Memory Days '25

Dear friends and partners,
The Institute for Democracy, Media, and Culture (IDMC) and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) are proud to present the 10th anniversary edition of MEMORY DAYS, taking place over four days, on February 19–24, 2025 in Tirana and Shkoder, Albania.
For a decade now, MEMORY DAYS has become a dynamic platform that brings together key organizations and institutions working in the field of memory – including museums, local and international memory initiatives, associations of former political persecuted, study centers, civil society organizations, as well as policy makers, researchers, media professionals, artists and young people. Over 500 participants from Albania, the region and beyond share their experience, achievements and challenges in promoting and preserving the memory of the consequences of the communist dictatorship in Albania.

This year’s theme, “Special Case Albania? The Peculiarities of (Post)Communism” will explore the extent to which Albania's communist and post-communist experiences represent a "special case." The specific objectives of the program include: Investigating the distinctive features of Albanian communism and its aftermath. Examining the international and domestic discourse surrounding the uniqueness of Albania’s experience. Encouraging comparative studies with other Eastern European countries to understand broader trends. Addressing the role of transitional justice in Albania and how it differs from neighboring countries. Fostering public dialogue on the legacy of communism in Albania and its lasting impact on the nation’s identity.
Albanian communism presents a unique and complex historical case, marked by its long adherence to Stalinism, the extreme measures of political control, and its harsh treatment of perceived enemies of the state. From internment camps to widespread purges, Albania under the regime of Enver Hoxha experienced a highly repressive system. Key elements that set Albanian communism apart include the establishment of the "world’s first atheist state," aggressive isolationism, and the construction of thousands of bunkers for defense against perceived external threats.
The transition following the fall of communism in 1991 was marked by chaos. Albania was one of the last Eastern European countries to experience regime change, and the process of coming to terms with its communist past has been slow and challenging. The transitional justice process has been marked by political manipulation, the destruction of key state security files, and a general lack of accountability for the crimes of the regime. More than 30 years later, many Albanians continue to search for the remains of family members, and there is still no official memorial for the victims of communism in the capital, Tirana. The glorification of dictator Enver Hoxha and the partisan forces continues, while former communists hold high-ranking positions. The international academic community has questioned whether Albania truly stands as a special case. Some scholars express skepticism toward claims of Albanian exceptionalism in both its communist and post-communist experiences, noting that broader comparative studies are still lacking.
Key questions to be explored throughout the program include: What makes Albania’s experience with communism and its aftermath truly unique? How do international scholars and domestic historians differ in their interpretations of the Albanian case? What is the state of transitional justice in Albania compared to other former communist states? How is the Albanian communist and post-communist period represented in academia, public discourse, and education?
The 10th anniversary edition of MEMORY DAYS 2025, promises a rich program of activities, including keynote speeches, exhibitions, documentary screenings, panel discussions, workshops, debate forums, presentations of the latest publications on the dictatorship, award ceremonies for youth, and artistic performances.
"In continuation of our tradition of collaboration, as in previous editions, we invite all organizations and institutions working in the field of memory, both public and non-public, museums, and local and international memory initiatives, associations of former political prisoners, research centers, etc., to become part of this edition.
Thank you!
The IDMC Staff
Summary
- 1st day, 19 February: IDMC Celebrates the Memory Days' 10th Anniversary
- 2nd Day, 20 February: International Conference “Musealization of Memory”
- 3rd Day, 21 February: Publications and Studies in the Field of Memory by ISKK and IDMC
- 4th Day, 22 February: "Ask Your Grandparents 7" Awards
- 5th Day, 24 February: Conference “Media and Memory – How Traditional and Social Media Shape Historical Narratives in Albania”
1st day, 19 February: IDMC Celebrates the Memory Days' 10th Anniversary
On February 19, 2025, the Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture (IDMC), in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Albania (KAS), marked a historic milestone by celebrating the 10th anniversary of MEMORY DAYS at the symbolic venue of the Pyramid of Tirana. This anniversary highlights a decade of commitment to facing the past and preserving historical memory in Albania.
