. Engaging architecture students, researchers, and conservation experts, the camps provided a hands-on approach to preserving the town's unique stone masonry walls, timber roof trusses, and elaborately carved stone window surrounds, all situated on a dramatic hillside overlooking the Drinos River valley.
Assessment of the main sustainable tourism indicators in the Protected Areas of the Gjirokastra region
A study assessing sustainable tourism indicators in Gjirokastra, Albania, reveals heightened community awareness of the region's natural and cultural heritage but highlights significant gaps in planning and stakeholder involvement. The research, involving surveys with 112 local residents and 168 visitors, analyzed socio-economic, environmental, infrastructural, and institutional factors to evaluate tourism sustainability. While visitors positively rated socio-economic and environmental conditions, the findings underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to prioritize sustainable development without compromising biodiversity conservation or local quality of life.
Cultural Heritage and Experiential Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges in Greece-Albania Cross-border Area (Berat, Gjirokastra and Ioannina)
A cross-border region spanning Albania and Greece, encompassing Berat, Gjirokastra, and Ioannina, exhibits significant potential for experiential tourism, which can foster social and economic development while preserving cultural heritage. The study highlights that this form of tourism, when sustainably developed, generates employment, protects heritage, and enhances local communities' quality of life. However, its long-term viability is hindered by challenges such as insufficient institutional cooperation between the two countries, inadequate road infrastructure, fragmented marketing strategies, and environmental concerns. To overcome these obstacles, the research proposes strategic measures including cross-border cooperation frameworks, capacity-building programs for local tourism actors, investments in infrastructure, integration of technological innovation, and joint branding initiatives to position the region as a unified destination. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative interviews with stakeholders, and GIS analysis to interpret data, offering actionable insights for sustainable tourism development.
Assessment of grazing capacity in subalpine and alpine summer pastures of Gjirokastra district
Grazing capacity in subalpine and alpine summer pastures of Gjirokastra district, Albania, has been scientifically quantified for the first time. The study analyzed six key habitats—Çajupi, Nëmërçka, Murgana, Trebeshina, Dhëmbeli, and Luca mountain—and determined their dry biomass to assess sheep grazing potential. Findings revealed significant discrepancies between measured capacities and those reported in local literature or practiced by regional authorities, highlighting gaps in traditional grazing management. The research employed standardized methodologies to collect and analyze vegetation data at peak growth stages, providing a data-driven foundation for sustainable livestock breeding practices in these UNESCO-listed sites.
Power Games: Architecture of Gjirokastra Un til the End of the 19th Century
Gjirokastra's architectural landscape reflects the complex interplay of power dynamics from Greek, Byzantine, Albanian, and Ottoman cultures, with its defensive, residential, and religious structures serving as tangible markers of social hierarchy. This study reveals how shifts in local, regional, and state power have shaped the town's urban form, offering a nuanced understanding of its architectural evolution. By analyzing the cause-and-effect relationships between architecture, urbanism, and social stratification, the research fills a gap in existing literature, providing insights into the intangible cultural influences that underpin Gjirokastra's built environment.
Technological innovations within the built heritage case study : city of Gjirokastra, Albania
Modern technological innovations, such as audio-visual systems, Virtual Reality tours, and 3D-printed replicas, are enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in the built heritage of Gjirokastra, Albania. These advancements facilitate better interaction for all visitors, including those with disabilities, by improving museum accessibility and community engagement. The study highlights the growing importance of integrating technology to address emerging needs while respecting human rights, ensuring everyone can experience places of outstanding value. Additionally, modernization efforts are crucial for tourism, which supports local economies and promotes cultural heritage preservation.
Seismic Retrofit of Existing Structures Based on Digital Surveying, Non-Destructive Testing and Nonlinear Structural Analysis: The Case of Gjirokastra Castle in Albania
A combination of retrofitting techniques can significantly improve the seismic performance of historic stone masonry structures, as demonstrated by the case study of Gjirokastra Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Albania. The study employed advanced digital surveying, non-destructive testing (NDT), and nonlinear structural analysis to assess the tower's material properties, dynamic behavior, and potential causes of damage. Findings revealed that while ground improvement solutions were necessary, additional retrofitting was required to meet code-specified performance levels. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in designing effective, integrated interventions for vulnerable historic structures in high-seismicity regions.
