Exploring the Rich and Diverse Culture of Albania
If you’re interested in learning about fascinating cultures from around the world, then Albania is the perfect destination for you. Nestled in the southern Balkans, Albania is a country that boasts a rich and diverse culture that’s waiting to be explored.
The History and Influences on Albanian Culture
Albania’s culture has many influences and has been shaped over many centuries. Situated on the crossroads of East and West, Albanian culture has been heavily influenced by various civilizations, ranging from the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines in ancient times, to the Ottoman Empire and even Italian influences in more recent times.
One of the most significant influences on Albanian culture is its language, which is not Indo-European but a unique language family. Albanian has formed in isolation over thousands of years, preserving many elements from the ancient Illyrian culture.
The country also has a rich tradition of music, which dates back to prehistoric times. Albanian music has different styles—depending on the region, local history, and even the weather! There are lively dances, slow ballads, and many different instrumentations, mainly the gajda, a bagpipe unique to the Balkans, played alongside a drum.
Albanian Art, Architecture, and Literature
Albanian Art, literary, and monumental buildings span to different historical periods. Albanian architecture is a mixture of Greek as the base, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. One of the most well-known historical buildings is the Berat Castle, built-in 13th-century by the Byzantines. It was passed down to the Ottomans and expanded, and today it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In literature, Albania has produced some great writers. Ismail Kadare, one of Albania’s most famous contemporary writers, has won many international awards for his work. His books are frequently translated and read worldwide, that highlights the Albanian culture and life.
Food and Drink in Albania
The Albanian cuisine is strongly connected to the country’s general Mediterranean cuisine, but it has been influenced by local and foreign cooking practices that will make your taste buds tingle. Albanian’s most frequently-used ingredient is olive oil, which is present in most of their food dishes either as the oils to cook or drizzled on the top.
Among the most common dishes, one can often find Byrek, which is a savoury pastry filled with cheese, spinach, and meat of your choice. Baklava is also a frequent sweet dish served at celebrations and gatherings.
In conclusion, If you have a travelling bug and want to explore new cultures, Albania has a lot to offer, both in terms of history and cuisine. Albanian culture is rich and diverse, and every aspect of Albania showcases the diversity within the country.