The ceremony opened with welcome addresses by Jonila Godole, Director of the Institute for Democracy, Media, and Culture, Klaudia Zerva, Programme Coordinator at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Albania, Lira Pipa, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, and Karl Bergner, Ambassador of Germany, as long-standing partners of IDMC. The speakers emphasized the importance of collective memory and the impact of IDMC’s work in promoting democratic values.
“We thought that in 2-3 years, we would put enough pressure to have a Memory Day for the victims and resistance against the regime and a Memorial in the center of Tirana. Unfortunately, even after 10 years, we still do not have a Memorial Day and no Memorial. As long as we do not have museums in places of suffering, as long as the camps of Spaç, Tepelena, etc., are in the deteriorated state they are today, we still have a long way to go. This is not a finish line, but the beginning of a new chapter.”
“The Konrad Adenauer Foundation prioritized dealing with the past 15 years ago. At that time, facing the past was lacking, society, media, and elites were apathetic about decommunization and stripped of the truth. Of course, we could not undo what had been done, nor the lives lost, but we could engage in returning to the past, exhuming it, analyzing it, and providing expertise – a minimal but necessary initiative to reflect on the past.”
“A testimony that we must continue this work and do much more, along with the state and ministries, institutions that are doing very good work, such as the Tepelena and Spaç camps, for which we have approved the management plan and held several hearings.”
“Facing the past is something that happens in civilized nations. I believe this memory needs spaces and locations where people can go, such as in Spaç. This is important not only for those who were victims of communism but also for society, spaces where young people can learn about the past.”
"Four members of our family were under surveillance by the State Security. They called us objects, and objects are soulless things – that’s what we were for the regime."
A special moment of the evening was the presentation of a summary video showcasing IDMC’s key activities and achievements over the years. It featured heartfelt messages from national and international collaborators, acknowledging IDMC’s dedication to working with youth, teachers, former politically persecuted individuals, and civil society.
IDMC extends its gratitude to all partners, collaborators, and supporters who have been part of this journey over the past decade and remains committed to continuing efforts to preserve memory and promote human rights.
Exhibition Opening: “Unforeseen Journeys of Life”
A crucial moment of the evening was the official opening of the “Unforeseen Journeys of Life” exhibition at the Pyramid of Tirana. This powerful exhibition brings to light the stories of 41 former politically persecuted individuals from different generations, offering a poignant reflection on Albania's difficult past under the communist dictatorship.
Curated by Jonila Godole, Director of the Institute for Democracy, Media and Culture, and Dong-Ha Choe, photographer and co-author of the exhibition, the project is a collaboration between the Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture (IDMC) and the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Germany. The exhibition highlights the untold stories of individuals who endured persecution, imprisonment, and discrimination during one of the darkest periods in Albania’s history.
The opening of the exhibition was accompanied by insightful speeches from Ulrich Mählert – Historian at the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Germany, Dong-Ha Choe – Photographer and co-author of the exhibition, Vera Bekteshi – Writer and former politically persecuted, Nestor Topençarov – Former political prisoner.
“These photos are intended to remain as a visual memory of human destinies, even 50 years from now. I did not want dramatic angles, nor attention-grabbing backgrounds, nor strong lighting. For me, it was important to capture a calm and dignified moment, both in expression and atmosphere.”
Through striking portraits and personal testimonies, the exhibition sheds light on the resilience and human dignity of those who survived political persecution. Each story is accompanied by a dedicated section from the “Unforeseen Journeys of Life” book, which compiles the life stories of the 41 individuals portrayed. The book was made available to attendees, serving as a lasting testament to the experiences of Albania’s politically persecuted.
