"Topography of Terror" in Gjirokastra and Lushnja
In the context of "Topography of Terror", Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture organizes study trips in memory sites of the dictatorship in Albania in order to raise young people's awareness of its consequences. Following the trip in former political prison of Spaç earlier this year, IDMC organized on 19‒20 September a study visit in sites of memory in Tepelene, Gjirokaster and Lushnje, in collaboration with the Institute for Integration of Former Political Persecutees.
On first day, young people coming from different former politically persecuted families during the dictatorship period traveled from Tirana to Tepelene and Gjirokaster. At first, they were introduced with the former internment camp of Tepelene. In their opening speech, Dr. Jonila Godole, executive director of IDMC, and Mr. Bilal Kola, director of IIPP, urged young people to build awareness. Mr. Simon Mirakaj, a former political persecutee during the dictatorship, introduced them with details from life in the internment camp and highlighted how important dealing with the past was for the future. Mr. Daut Gumeni, also a former political persecutee and candidate for the Committee for Opening of Communist Files, urged young people not to be afraid of the past but to acknowledge it.
"Who forgets the past is lost"
Following Tepelene, the study trip continued to Gjirokaster. At "Musine Kokalari" museum, Ms. Arjeta Kokalari reflected on the importance of the figure of dissident Musine Kokalari. Next was the visit to the former prison inside the castle of Gjirokaster, where Mr. Gumeni shared personal stories from life there during the time of the dictatorship.
On second day, the group resumed their journey from the memory sites of Gjirokaster to Lushnje, to learn about life in the barracks of Saver, and visited the city's internment and deportations' memorial from 1954‒1991.
About the Guests
- Daut Gumeni, a former political persecutee during the Albanian dictatorship, today is an analyst and candidate for the Committee for Opening of Communist Files.
- Simon Mirakaj was born in 1945. He passed 44 years of his life deported for political reasons, since he was 2 weeks old. Currently he is the head of the Association of Democrat Former Political Persecutees of Albania.