A bottom-up visioning process of "Gjirokastra 2030"
Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed historic center in Albania, faces significant demographic challenges due to mass migration and depopulation. However, the city retains substantial potential for growth and development, particularly as a regional hub with educational, healthcare, and administrative services. A bottom-up visioning process, 'Gjirokastra 2030,' aims to address these issues by leveraging the city's heritage status and integrating newly consolidated territories post-2015 administrative reforms. The study highlights the need for strategic planning to capitalize on Gjirokastra's regional significance while mitigating population decline.
Comparative palynomorphological study of two species in the valley of Zagoria, Gjirokastra, Albania
A pioneering palynomorphological study reveals the distinct pollen characteristics of two endemic plants, Centaurea epirota and Viola epirota, from Albania's Zagoria valley. Centaurea epirota pollen grains exhibit 3 colporate, radially symmetrical structures with scabrate exine, while Viola epirota displays variable colporate patterns (3-5) and granulate exine. These findings, documented for the first time in Albanian literature, provide critical insights into the species' morphological traits. The study employed light microscopy to analyze pollen morphology, comparing it with related species (Centaurea cyanus, Viola alba, Viola odorata, and Viola arvensis) to assess ecological factors and laboratory processing impacts on pollen size.
Comparisons of stakeholders’ perception towards the developing of cheese tourism. Case study – Gjirokastra region
Stakeholders in Gjirokastra, Albania, show strong interest in developing cheese tourism as part of the Cheese Road, a niche culinary tourism route. This study reveals that local inhabitants prioritize culinary experiences, particularly cheese-related ones, for tourism growth. Using descriptive statistics on questionnaire data, researchers identified both potential and obstacles to implementing this initiative. The findings highlight cheese tourism's significance in leveraging Gjirokastra's rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, offering a model for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites seeking sustainable culinary tourism development.
Demographic profile of Gjirokastra region
Albania's population has experienced significant decline since 2001, with a national decrease of 8.3% by January 1, 2021, and an annual drop of 0.6% in the previous year. The only positive growth was recorded in 2017 (0.03%), while the steepest decline occurred in 2020 (-0.58%). This trend contrasts with urban centers like Tirana and Durrës, which positively contribute to population growth. The study highlights how recent administrative reforms—merging municipalities and rural areas—have artificially inflated local populations, complicating resource management. These findings underscore the interplay between demographic shifts, territorial restructuring, and sustainable development challenges in Albania.
Exploring Tourist Expenditures of the Gjirokastra District in Albania: A Cluster Analysis
A cluster analysis of tourist expenditures in Gjirokastra, Albania, reveals distinct spending patterns among visitors, providing insights into the economic impact and demand for goods and services in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study, based on a survey of 200 visitors, categorized daily expenses into six main travel budget categories and identified clusters that reflect varying visitor behaviors. This analysis highlights the significance of tourism expenditures as an indicator of tourist demand, offering valuable data for destination management and policy-making.
Gjirokastra CHwB To restore a world heritage
A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Berat and Gjirokastra highlights the challenges and considerations for international professionals when evaluating restoration proposals in foreign towns. It emphasizes the need to balance between preserving cultural heritage and promoting revitalization, while ensuring that the opinions of local inhabitants are integrated into decision-making processes. The research explores potential levels for proposals, identifies unrealistic suggestions, and examines the consequences of such decisions on Gjirokastra's status as a World Heritage Site. It also delves into the necessary knowledge for local handling and the extent to which buildings can be demolished or preserved. The study advocates for collaborative efforts between professionals and locals to create a well-functioning unity that respects both modernization and cultural heritage.
Gjirokastra in a (Post-) Modern Condition
Gjirokastra exemplifies the complex interplay between architecture and socio-political transformations during modern and postmodern periods. The study reveals that the city's architectural evolution reflects radical ideological shifts tied to politico-economic and sociocultural systems, particularly under capitalist globalization pressures. By analyzing urban development through these lenses, researchers highlight how migration, uncontrolled growth, and economic dynamics challenge traditional architectural practices. The research frames Gjirokastra as a case study for shrinking cities, offering insights into the future trajectory of heritage sites amid global crises.