2nd Day, 20 February: International Conference “Musealization of Memory”
The International Conference “Musealization of Memory” was organized by the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) and the Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture (IDMC) on February 20, 2025, at the Tirana International Hotel, as part of the 10th edition of the MEMORY DAYS. This event brought together key representatives of institutions dealing with the past, the EU Delegation to Albania, government representatives, museums and memorial sites, cultural heritage experts, researchers, policymakers, and civil society.
Luigj Ndou, Director of Government Relations for ICMP in Pristina and Tirana, emphasized the importance of preserving memory in transitional justice efforts, stating:
"Museums and memory sites play a vital role in safeguarding the truth about past injustices. By engaging communities in open and inclusive discussions, we can ensure that memory serves as a foundation for justice, social cohesion, and a shared commitment to never repeating past mistakes."
Frederique Hanotier, Political Officer for Human Rights, Democracy, and Media at the EU Delegation to Albania, stressed the necessity of addressing history transparently to ensure justice and strengthen the rule of law. She stated:
"The EU has consistently supported this process, recognizing its importance for Albania’s democratic consolidation. Museums play a vital role in keeping history alive within the collective memory, raising awareness about past atrocities, and preserving historical truth. This initiative provides Albania with a unique opportunity to learn from EU experiences. The EU remains fully committed to supporting Albania in these efforts, as transitional justice contributes not only to strengthening the rule of law but also to deepening ties between Albania and the EU. To commit to memory is to commit to justice and accountability—core European values that shape our shared future."
Jonila Godole, Executive Director of IDMC, highlighted concerns about the tendency to focus musealization efforts on sites and objects related to victims, neglecting places where they endured immense suffering. She stressed:
"This approach must change. Sites of repression, such as the internment camp in Tepelenë and the forced labor camp in Spaç—where remnants of forced labor are disappearing daily—must be preserved and transformed into museums and educational centers. Only by doing so can we ensure that future generations understand the realities of the past and that society remains committed to truth, justice, and memory."
Conference Panel Discussions
1. Panel Discussion: Musealization of Memory – Exchange and Lessons Learned from Existing Experiences
This session focused on current practices in memory preservation and musealization, identifying lessons learned and challenges faced by museums and memory sites in Albania.
- Pjerin Mirdita, Director of the “Site of Witness and Memory” Museum in Shkodër, emphasized the need for contributions and participation from individuals directly affected (victims or their relatives) to achieve the goal of preserving and conveying the past.
- Etleva Demollari, Director of the "House of Leaves" National Museum of Surveillance in Tirana, highlighted how the museum commemorates psychological violence and state control over citizens during the communist regime through exhibits of authentic surveillance equipment, secret documents, testimonies, and statistics. The museum fosters dialogue about the past, present, and future while raising awareness among younger generations about human rights and historical memory.
- Elenita Roshi, Director of the National Historical Museum of Albania, presented three monument construction projects aimed at preserving and interpreting historical and traumatic memory, emphasizing that both individual and collective memory are integral to cultural heritage and identity formation.
- Anila Zajmi, Specialist at the Directorate for Missing Persons under the Authority for Information on State Security Files, introduced projects designed to preserve historical memory and honor those who suffered under the communist regime. Among them:
- "Path of Freedom" in Kolonjë, a memorial dedicated to those killed or who fled attempting to cross the border during communism, incorporating symbolic and artistic elements inspired by Illyrian traditions.
- A memorial in Tirana, conceived as a resting and remembrance site for victims, with a monumental artistic approach integrating natural materials and functional elements for visitors.
- "Wall of Blood" in Shkodër, a symbolic memorial commemorating approximately 600 individuals executed during the communist era.
The panel, moderated by Sonila Danaj, Researcher at the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research in Austria, underscored that the musealization of memory is essential for preserving and transmitting history. Engaging communities and fostering open dialogue are crucial for an inclusive and balanced representation of the past. Additionally, interactive technologies and educational approaches help bridge younger generations with history, reinforcing museums as centers of memory and education.
