"Topography of Terror" in Shkodra and Spac
In the course of "Topography of Terror" activities, Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture in cooperation with the Association of History Teachers of Albania and ChwB (Cultural Heritage Without Borders) organized a study trip to the former prison of Spaç and the sites of memory in Shkodra.
1st Day, 6 May 2017
14 History teachers who took part in this study trip visited firstly the former prison of Spaç. Accompanied by Zivko Petrovic, a former prisoner there, this visit became more sensitive. As the true stories left in oblivion, the situation of this prison nowadays leaves to be desired. It seems like we want to erase from our memory a part of the history of our country.
In the focus-group that took place in the framework of this meeting with representatives of CHwB, teachers discussed about the possibility to make this place a museum where a part of a human suffering during the dictatorial system could be witnessed. Given the desire to testify the truths just as they were, the teachers gave their contribution and ideas about the right way to turn this building from a forgotten place left at the mercy of atmospheric conditions in a visit site where the truth to speak for itself.
The evidence of the persons who suffered during the regime from persecution and internment accompanied the thematic dinner with various actors working in the field of dealing with the past in Shkodra and journalists where it was discussed about the role of local media in the process of dealing with the past.
2nd Day, 7 May 2017
Day 2 continued with the visit in the Site of Witness and Memory where facts speak more than the words. Under the guidance of Pjerin Mirdita, teachers became acquainted with new details that further enrich their knowledge about the crimes of the dictatorship. One cannot describe the feelings when visiting this place. This situation leaves an emptiness feeling and at the same times an inner revolt and responsibility to do more.
We could not leave Shkodra without visiting Franciscan Church, the Cathedral, the Museum and Sigmatine Sisters Assembly, places which were left without their religious function during the communism in order to destroy or adopt new institutions, hence interrupting the people relation with their religion. We visited also the cemetery chapel (Kapela e Varrezave) and the plane tree of Zef Zorba (Çinari i Zef Zorbës), a tree which has witnessed hundred executions done by the system.
Shocked and at the same time happy that they were part of this visit, the teachers discussed during lunch about their impressions. Everyone reflected and expressed willingness to cooperate more in order for the past not to be left in oblivion. Focusing on the importance of educating the younger generation, helping them to know the story as it has been, in order that such mistakes will not to be repeated in the future, IDMC will organize other study visits in order to fulfill its mission.