Berat County
Encyclopedia
The County of Berat is one of the 12 counties
of Albania
. It consists of the districts Berat
, Kuçovë
, and Skrapar
; its capital is Berat
.
The main cities are Berat city proper,Kucove,Polican,Ura Vajgurore, Corovode and Bogove. Berat is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site
(inscribed in 2005 under criteria iii and iv)
covering an area of 58.9 hectares (145.5 acre) and a buffer zone of 136.2 hectares (336.6 acre). It lies 123 km south of Tirana
, the capital of Albania.
The historical, cultural and architectural heritage of the Byzantine era and of the Ottoman Empire
is amply represented in the many monuments still well preserved and maintained in the Berat city
of the county. It is popularly known as the "City of a Thousand Steps" and also a "Museum City."
tumuli in Pëllumbas, one of the villages of Berat. These items are similar to other artifacts found in northern Albania
(Kukës
and Mat
), Kosovo
(Gjilane) and northwestern Greece
(Pogoni).
Antipatrea was an ancient Greek
polis
in the region of Epirus
, now Berat. It was founded by Cassander
as Antipatreia, who named it after his father Antipater
at 314 BC
. An ancient Greek fortress and settlement are still visible today. Dassaretae
tribe existed in the area, as early as the 6th century BC. It was captured by the Romans
in the 2nd century BC. Livy (31.27.2) describes Antipatrea as a strongly fortified city in a narrow pass that the Romans sacked and burned. The city was composed of two fortifications on both banks of the Osum River
.
Historical manuscripts such as the 6th century Codex Purpureus Beratinus
, discovered in 1868, and the Codex Aureus
, a 9th century Greek language
manuscript have revealed much about the history of the region and that Berat had a reputation for producing manuscripts; 76 of the 100 codes protected in the National Archives of Albania
are from Berat, indicating its historical importance.
The town of Berat became part of the unstable frontier of the Byzantine Empire
following the fall of the Roman Empire
and, along with much of the rest of the Balkan peninsula, it suffered from repeated invasions by Slavs and other tribes. During the Byzantine period, it was known as Pulcheriopolis.
The Bulgarians
under Simeon I
captured the town in the 9th century and renamed it "Beligrad" (White City). They were eventually driven out in the 11th century. During the 13th century, it fell to Michael I Ducas, the ruler of the Despotate of Epirus
.
In the latter part of the 13th century Berat again came under the control of the Byzantine Empire.
In 1272 Berat was captured by the forces of the Kingdom of Albania
, while Michael VIII Palaiologos
sent letters to the Albanian leaders of Berat and Durrës
asking them to abandon their alliance with Charles I of Naples, however, they sent the letters to Charles as a sign of their loyalty.
In 1274 Michael VIII recaptured Berat and after being joined by Albanians, who supported the Byzantine Empire marched against unsuccessfully against the Angevin capital of Durrës.
In 1280–1281, the Sicilian
forces under Hugh the Red of Sully
laid siege
to Berat. In March 1281, a relief force from Constantinople
under the command of Michael Tarchaneiotes
was able to drive off the besieging Sicilian army
. In 1335-1337, Albanian tribes took control of the area between Berat and Vlorë
for the first time, while in 1345 the town passed to the Serbs
.
The Ottoman Empire
conquered it in 1450 after the siege of Berat and retained it until 1912. However, Ali Pasha
(b.1744- d.1822), an Albanian chief, took control of Berat through deceitful tactics, trickery, bribery and bold political moves and was eventually recognized by the rulers in Istanbul
. He refortified the city in 1809. In 1867, Berat became a sanjak
in the Janina (Yanya) vilayet. During Ottoman rule, it was known Arnavut Belgradı in Turkish
at first, and then Berat.
During the early period of Ottoman rule, Berat fell into severe decline. By the end of the 16th century it had only 710 houses. However, it began to recover by the 17th century and became a major craft centre in the Ottoman Balkans, specializing in wood carving. During the 19th century, Berat played an important part in the Albanian national revival. It became a major base of support for the League of Prizren
, the late 19th century Albanian nationalist alliance. In November 1944, the communist-controlled Anti-Fascist National Liberation Council of Albania declared in Berat that it was the provisional government of the country, signalling the beginning of the Enver Hoxha
dictatorship.