2. Panel Discussion: Dark Tourism
This session explored the benefits and challenges of dark tourism, its potential to transform mindsets, challenge assumptions, and counter prejudices, as well as future policy directions and institutional support for this type of tourism.
- Benida Kraja, Director of Cultural Heritage Policies at the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, highlighted efforts to protect and promote sites from the communist era as cultural heritage monuments, advocating for youth engagement in maintenance and revitalization initiatives.
- Giulia Avanza, Program Director at the Santagata Foundation for the Economy of Culture, discussed her project on Spaç Prison, emphasizing the need for careful and respectful preservation of such tragic historical sites. She suggested establishing a cooperation network among museums and memory sites for regular experience-sharing and collaboration.
- Admirina Peçi, from Bunk’Art Museums, explained the initial skepticism around Bunk’Art 1 and 2, now essential landmarks in Albania’s transitional memory landscape, attracting 400,000 visitors in 2024 alone. These museums also host artistic and historical events, including exhibitions, concerts, and documentaries.
- Arjeta Kokalari, Director of the Musine Kokalari Museum in Gjirokastër, shared insights into her private initiative to establish a museum dedicated to the dissident Musine Kokalari. Despite its existence, the museum remains off the tourism map, with many authentic objects still awaiting certification and cataloging.
The panel, moderated by Edlira Agolli, an expert in Transitional Justice, emphasized that dark tourism in Albania is still in its early stages. Expanding the scope of dark tourism sites is essential not only for historical awareness and education but also for economic benefits and employment opportunities in local communities. Additionally, these institutions should serve as research hubs for young scholars and academics.
3. Panel Discussion: Alternative Models and Innovation
The final panel presented new approaches and initiatives for memory preservation, showcasing creative programs from Albania and the region that actively engage communities and strengthen social understanding. Panelists included:
- Merisa Topalović (Director) and Suada Nožić (Coordinator for Historical, Cultural, and Artistic Affairs) from the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide, Bosnia & Herzegovina;
- Marina Maier, CEO of Austrian Service Abroad;
- Elsa Ballauri, Founder of the Women's Museum;
- Bekim Bllakaj (Executive Director) and Blerta Hoçia (Curator) from the Humanitarian Law Centre, Kosovo;
- Michal Keim, Director of the Department of Research and Education at the Institute of National Memory, Slovakia
The experts from the region presented their experiences and future projects. Their insights and perspectives were crucial for implementing these models in Albania, considering the extensive experience that some foreign countries have in this field. Some of the key points highlighted by the experts included:
- Museums as spaces for community engagement and interaction;
- Development of digital and virtual museums;
- Understanding collective memory through personal stories;
- Open-air museums and public space exhibitions;
- Enhancing social media and online platforms;
- Integration of art and artistic performances;
- Therapeutic and psychological care through museum experiences
The panel, moderated by Pjerin Mirdita, emphasized that musealization of memory is crucial for preserving and promoting historical identity, particularly in Albania's post-communist context.
A special thanks to all speakers, panelists, and participants, whose contributions and dedication are essential in advancing collaborative and sustainable approaches to historical memory preservation.
Screening of the movie "Who is Afraid of Hitler's Town?"
The movie "Who is Afraid of Hitler's Town?" was screened for the first time for the Albanian audience at Agimi Art Center, during the MEMORY DAYS 2025 activities. It explores the architectural transformation of Adolf Hitler's birthplace into a police station and Austria's historical confrontation with the Nazi legacy. Through long-term observation, this documentary provides a vivid portrait of Braunau, a small town on the Austrian-German border, reflecting decades of history and its approach to coming to terms with the past.
The movie was made possible by the Austrian Embassy in Albania, concluding with a discussion between the Austrian director GĂĽnther Schwaiger and journalist Fatmira Nikolli.
