On 12 October 2026, the event “Tirana’s Heritage – Still Alive” was held at the Mojkom Zeqo Library in Tirana. The event aimed to present the achievements of the project “Identification and Documentation of Tirana’s Intangible Cultural Heritage”, implemented by DMO ALBANIA and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Approximately 30 participants attended the event, including representatives of institutions working in the field of cultural heritage, as well as artisans and bearers of Tirana’s cultural heritage. The programme combined institutional presentations, professional analysis of the findings, video screenings, and discussions with artisans.

At the beginning of the event, DMO ALBANIA presented the research conducted to document local traditions as part of Tirana’s cultural identity. Ms Eva Kushova, Executive Director of DMO ALBANIA, introduced the project, explained its implementation process, and highlighted the importance of identifying and documenting the intangible cultural heritage of Tirana County.

The Director of the Centre for Traditional Activities addressed the importance of the intangible cultural heritage register and the need to document Tirana’s cultural elements. Silvana Nini, an intangible cultural heritage expert and ethnographer, presented the research findings and the main elements documented through the project. Meanwhile, Ms Erilda Selaj, Director of the Centre for Traditional Activities, spoke about the importance of heritage documentation as a process that is now underway throughout the country.

Participants watched video materials showcasing traditional practices and the testimonies of cultural heritage bearers. Discussions focused on safeguarding traditional knowledge, ensuring the continuity of traditional crafts, and exploring opportunities to promote them.

Traditional Tirana dishes prepared by Luga e Argjendtë were also presented, highlighting the importance of gastronomy as an integral part of cultural heritage. The event concluded with a summary of the significance of the findings and the need to continue documenting and promoting intangible cultural heritage.

Documentary Outputs and Products

Within the framework of the project and the promotional event, the following documentary outputs and products were identified:

A study on the characteristics of Tirana’s intangible cultural heritage, providing information on the history, distinctive features, and cultural significance of the documented elements.
A series of documentary videos showcasing traditional practices and the testimonies of cultural heritage bearers.
Audiovisual testimonies and interviews collected during the research process.
Documentation of pottery-making in Farka, including working techniques, product characteristics, and the continuity of this traditional craft.
Documentation of three traditional recipes—tutmaç, mish kaurma, and kabunia—describing their cultural context and ingredients.
Documentation of the traditional bridal attire featuring dimite mermeri, identifying its materials, constituent elements, and historical characteristics.
Documentation of traditional carpet weaving, focusing on techniques and the experiences of women who carry on this tradition.
An in-person promotional event organised to publicly present the project’s findings.

These outputs provide a documentary foundation for further cultural, educational, and promotional activities.

Project Results and Achievements

The project contributed to identifying and documenting elements of Tirana’s intangible cultural heritage, shifting the focus from an approach centred exclusively on objects and monuments towards the knowledge, practices, and people who keep traditions alive.

The main results include:

Identification of Documented Traditions

Elements of pottery-making, gastronomy, traditional clothing, and carpet weaving were identified and presented, highlighting their historical, cultural, and practical characteristics.

Documentation of Cultural Heritage Bearers

Through research and audiovisual materials, individuals who preserve traditional knowledge and continue to practise these traditions in their daily lives or through their craft activities were identified and documented.

Safeguarding Traditional Knowledge and Practices

Documenting techniques, terminology, recipes, and craft-making processes creates opportunities to preserve this knowledge and use it in educational and cultural activities.

Public Promotion of Cultural Heritage

The event held on 12 October provided an opportunity to present the findings to the public, combining professional presentations with video testimonies and direct discussions.

Identification of Economic and Tourism Potential

The project highlighted opportunities to develop tourism products and experiences linked to traditional gastronomy, artisan workshops, craft demonstrations, and the exploration of traditional clothing.

Encouraging Intergenerational Transmission

The documentation process highlighted the need to train young people, create opportunities for practical craft learning, and preserve traditional knowledge within families and communities.

Strengthening Institutional Cooperation

Cooperation between DMO ALBANIA, the National Centre for Traditional Activities, and the Institute of Anthropology contributed to bringing together tourism expertise and knowledge of cultural heritage.