Alone among the counties of Albania
, Berat neither borders the sea nor another country. It is bounded by Elbasan County
to the north, Korçë County
to the east, Gjirokastër County
to the south and Fier County
to the west. The biggest river is the Osum which flows through the town of Berat itself and joins the Molisht River. Berat is bounded by Tomorr (known as "Mount Olympus" or "the throne of gods "(2416 metres (7,926.5 ft)), and Shpirag (1218 metres (3,996.1 ft) high) mountains, which are covered with rich pine forests. A deep ravine cut by the Osum River on its west side, which is 915 metres (3,002 ft) deep in lime stone rock formation is where the Berat city is situated on stepped terraces. Other rivers include the Çorovoda River which passes through the town of Çorovodë
home to the canyon known as "Pirogosh".
The geographical formations of the region are frequently mentioned in local folklore. According to legend, Tomorr Mountain personified a giant who fought his brother Shpirag or Shpiragu, personified by a nearby mountain, for the love of a young woman. The two brothers fought bitterly for her affections and ended up killing each other. Deep in sorrow, the legend states, the grieving woman for whom they had contested wept over their deaths; her tears created the Osum River. She was then said to have turned to stone, becoming the foundation on which Berat Castle is now built. Both Tomorr and Shpirag mountains are visible from Berat.
The climate in the region is generally Mediterranean, but varies by local topography. There are diverse microclimates in the county, including Alpine
. Summers are dry while heavy rains are experienced during the winter. Climate conditions near Berat are conducive to farming and related agricultural industries.
housing construction, which date to the late 18th and the 19th centuries. Some of the landmarks of that historical period could be seen in the Berat castle, Churches of the Byzantine era such as the Church of St. Mary of Blaherna (13th century), the Bachelors' Mosque, the National Ethnographic Museum, the Sultan's Mosque (built between 1481 and 1512), Leaden Mosque (built in 1555) and the Gorica Bridge.
, is located inside of the city. The castle and its 24 towers were built on a rocky hill on the left bank of the Osum, on the area of some 5.11 hectares (12.6 acre), and is accessible only from the south. After being burned down by the Romans in 200 BC, the walls were strengthened in the fifth century under Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II
, and were rebuilt during the 6th century under the Emperor Justinian I
and again in the 13th century under the Despot of Epirus, Michael Angelus Comnenus, cousin of the Byzantine Emperor.
The main entrance, on the north side, is defended by a fortified courtyard and there are three smaller entrances. Though considerably damaged, the fortress of Berat remains a major cultural and tourist site of the city. The surface that it encompasses made it possible to house a considerable portion of the city's inhabitants. The buildings inside the fortress were built during the 13th century and because of their unique architecture are preserved as protected cultural monuments. The population of the fortress was Christian, and had about 20 churches (most built during the 13th century) and only one mosque, for the use of the Turkish garrison, (of which there survives only a few ruins and the base of the minaret). The churches of the fortress were damaged through years and only some have remained. The castle library contains a number of important manuscripts.
opened in 1979. It contains a diversity of everyday objects from throughout Berat's history. The museum contains non-movable furniture which hole a number of household objects, wooden case, wall-closets, as well as chimneys and a well. Near the well is an olive press, wool press and many large ceramic dishes, revealing a glimpse of the historical domestic culture of Berat's citizens. The ground floor has a hall with a model of a medieval street with traditional shops on both sides and on the second floor is an archive, loom, village sitting room, kitchen and sitting room.
The main religions practiced in Berat County are Orthodox Christianity and Islam
. The landscape of a mixture of minarets of mosques and grand Orthodox churches and chapels are a testament to the religious coexistence of Berat inhabitants. Berat was the seat of a Greek Orthodox
Bishpric in medieval and modern times, and today Aromanian
and even Greek
speakers can be found in the city and some surrounding villages. Recently Berat
was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list as an example of the co-existence of religions and cultures.
The landscape of a mixture of minarets of mosques and grand Orthodox churches and chapels are a testament to the religious coexistence of Berat inhabitants.
The St. Mary of Blachernae Church in Berat dates to the 13th century, and contains 16th century mural paintings by Nikola, son of the Albania's most famous medieval painter, Onufri
. The first inscription recording Onufri's name was found in 1951, in the Shelqan church. The Kastoria church dates to 23 July 1547 and a reference to Onufri's origin : I am Onufri, and come from the town of Berat. Onufri's style in painting was inherited by his son, Nikola (Nicholas), though not so successful as his father. Onufri's museum contains works of Onufri, his son, Nikola and other painters. There is also a number of icons and some fine examples of religious silversmith's work (sacred vessels, icon casings, covers of Gospel books, etc.). Berat Gospels, which date from the 4th century, are copies (the originals are preserved in the National Archives in Tirana
). The church itself has a magnificent iconostasis of carved wood, with two very fine icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The bishop's throne and pulpit are also of considerable quality.