3rd Day, 21 February: Publications and Studies in the Field of Memory by ISKK and IDMC
The Institute of Studies on the Crimes and Consequences of Communism (ISKK) presented the publication series of 2024 as part of the MEMORY DAYS in collaboration with the Institute for Democracy, Media and Culture (IDMC). The Executive Director of ISKK, Çelo Hoxha, and the head of IDMC, Jonila Godole, highlighted the irreplaceable role of the publications produced by ISKK over 15 years, serving as a vital resource for textbook authors, directors, and actors staging performances on the dictatorship era.
They expressed gratitude to collaborators who continue to enrich memoir literature and researchers who have mapped the consequences of crimes during the communist regime.
Mrs. Godole emphasized the focus on working with youth, underscoring society's obligation to acquaint younger generations with the experiences of their grandparents and parents during the dictatorship. She also introduced the publication of the book “Trials Against the Communist Nomenclature (1993–1996)”, an important collaboration between IDMC, Çelo Hoxha, and historian Kastriot Dervishi.
This publication not only documents the efforts of justice but also prompts reflection on the implications for democracy, the rule of law, and societal discourse. It contributes to the process of transitional justice and calls for confronting the past and drawing lessons for the present and future.
The Executive Director of ISKK invited researchers to join the mission of revising school textbooks, aiming to present the dictatorship's past and the regime's inherently unlawful nature in stark opposition to fundamental human rights.
Presentation of the Manual for the Interaction of the Authority with Local Government Units
As part of the MEMORY DAYS, the Authority for Information on Former State Security Documents (AIDSSH) held a dialogue with local government representatives in three key areas:
- Raising awareness among municipalities on the implementation of the law for background checks of candidates for decorations, honorary titles, and the naming of streets and public spaces;
- Establishing mechanisms for addressing suspected burial sites of executions, unmarked graves, and places of memory;
- Cooperating with educational institutions, libraries, and local museums to promote education and awareness about the past
The Chairwoman of the Authority, Mrs. Gentiana Sula, stated:
“The debate on noble models of society is becoming ever more relevant. We believe that the noble model of a citizen is the one who serves the community in meeting its needs, through sacrifice and dedication. This dialogue paves the way for strengthening the role of local government in processes of transparency and historical memory, contributing to the illumination of the past and the respect of the dignity of the victims of the former regime.”
4th Day, 22 February: "Ask Your Grandparents 7" Awards
The 7th edition of the "Ask Your Grandparents" competition, themed "Show Me Your Albania", reached new heights in engaging young people across Albania in documenting their local history, cultural heritage, and intergenerational stories.
Organized by the Institute for Democracy, Media, and Culture (IDMC) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Albanian History Teachers’ Association “Youth and History”, and the European history network EUSTORY, and the support of Raiffeisen Bank Albania, this year’s competition saw unprecedented participation, reflecting a growing commitment among youth to exploring and preserving Albania’s historical memory:
- 326 participants aged 14–21 from schools across Albania;
- 35 finalists selected for the final phase based on creativity, research, and storytelling;
- Widespread regional representation, with participants from Tirana, Shkodra, Lezha, Durrës, Tropoja, Kukës, Berat, Korça, and more;
- Over 350,000 views on Instagram during the public online voting phase;
- 8 winners were awarded prizes at the official ceremony;
- The award-winning participants will have the opportunity to represent Albania at the EUSTORY European History Contests Summit, which gathers over 120 young participants from 20 European countries
The awards ceremony, held on February 22, 2025, at the Classic Hall, Tirana International Hotel, marked the culmination of this year’s competition. More than 200 guests attended, including:
- Ms. Marina Maier, Director of the Austrian Service Abroad under the Austrian Ministry;
- Ulrich Mählert, historian from the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Germany (Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung);
- Florenca Stafa, Director of the Association of History Teachers;
- Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, and a video message from the EUSTORY;
- Academics, historians, journalists, and teachers, as well as previous winners of the competition;
- Young finalists and their families, who gathered to celebrate their contributions
The event was moderated by Oriada Dajko, coordinator of the competition, and Markus Dalla-Via from the Austrian Service Abroad, who guided the audience through the inspiring journey of this year’s participants. This year’s edition once again showcased the power of youth storytelling in preserving history and strengthening cultural identity, reaffirming the role of “Ask Your Grandparents” as one of Albania’s leading youth history competitions.
