Photographic album “Unforeseen Journeys of Life”

The photographic album accompanying the exhibition “Unforeseen Journeys of Life” holds deep personal significance for me. The stories shared here are not abstract narratives from history books; they are lived experiences filled with pain and hope, of individuals who endured unimaginable hardships under Albania’s communist regime. Each story is unique and deeply personal, yet together they form a collective narrative that reminds us of the high price of freedom and human dignity. This album is a heartfelt effort to keep their testimonies alive, to amplify their voices, and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

When Dong-Ha, a renowned photographer I had met during remembrance activities in Germany, proposed this project, I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was surprised that, after so many years of working in this field, no Albanian photographer had shown interest in documenting the portraits of former political prisoners and the persecuted. On the other hand, I felt profoundly moved, as I realized how crucial this project was. With time passing, fewer and fewer witnesses remain among us to say: “I testify! I was there: in prison, in internment, bearing the stigma of the enemy on my soul and skin.”

Many of these individuals have shared their stories through publications or media, yet these accounts are often confined to written words. What was missing was their portrait—a visual representation that could give a face and voice to their narratives, presenting them in a way that is both powerful and unforgettable.

The exhibition features stories of real individuals who survived a system that sought to destroy them. Some spent decades in prison; others endured internment, forced labor, or social isolation. Each story is unique, but what unites them is their resilience and courage.

They represent not only their personal suffering but also the collective pain and resistance of a nation that faced violence and oppression for decades.

Urim Elezi from Korça, Leze Ndreaj from Tropoja, Luan Llupa from Vlora, Lezina Gjura from Shkodra, Bedri Blloshmi from Librazhd, Gjetë Kadeli from Mirdita, Alma Liço from Tirana, Daut Gumeni from Tepelena…

Men and women, children born and raised in internment camps scattered across Albania. The public display of their portraits is a call not just to remember, but to reflect on the brutal nature of a dictatorship and to understand its consequences, which are still deeply felt in our society today.

I must admit that selecting the individuals for this exhibition was both a challenging and emotional process. How does one decide which story to tell, knowing there are so many voices that remain unheard? We aimed to represent a diversity of experiences—a deep exploration of the merciless violence inflicted on all groups within society, regardless of age, gender, social status, or geographic origin. Men and women, young and old, intellectuals and laborers alike were included.

It was an effort to create a comprehensive mosaic that reflects not just individual suffering, but also the collective pain and resilience of a nation. The process of gathering these stories was profoundly moving. In some cases, the witnesses themselves generously shared their memories with extraordinary courage. In others, we relied on the recollections of family members or archival documents. Listening to these testimonies was a powerful reminder of the urgency of documenting and sharing these stories while those who experienced them are still here to tell them.

For me, this exhibition is far more than a tribute to remembrance. It is a message for the future—a call for justice and a reminder that history is not a closed chapter but a responsibility for every generation. It is also a call to action and engagement. Every portrait, every story displayed here, is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a warning against allowing the injustices of the past to repeat themselves.

I am deeply grateful for the invaluable support of Dr. Anna Kaminsky, Director of the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in East Germany (Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur). From the very beginning, she supported this project not only financially but also with insightful advice that helped shape its development. Thanks to our collaboration, this exhibition will soon be presented to the German public, offering them the opportunity to better understand the harsh nature of Albania’s communist dictatorship and its lasting impact on our society.

As we celebrate this 10th anniversary of the Memory Days, I feel profound gratitude for everyone who has supported this journey, especially our partner, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Our shared vision of preserving memory and fostering social dialogue about the consequences of totalitarian regimes has brought us here.

Thank you for being part of this significant moment.

Jonila Godole