Near the street which descends from the fortress is the Bachelors' Mosque , built in 1827. It has an attractive portico and an interesting external decoration of flowers, plants, and houses. The King Mosque , the oldest in the town built in the reign of Bayazid II (1481–1512), is notable for its fine ceiling. The Lead Mosque
, built in 1555 and so called from the covering of its cupola. This mosque is the centre of the town. The Halveti Teqe , of 1790 has a porch and a carved and gilded ceiling. Near of tekke is purported to be the grave of Shabbatai Zevi, a Turkish Jew who had been banished to Dulcigno (present day Ulcinj) who created controversy among his followers upon his conversion to Islam
.
Folk music culture exists in Berat County and the performers often wear traditional dress.
Counties of Albania
Albania is divided into twelve counties . Each contains several districts...
of Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
. It consists of the districts Berat
Berat District
The District of Berat is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania, part of Berat County. It has a population of 117,066 , and an area of 939 km². It is in the centre of the country, and its capital is Berat. The other large population centres in this district are Polican and Ura Vajgurore...
, Kuçovë
Kuçovë District
The District of Kuçovë is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania, part of Berat County. It has a population of 34,907 , and an area of 84 km². It is in the centre of the country, and its capital is Kuçovë.-Description:...
, and Skrapar
Skrapar District
The District of Skrapar is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania, part of Berat County. It has a population of 10,200 , and an area of 775 km²...
; its capital is Berat
Berat
Berat is a town located in south-central Albania. As of 2009, the town has an estimated population of around 71,000 people. It is the capital of both the District of Berat and the larger County of Berat...
.
The main cities are Berat city proper,Kucove,Polican,Ura Vajgurore, Corovode and Bogove. Berat is a UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
(inscribed in 2005 under criteria iii and iv)
covering an area of 58.9 hectares (145.5 acre) and a buffer zone of 136.2 hectares (336.6 acre). It lies 123 km south of Tirana
Tirana
Tirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania's capital city in 1920 and has a population of over...
, the capital of Albania.
The historical, cultural and architectural heritage of the Byzantine era and of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
is amply represented in the many monuments still well preserved and maintained in the Berat city
Berat
Berat is a town located in south-central Albania. As of 2009, the town has an estimated population of around 71,000 people. It is the capital of both the District of Berat and the larger County of Berat...
of the county. It is popularly known as the "City of a Thousand Steps" and also a "Museum City."
History
Archaeologists have found various artifacts including silver female earrings and bronze belt-buckles in Bronze AgeBronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
tumuli in Pëllumbas, one of the villages of Berat. These items are similar to other artifacts found in northern Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
(Kukës
Kukës District
The District of Kukës is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania. It has a population 45,616 and area of 938 km². The district's only urban municipality is Kukës, which also is where the districts administrative headquarters are located...
and Mat
Mat District
The District of Mat is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania, part of Dibër County. It is named after the Mat River, that flows through the district. It has a population of 48,803 , and an area of 1,029 km². Its capital is Burrel...
), Kosovo
Kosovo
Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
(Gjilane) and northwestern Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
(Pogoni).
Antipatrea was an ancient Greek
Ancient Greek
Ancient Greek is the stage of the Greek language in the periods spanning the times c. 9th–6th centuries BC, , c. 5th–4th centuries BC , and the c. 3rd century BC – 6th century AD of ancient Greece and the ancient world; being predated in the 2nd millennium BC by Mycenaean Greek...
polis
Polis
Polis , plural poleis , literally means city in Greek. It could also mean citizenship and body of citizens. In modern historiography "polis" is normally used to indicate the ancient Greek city-states, like Classical Athens and its contemporaries, so polis is often translated as "city-state."The...
in the region of Epirus
Epirus
The name Epirus, from the Greek "Ήπειρος" meaning continent may refer to:-Geographical:* Epirus - a historical and geographical region of the southwestern Balkans, straddling modern Greece and Albania...