Award Winners
Category: ESSAY
- First Prize: Amber Spahi – "Udhëtimi i dritës, historia e një shpirti të pathyeshëm", Tirana
- Second Prize: Xhesika Preçi – "Dhe këmbanat heshtin", Shkodër
Category: ART
- First Prize: Luesa Lalollari – "Loti i Paqes", Tirana
- Second Prize: Fabiola Kaca & Elvina Dushku – "Çinari i Rrmaj, Shkodër – dëshmitar i vrasjes së klerikëve dhe intelektualëve gjatë diktaturës komuniste", Tirana
- Second Prize: Aleksandra Arapi, Alejsa Ndoj, Xhesika Mikaj, Romina Preçi – "Maket i minierës së bakrit në Kaçinar, Mirditë", Lezhë
Category: MULTIMEDIA
- First Prize: Erla & Edjon Allmuça – "Kthim në periudhën e humbur", Tirana
- Public Choice Award (Most Voted on Social Media): Erti Katroshi – "Lotët e Kosovës", Tirana
- Encouragement Prize: Amantia Jonuzaj – "Sofra Dibrane, një vlerë e trashëgimisë kulturore shqiptare", Tirana
The awards were presented by renowned scholars, historians, experts in cultural heritage, and former political prisoners, alongside previous competition winners who shared their experiences and insights on the importance of documenting history and fostering intergenerational dialogue.
The 7th edition of "Ask Your Grandparents" has once again proven its value in encouraging youth engagement with historical memory, strengthening intergenerational connections, and promoting Albania’s cultural heritage. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and expanding the competition’s impact in the coming years.
For further inquiries or additional documentation, please feel free to contact us.
5th Day, 24 February: Conference “Media and Memory – How Traditional and Social Media Shape Historical Narratives in Albania”
The conference was successfully organized by the Institute for Democracy, Media, and Culture (IDMC) in cooperation with the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Tirana, as part of the 10th edition of the MEMORY DAYS, at the premises of Europe House on February 24 in Tirana. The event was realized with the support of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) and funding from the European Union (EU).
The activity aimed to foster debate on the role of the media in shaping historical memory, present the first findings from media monitoring on reporting the past, and encourage discussion among journalists, researchers, and historians on the challenges encountered.
In his opening remarks, Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the EU to Albania, underlined that:
"The European Union supports efforts to confront the past as a fundamental pillar of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Younger generations need to understand the disappearances, repression, and silence of the communist period to ensure that they are never repeated. Strengthening the rule of law is at the core of Albania's EU accession path. This means prioritizing human rights in all reforms, including transitional justice and reconciliation."
Luigj Ndou, Director of Government Relations at ICMP, emphasized ICMP's support for civil society organizations by empowering them to play a more active role in advocating for truth, justice, and memory preservation. He highlighted the essential role of the media in this process, as it reflects and amplifies the voices of victims, uncovers hidden truths, and keeps alive the memory of those who suffered, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. "In the era of artificial intelligence and social media, history can be easily distorted or fragmented, so professionals must exercise greater care in historical narratives to preserve the integrity of the truth."
Jonila Godole, Executive Director of IDMC, presented the media monitoring study where 701 media contents were analyzed, mainly from television, while social media — particularly Facebook — had the highest number, with 346 contents related to historical memory.