Gjirokastra rebirth through distributed retirement houses
Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed city facing demographic and economic decline, can be revitalized by transforming into a 'City of Health' through strategic urban planning. The study proposes attracting older residents from abroad for retirement, leveraging existing resources to develop a local medical and sanitary industry. This approach aims to diversify the economy beyond tourism, attract younger professionals, and create a self-sustaining cycle of growth. The research identifies key opportunities in integrating isolated urban areas, fostering synergies between the city and its surroundings, and establishing a medical excellence hub. Methodologies included on-site surveys, literature reviews, SWOT analysis, and urban sketches to devise a strategic plan for Gjirokastra's rebirth, with technology solutions addressing emerging challenges.
Innovative Urban Design Strategies for a Traditional City. The Case of Gjirokastra
Urban regeneration strategies can effectively prevent the shrinkage of traditional settlements and improve their image, even in contexts where population displacement to larger urban centers is prevalent. This study proposes innovative intervention approaches for small towns, aiming to address the challenges posed by population decline and overcrowding in megacities. By analyzing successful case studies from both similar and differing contexts, the research highlights context-independent strategies that can be applied universally. The findings suggest that strategic urban interventions hold significant potential for revitalizing shrinking cities, offering a viable solution to the global trend of urbanization and its associated issues.
Placemaking Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra's urban fabric holds untapped potential for revitalization through strategic placemaking. The study reveals that the city's core contains significant but disconnected green areas, which, when reintegrated into public space, could restore and regenerate original activities, thereby strengthening the city's identity. This finding underscores the importance of accessibility—public spaces must be easily reachable and navigable to be valued and recognized as integral to urban life. The research employs a qualitative approach, combining field observations with interviews to explore how residents perceive their city and its elements. It draws on theoretical frameworks by Lynch, Alexander, and Jacobs to analyze citiescapes, landscapes, and urban components, offering insights into the criteria and experiences that shape placemaking.
Seeking production footprints on behalf of innovation, city of Gjirokastra
A growing recognition for safeguarding Albania's Industrial Heritage has emerged, yet this field remains under-researched and largely neglected. A study highlights the urgent need to document and preserve Gjirokastra's industrial landscape from 1950-1990, a period with minimal prior investigation. The research identifies critical gaps in documentation due to the absence of previous studies on industrial infrastructure in Albania, emphasizing the risks posed by daily decay to this heritage. By analyzing production footprints, the study aims to raise political, institutional, and civic awareness, positioning Gjirokastra as a model for broader preservation efforts across Albania. This work underscores the potential for investment-driven conservation and sets a precedent for protecting industrial heritage in other cities.
Sustainable Tourism as enhancer for Branding Gjirokastra
Sustainable tourism emerges as a pivotal strategy for enhancing the branded image of Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Albania. The study identifies three key sustainable tourism categories—cultural routes, creative tourism, and accessible tourism—as effective tools for fostering cultural tourism and achieving regional development. Unlike broader approaches, this research emphasizes a selective, place-based methodology tailored to Gjirokastra's unique attributes, including its built environment, hallmark events, and historical significance. Leveraging SWOT analysis and questionnaires, the study highlights case studies of well-known attractions to demonstrate how sustainable tourism can strengthen branding in regions with underdeveloped economic or social foundations.
The Gjirokastra Experience The Art Loop. An urban path to foster the connection between a territory and its cultural identity.
Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed Albanian city, faces severe depopulation due to economic and social factors. A proposed strategy leverages art and local culture as drivers for urban revitalization, aiming to reconnect three distinct urban loci: the historic old town, the modern new city, and the abandoned industrial area. The approach involves targeted interventions in buildings experiencing functional identity crises, promoting reuse without rebuilding. This methodology combines analysis of municipal development plans with tourism trends, using local culture as a key tourism driver. The strategy seeks to act as both top-down and bottom-up catalysts for economic and social interest, preserving Gjirokastra's unique cultural identity while addressing demographic decline.