, now Berat. It was founded by Cassander
Cassander
Cassander , King of Macedonia , was a son of Antipater, and founder of the Antipatrid dynasty...
as Antipatreia, who named it after his father Antipater
Antipater
Antipater was a Macedonian general and a supporter of kings Philip II of Macedon and Alexander the Great. In 320 BC, he became Regent of all of Alexander's Empire. Antipater was one of the sons of a Macedonian nobleman called Iollas or Iolaus and his family were distant collateral relatives to the...
at 314 BC
314 BC
Year 314 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Libo and Longus...
. An ancient Greek fortress and settlement are still visible today. Dassaretae
Dassaretae
The Dassaretae , or Dexaroi, were an ancient Greek tribe of Epirus on the border with Illyria near Lake Ohrid. They were the northern-most subtribe of the Chaonians. Theopompus writes of fourteen Epirotian tribes, speakers of a strong west-Greek dialect, of which the Dexaroi were a part...
tribe existed in the area, as early as the 6th century BC. It was captured by the Romans
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
in the 2nd century BC. Livy (31.27.2) describes Antipatrea as a strongly fortified city in a narrow pass that the Romans sacked and burned. The city was composed of two fortifications on both banks of the Osum River
Osum
The Osum is a river in southern Albania, one of the source rivers of the Seman. Its source is in the southern part of the Korçë District, near the village Vithkuq which rearches at an elevation of . It flows initially south to the Kolonjë District, then west to Çepan, and northwest through...
.
Historical manuscripts such as the 6th century Codex Purpureus Beratinus
Codex Beratinus
Codex Purpureus Beratinus designated by Φ or 043 , ε 17 , is an uncial illuminated manuscript Gospel book written in Greek. Dated palaeographically to the 6th century, the manuscript is written in an uncial hand on purple vellum with silver ink. The codex is preserved at the Albanian National...
, discovered in 1868, and the Codex Aureus
Codex Aureus
Codex Aureus is Latin for Golden Book. Several Gospel Books from the 9th through 11th centuries were so heavily illuminated with gold leaf that they were referred to as the Codex Aureus. These manuscripts include:*Codex Aureus of Lorsch...
, a 9th century Greek language
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
manuscript have revealed much about the history of the region and that Berat had a reputation for producing manuscripts; 76 of the 100 codes protected in the National Archives of Albania
National Archives of Albania
The National Archives of Albania is the national archive of the Republic of Albania, located in Tirana.The Archive was created in 1949 with a decree from the Government of Albania dated 6/8/1949, as a centralized state organ. The documentary content withheld in the A.Q.SH...
are from Berat, indicating its historical importance.
The town of Berat became part of the unstable frontier of the Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire during the periods of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, centred on the capital of Constantinople. Known simply as the Roman Empire or Romania to its inhabitants and neighbours, the Empire was the direct continuation of the Ancient Roman State...
following the fall of the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
and, along with much of the rest of the Balkan peninsula, it suffered from repeated invasions by Slavs and other tribes. During the Byzantine period, it was known as Pulcheriopolis.
The Bulgarians
Bulgarians
The Bulgarians are a South Slavic nation and ethnic group native to Bulgaria and neighbouring regions. Emigration has resulted in immigrant communities in a number of other countries.-History and ethnogenesis:...
under Simeon I
Simeon I of Bulgaria
Simeon I the Great ruled over Bulgaria from 893 to 927, during the First Bulgarian Empire. Simeon's successful campaigns against the Byzantines, Magyars and Serbs led Bulgaria to its greatest territorial expansion ever, making it the most powerful state in contemporary Eastern Europe...
captured the town in the 9th century and renamed it "Beligrad" (White City). They were eventually driven out in the 11th century. During the 13th century, it fell to Michael I Ducas, the ruler of the Despotate of Epirus
Despotate of Epirus
The Despotate or Principality of Epirus was one of the Byzantine Greek successor states of the Byzantine Empire that emerged in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade in 1204. It claimed to be the legitimate successor of the Byzantine Empire, along with the Empire of Nicaea, and the Empire of Trebizond...
.
In the latter part of the 13th century Berat again came under the control of the Byzantine Empire.
In 1272 Berat was captured by the forces of the Kingdom of Albania
Kingdom of Albania
The Kingdom of Albania, or Regnum Albaniae, was established by Charles of Anjou in the Albanian territory he conquered from the Despotate of Epirus in 1271. He took the title of "King of Albania" in February 1272. The kingdom extended from the region of Durrës south along the coast to Butrint...