The key findings she highlighted include:
Differentiation by Media Platforms:
- Television: Neutral and balanced, with an analytical and objective approach;
- Online Media: Focus on individual figures and personal stories, with well-documented articles;
- OTT Platforms: Explanatory content but lacking in-depth academic studies;
- Social Media: Tendencies toward bias and nostalgic views of communism, with subjective and emotional tones
Most Discussed Historical Topics:
- Main periods: 1941–1944 and 1961–1981;
- Commemorative approaches, often one-sided (either glorifying or accusatory);
- Lack of alternative perspectives and balance in discussions
Transparency and Information Sources:
- Television and online media rely on documented sources, though often without archival references;
- Social media frequently does not cite sources, lowering credibility
Balancing Perspectives:
- Television and online media maintain greater neutrality;
- Social media is dominated by glorifying or accusatory narratives;
- Self-promotion and subjective approaches are widespread, especially on social platforms
Academic Artan Fuga, part of the study team, emphasized:
"The subject that constructs the historical narrative is no longer the historian, but the influencer, the victim, the witness, the journalist. The historian remains at home, in their studio, or university halls, absent from the public debate. Why? There are 100 reasons – whether at universities, the Academy of Sciences, or institutes. Secondly, journalists cannot write history. It is unimaginable for journalists to make history without relying on theoretical frameworks. Thirdly, on social media, they do not make history, but they create memory."
The discussion of the findings was confirmed by the researchers in the panel.
- Andi Pinari, emphasized the low engagement of historians in the media, as they often face attacks and hate speech.
- Ermal Hasimja, emphasizes that the Albanian media presents communism with three main features: the transmission of communist propaganda through films of the time, the focus on the violence and suffering of Albanians, and the treatment of the regime as a thriller soap opera with intrigues between the main figures. This leads to the trivialization of totalitarianism and the manipulation of the perception of it, as an ordinary regime with its own conspiracies, pros and cons, avoiding ideological analysis. As a result, narratives are created such as “communism was good in theory, but Enver implemented it badly” or “it was not communism”. According to Hasimja, this is the most dramatic consequence of the media treatment of communism and proves the failure of society in educating the younger generations.
- Jona Cenameri emphasized that social media is dominated mainly by images and comments that idealize the communist regime and dictatorship, often accompanied by nostalgia. Meanwhile, narratives about the crimes and persecutions of that period are completely absent.
- Erblin Jaku noted that many articles focus on the role and power of Enver Hoxha, linking him to every action of the communist regime. There is also a tendency to treat his private life, including love stories and intrigues. Often, witnesses are unknown individuals, presented as historians or descendants of people involved in the events. Also, the lack of skills of journalists to ask the right questions and to handle interviews objectively is noted.
Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology, Mark Marku, commented:
"The glorifying discourse, which is terrifying, is 47%, without even counting the nuances that greatly lean toward an accepting, glorifying, or justifying discourse. This shows that in these 30 years, we have not managed to free society from nostalgia for communism."
The conference emphasized that improving media reporting requires greater transparency, verified sources, and cooperation between media and historians. Participants evaluated the findings as highly significant. A comprehensive report of the study will be drafted and presented in May 2025, offering a detailed overview of the findings and recommendations for improving media reporting and historical memory narratives.
Study Visit: “Raising Awareness of Human Rights Violations during Communism”
During MEMORY DAYS 2025, together with Tirana University students we visited the BunkArt 1 museum. The study visit organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania, aims to raise awareness among Albanian youth about the not-so-far history of Albania’s past, exploring the paranoia and repression of totalitarian regimes. It also seeks to encourage dialogue and exchange of opinions on the implications of past human rights violations for the present and the future.
Documentary Screening: “Consequences of Love”
The documentary was screened at “Tulla Center” and made possible by Kujto.al and the Conrad Adenauer Foundation in Albania. It pays tribute to Russian women who married Albanian men and suffered persecution, imprisonment, or separation from their families under Enver Hoxha’s communist regime following the breakdown of relations with the former Soviet Union.