The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic Situation On The Risk Level Facing The Albanian SMEs (Case Study: Gjirokastra Region)
Albanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Gjirokastra region demonstrated heightened vigilance to economic, social, legal, political, and health risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted through structured questionnaires and descriptive analysis, revealed that SMEs are proactively adapting to rapidly changing conditions, underscoring the need for continuous risk assessment in response to multifaceted challenges posed by the pandemic.
From Vernacular to World Heritage
European vernacular dwellings within UNESCO World Heritage Sites exhibit exceptional cultural and architectural quality, as revealed by the 3DPAST project. This research, supported by the Creative Europe EU programme, showcases the unique living heritage of eight sites across Europe, including Berat and Gjirokastra in Albania. Through advanced digital technologies, such as 3D modeling and visualizations, the study bridges the gap for non-traveling audiences, offering immersive experiences that preserve and highlight local knowledge tied to vernacular expressions. The project underscores the creative potential of these heritage sites, blending outstanding local expertise with cutting-edge digital realities to ensure their appreciation and conservation.
Gjirokastra Despotate and Gjin Zenebish
Ottoman records and historical chronicles reveal the significant influence of the Zenebish family, a prominent Albanian feudal dynasty centered in Gjirokastra (1304-1444), on the region's political and ethnic landscape. The study highlights that the Vilayet of Gjirokastra was referred to as the 'Vilayet of Zenebish' in Ottoman registers, indicating their dominance. It also documents Gjin Zenebish's strategic maneuvering between Ottoman rule and Venetian support, culminating in his exile to Corfu and eventual death there. The research underscores the family's pivotal role in defending Arberian interests through decades of conflict, providing a detailed account of their political strategies and historical significance.
La classification des établissements ruraux dans la région de Gjirokastra
Rural settlements in Gjirokastra, Albania, exhibit distinct economic and land-use patterns shaped by topography. Agriculture, livestock farming, and product processing dominate in lowland areas, while high-altitude zones favor orchards and cattle rearing. Mountainous regions, particularly villages like Picar, Cepo, Pogon, and Frashër, are characterized by small-scale agriculture. The study analyzed land registries to classify these settlements, revealing that pre-1990 socio-economic policies prioritized agricultural land use and rural population density, while post-1990 policies failed to address rural development effectively. Gjirokastra's rural areas hold exceptional cultural and architectural value, featuring a unique blend of Albanian and Greek traditions, which could serve as a transborder model for sustainable rural development.
The Vernacular Heritage of Gjirokastra (Albania): Analysis of Urban and Constructive Features, Threats and Conservation Strategies
Gjirokastra, Albania's historic center, faces significant threats to its unique Ottoman-styled urban and architectural heritage. A multidisciplinary analysis, combining traditional survey methods with innovative tools like laser scanning and photogrammetry, revealed critical transformations endangering the site's authenticity. The study, part of the 3D Past project, identified stone and wood as primary building materials shaping the city's landscape, influenced by its valley topography. While current conservation strategies aim at sustainable safeguarding, future measures are needed to preserve Gjirokastra's tangible and intangible heritage for future generations.
UNESCO and the dictator. Cultural heritage, totalitarianism and mobility in Albania
Albania's UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Butrint National Park, Berat, and Gjirokastra—reflect a complex interplay between cultural heritage and political regimes. Research reveals that contemporary patrimonialization in Albania, while challenging the legacies of Fascism and Communism, selectively reinterprets elements from these eras to craft a new tourist identity. The study employs document analysis from Tirana's National Historical Archive and ethnographic fieldwork, using mobility/immobility as a lens to examine heritage dynamics under totalitarianism and post-socialist transitions.
Cultural Spaces Research on Architecture and Identity
A multidisciplinary approach to architectural research, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can effectively engage students and foster comprehensive understanding. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in architecture education, as demonstrated by a course module at TU Wien focusing on the Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra in Albania. This module encouraged students to develop their own research projects, integrating various disciplines to analyze architectural identity. The research approach taught in this module emphasizes holistic analysis, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, thereby enhancing students' interest and capability in conducting independent research.
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