, while Michael VIII Palaiologos
Michael VIII Palaiologos
Michael VIII Palaiologos or Palaeologus reigned as Byzantine Emperor 1259–1282. Michael VIII was the founder of the Palaiologan dynasty that would rule the Byzantine Empire until the Fall of Constantinople in 1453...
sent letters to the Albanian leaders of Berat and Durrës
Durrës
Durrës is the second largest city of Albania located on the central Albanian coast, about west of the capital Tirana. It is one of the most ancient and economically important cities of Albania. Durres is situated at one of the narrower points of the Adriatic Sea, opposite the Italian ports of Bari...
asking them to abandon their alliance with Charles I of Naples, however, they sent the letters to Charles as a sign of their loyalty.
In 1274 Michael VIII recaptured Berat and after being joined by Albanians, who supported the Byzantine Empire marched against unsuccessfully against the Angevin capital of Durrës.
In 1280–1281, the Sicilian
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
forces under Hugh the Red of Sully
Hugh the Red of Sully
Hugh "the Red" of Sully was a general under the Sicilian King Charles of Anjou. He was nicknamed "the Red" on account of his red hair.A Burgundian knight of fiery and haughty temperament, according to the chroniclers, Hugh was named Vicar-General of Charles' Kingdom of Albania in August 1279, and...
laid siege
Siege of Berat (1280–1281)
The Siege of Berat in Albania by the forces of the Angevin Kingdom of Sicily against the Byzantine garrison of the city took place in 1280–1281. Berat was a strategically important fortress, whose possession would allow the Angevins access to the heartlands of the Byzantine Empire...
to Berat. In March 1281, a relief force from Constantinople
Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Constantinople was Europe's largest and wealthiest city.-Names:...
under the command of Michael Tarchaneiotes
Michael Tarchaneiotes
Michael Tarchaneiotes was a Byzantine aristocrat and general, active against the Turks and in the Balkans from 1278 until his death from disease in 1284.- Life :...
was able to drive off the besieging Sicilian army
Army
An army An army An army (from Latin arma "arms, weapons" via Old French armée, "armed" (feminine), in the broadest sense, is the land-based military of a nation or state. It may also include other branches of the military such as the air force via means of aviation corps...
. In 1335-1337, Albanian tribes took control of the area between Berat and Vlorë
Vlorë
Vlorë is one of the biggest towns and the second largest port city of Albania, after Durrës, with a population of about 94,000 . It is the city where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on November 28, 1912...
for the first time, while in 1345 the town passed to the Serbs
Serbs
The Serbs are a South Slavic ethnic group of the Balkans and southern Central Europe. Serbs are located mainly in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and form a sizable minority in Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Slovenia. Likewise, Serbs are an officially recognized minority in...
.
The Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
conquered it in 1450 after the siege of Berat and retained it until 1912. However, Ali Pasha
Ali Pasha
Ali Pasha of Tepelena or of Yannina, surnamed Aslan, "the Lion", or the "Lion of Yannina", Ali Pashë Tepelena was an Ottoman Albanian ruler of the western part of Rumelia, the Ottoman Empire's European territory which was also called Pashalik of Yanina. His court was in Ioannina...
(b.1744- d.1822), an Albanian chief, took control of Berat through deceitful tactics, trickery, bribery and bold political moves and was eventually recognized by the rulers in Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
. He refortified the city in 1809. In 1867, Berat became a sanjak
Sanjak
Sanjaks were administrative divisions of the Ottoman Empire. Sanjak, and the variant spellings sandjak, sanjaq, and sinjaq, are English transliterations of the Turkish word sancak, meaning district, banner, or flag...
in the Janina (Yanya) vilayet. During Ottoman rule, it was known Arnavut Belgradı in Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
at first, and then Berat.
During the early period of Ottoman rule, Berat fell into severe decline. By the end of the 16th century it had only 710 houses. However, it began to recover by the 17th century and became a major craft centre in the Ottoman Balkans, specializing in wood carving. During the 19th century, Berat played an important part in the Albanian national revival. It became a major base of support for the League of Prizren
League of Prizren
The League for the Defense of the Rights of the Albanian Nation commonly known as the League of Prizren was an Albanian political organization founded on 10 June 1878 in Prizren, in the Kosovo province of the Ottoman Empire....
, the late 19th century Albanian nationalist alliance. In November 1944, the communist-controlled Anti-Fascist National Liberation Council of Albania declared in Berat that it was the provisional government of the country, signalling the beginning of the Enver Hoxha
Enver Hoxha
Enver Halil Hoxha was a Marxist–Leninist revolutionary andthe leader of Albania from the end of World War II until his death in 1985, as the First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania...
dictatorship.
Geography
Counties of Albania
Albania is divided into twelve counties . Each contains several districts...
, Berat neither borders the sea nor another country. It is bounded by Elbasan County
Elbasan County
The County of Elbasan is one of the 12 counties of Albania. It consists of the districts Elbasan, Gramsh, Librazhd and Peqin and its capital is Elbasan.Much of Elbasan's eastern border is with the Republic of Macedonia...
to the north, Korçë County
Korçë County
The County of Korçë is one of the 12 counties of Albania, located in the eastern part of the country. It is the largest county of Albania and consists of the districts Devoll, Kolonjë, Korçë and Pogradec and its capital is Korçë....
to the east, Gjirokastër County
Gjirokastër County
Gjirokastër County is one of the 12 counties of Albania. It consists of the districts Gjirokastër, Përmet, and Tepelenë and its capital is Gjirokastër. Its population includes a substantial Greek minority. To the southeast, Gjirokastër shares a border with Greece...
to the south and Fier County
Fier County
The County of Fier is one of the 12 counties of Albania. It consists of the districts of Fier, Lushnjë and Mallakastër and its capital is Fier.Fier's western edge is the shoreline of the Adriatic Sea. On land, it borders the following counties:...
to the west. The biggest river is the Osum which flows through the town of Berat itself and joins the Molisht River. Berat is bounded by Tomorr (known as "Mount Olympus" or "the throne of gods "(2416 metres (7,926.5 ft)), and Shpirag (1218 metres (3,996.1 ft) high) mountains, which are covered with rich pine forests. A deep ravine cut by the Osum River on its west side, which is 915 metres (3,002 ft) deep in lime stone rock formation is where the Berat city is situated on stepped terraces. Other rivers include the Çorovoda River which passes through the town of Çorovodë
Çorovodë
Çorovodë, also written as Çorovoda is the main city of Skrapar District, Albania with a population of around 7,000. The Çorovoda River passes through the city and it is also home to a canyon, known as "Pirogosh". Allegedly, two kings, Piro and Goshi, named the cavern...
home to the canyon known as "Pirogosh".
The geographical formations of the region are frequently mentioned in local folklore. According to legend, Tomorr Mountain personified a giant who fought his brother Shpirag or Shpiragu, personified by a nearby mountain, for the love of a young woman. The two brothers fought bitterly for her affections and ended up killing each other. Deep in sorrow, the legend states, the grieving woman for whom they had contested wept over their deaths; her tears created the Osum River. She was then said to have turned to stone, becoming the foundation on which Berat Castle is now built. Both Tomorr and Shpirag mountains are visible from Berat.
The climate in the region is generally Mediterranean, but varies by local topography. There are diverse microclimates in the county, including Alpine
Alpine climate
Alpine climate is the average weather for a region above the tree line. This climate is also referred to as mountain climate or highland climate....
. Summers are dry while heavy rains are experienced during the winter. Climate conditions near Berat are conducive to farming and related agricultural industries.
Administrative divisions
| District | Capital | District Population (2010) |
Area (km²) | Municipalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berat District Berat District The District of Berat is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania, part of Berat County. It has a population of 117,066 , and an area of 939 km². It is in the centre of the country, and its capital is Berat. The other large population centres in this district are Polican and Ura Vajgurore... |
Berat Berat Berat is a town located in south-central Albania. As of 2009, the town has an estimated population of around 71,000 people. It is the capital of both the District of Berat and the larger County of Berat... |
117,066 | 939 | Berat Berat Berat is a town located in south-central Albania. As of 2009, the town has an estimated population of around 71,000 people. It is the capital of both the District of Berat and the larger County of Berat... , Poliçan Poliçan Poliçan is a city in Berat County situated in south-central Albania. It has a population of about 12,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by several hills from whom it is said the nominative derives from.It is composed by few neighbourhoods like Plirez, Pronovik ,Kalluc, Poligon, Lavdar and City center... , Cukalat, Kutalli Kutalli - Geography :This place is situated in Berat, Albania, its geographical coordinates are 40° 47' 2" North, 19° 47' 12" East and its original name is Kutalli.... , Lumas, Otllak, Poshnjë, Roshnik, Sinjë, Tërpan, Ura Vajgurore, Velabisht, Vërtop. |
| Kuçovë District Kuçovë District The District of Kuçovë is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania, part of Berat County. It has a population of 34,907 , and an area of 84 km². It is in the centre of the country, and its capital is Kuçovë.-Description:... |
Kuçovë Kuçovë Kuçovë is an Albanian city, capital of the Kuçovë District, with many parks and museums.-Ancient :Archaeologists found in the village of Katundas near Kuçovë six phases of inhabitation dating to the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, urban Illyrian and the Late Antiquity era.- Modern... |
34,907 | 84 | Kozare, Kuçovë Kuçovë Kuçovë is an Albanian city, capital of the Kuçovë District, with many parks and museums.-Ancient :Archaeologists found in the village of Katundas near Kuçovë six phases of inhabitation dating to the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, urban Illyrian and the Late Antiquity era.- Modern... , Perondi Perondi -Genereal information:Municipality of Perondi is biggest one of Kuçovë District, and it is located in south-east of the city of Kuçova. It has around 10 000 inhabitants and includes villages of; Perondi, Tapi, Rreth-Tapi, Magjate, Goraj, Velagosht, Drize dhe Dikater. Perondia is the primeval... . |
| Skrapar District Skrapar District The District of Skrapar is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania, part of Berat County. It has a population of 10,200 , and an area of 775 km²... |
Çorovodë Çorovodë Çorovodë, also written as Çorovoda is the main city of Skrapar District, Albania with a population of around 7,000. The Çorovoda River passes through the city and it is also home to a canyon, known as "Pirogosh". Allegedly, two kings, Piro and Goshi, named the cavern... |
10,200 | 775 | Bogovë Bogovë Bogovë is a municipality in Skrapar District, Berat County, central Albania. The name originates from the Slavic word for Gods .... , Çepan, Gjerbës, Leshnjë, Potom, Qendër Qendër, Skrapar Qendër is a municipality in Skrapar District, Berat County, central Albania. The municipality surrounds the town Çorovodë.... , Vëndreshë, Zhepë. |
Landmarks
The coexistence of various religious and cultural communities over several centuries, beginning in the 4th century BC into the 18th century is apparent in Berat. The town also bears testimony to the architectural excellence of traditional BalkanBalkans
The Balkans is a geopolitical and cultural region of southeastern Europe...
housing construction, which date to the late 18th and the 19th centuries. Some of the landmarks of that historical period could be seen in the Berat castle, Churches of the Byzantine era such as the Church of St. Mary of Blaherna (13th century), the Bachelors' Mosque, the National Ethnographic Museum, the Sultan's Mosque (built between 1481 and 1512), Leaden Mosque (built in 1555) and the Gorica Bridge.
Berat Castle
Berat CastleBerat Castle
Berat Castle is a fortress overlooking the town of Berat, Albania. It dates mainly from the 13th century and contains many Byzantine churches in the area and Ottoman mosques. It is built on a rocky hill on the left bank of the river Osum and is accessible only from the south.-History:After being...
, is located inside of the city. The castle and its 24 towers were built on a rocky hill on the left bank of the Osum, on the area of some 5.11 hectares (12.6 acre), and is accessible only from the south. After being burned down by the Romans in 200 BC, the walls were strengthened in the fifth century under Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II
Theodosius II
Theodosius II , commonly surnamed Theodosius the Younger, or Theodosius the Calligrapher, was Byzantine Emperor from 408 to 450. He is mostly known for promulgating the Theodosian law code, and for the construction of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople...
, and were rebuilt during the 6th century under the Emperor Justinian I
Justinian I
Justinian I ; , ; 483– 13 or 14 November 565), commonly known as Justinian the Great, was Byzantine Emperor from 527 to 565. During his reign, Justinian sought to revive the Empire's greatness and reconquer the lost western half of the classical Roman Empire.One of the most important figures of...
and again in the 13th century under the Despot of Epirus, Michael Angelus Comnenus, cousin of the Byzantine Emperor.
The main entrance, on the north side, is defended by a fortified courtyard and there are three smaller entrances. Though considerably damaged, the fortress of Berat remains a major cultural and tourist site of the city. The surface that it encompasses made it possible to house a considerable portion of the city's inhabitants. The buildings inside the fortress were built during the 13th century and because of their unique architecture are preserved as protected cultural monuments. The population of the fortress was Christian, and had about 20 churches (most built during the 13th century) and only one mosque, for the use of the Turkish garrison, (of which there survives only a few ruins and the base of the minaret). The churches of the fortress were damaged through years and only some have remained. The castle library contains a number of important manuscripts.
National Ethnographic Museum
Berat National Ethnographic MuseumBerat National Ethnographic Museum
Berat National Ethnographic Museum is a museum in Berat, Albania. It opened in 1979 and contains a diversity of everyday objects from throughout Berat's history. The museum contains non-movable furniture which hole a number of household objects, wooden case, wall-closets, as well as chimneys and a...
opened in 1979. It contains a diversity of everyday objects from throughout Berat's history. The museum contains non-movable furniture which hole a number of household objects, wooden case, wall-closets, as well as chimneys and a well. Near the well is an olive press, wool press and many large ceramic dishes, revealing a glimpse of the historical domestic culture of Berat's citizens. The ground floor has a hall with a model of a medieval street with traditional shops on both sides and on the second floor is an archive, loom, village sitting room, kitchen and sitting room.
Gorica Bridge
Gorica Bridge, which connects two parts of Berat was originally built from wood in 1780, but was later rebuilt with stone in the 1920s. The 7 arch bridge is 129 metres (423.2 ft) long and 5.3 metres (17.4 ft) wide and is built about 10 metres (32.8 ft) above the average water level. According to local legend, the original wooden bridge contained a dungeon in which a girl would be incarcerated and starved to appease the spirits responsible for the safety of the bridge.Religion and culture
The main religions practiced in Berat County are Orthodox Christianity and Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
. The landscape of a mixture of minarets of mosques and grand Orthodox churches and chapels are a testament to the religious coexistence of Berat inhabitants. Berat was the seat of a Greek Orthodox
Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox Church is the body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity sharing a common cultural tradition whose liturgy is also traditionally conducted in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament...
Bishpric in medieval and modern times, and today Aromanian
Aromanians
Aromanians are a Latin people native throughout the southern Balkans, especially in northern Greece, Albania, the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, and as an emigrant community in Serbia and Romania . An older term is Macedo-Romanians...
and even Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
speakers can be found in the city and some surrounding villages. Recently Berat
Berat
Berat is a town located in south-central Albania. As of 2009, the town has an estimated population of around 71,000 people. It is the capital of both the District of Berat and the larger County of Berat...
was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list as an example of the co-existence of religions and cultures.
The landscape of a mixture of minarets of mosques and grand Orthodox churches and chapels are a testament to the religious coexistence of Berat inhabitants.
The St. Mary of Blachernae Church in Berat dates to the 13th century, and contains 16th century mural paintings by Nikola, son of the Albania's most famous medieval painter, Onufri
Onufri
Onufri was a 16th century Albanian painter best known for his Byzantine style icons. He also painted portraits, landscapes and churches.-Life:...
. The first inscription recording Onufri's name was found in 1951, in the Shelqan church. The Kastoria church dates to 23 July 1547 and a reference to Onufri's origin : I am Onufri, and come from the town of Berat. Onufri's style in painting was inherited by his son, Nikola (Nicholas), though not so successful as his father. Onufri's museum contains works of Onufri, his son, Nikola and other painters. There is also a number of icons and some fine examples of religious silversmith's work (sacred vessels, icon casings, covers of Gospel books, etc.). Berat Gospels, which date from the 4th century, are copies (the originals are preserved in the National Archives in Tirana
Tirana
Tirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania's capital city in 1920 and has a population of over...
). The church itself has a magnificent iconostasis of carved wood, with two very fine icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The bishop's throne and pulpit are also of considerable quality.
Near the street which descends from the fortress is the Bachelors' Mosque , built in 1827. It has an attractive portico and an interesting external decoration of flowers, plants, and houses. The King Mosque , the oldest in the town built in the reign of Bayazid II (1481–1512), is notable for its fine ceiling. The Lead Mosque
Lead Mosque, Berat
Lead Mosque is a 16th century mosque located in Berat, south-central Albania.It is named so because of the lead coating its sphere-shaped domes.It is a Cultural Monument of Albania....
, built in 1555 and so called from the covering of its cupola. This mosque is the centre of the town. The Halveti Teqe , of 1790 has a porch and a carved and gilded ceiling. Near of tekke is purported to be the grave of Shabbatai Zevi, a Turkish Jew who had been banished to Dulcigno (present day Ulcinj) who created controversy among his followers upon his conversion to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
.
Folk music culture exists in Berat County and the performers often wear traditional dress.