TIRANA, Sept 17 /ATA/ One of Tirana’s architectural gems, the historic Sarajet e Toptanëve, is set to be transformed into a Museum of Islamic Art and Heritage, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at the launch event, described the project as “an added value for the capital” and a vital historical testimony that fills a long-standing gap in the interpretation and preservation of Albania’s Islamic cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Rama stated that the project aims to serve as a “necklace of art,” alongside the National Theatre and National Gallery, enriching Tirana’s cultural offerings and reaffirming the connection between Islamic heritage and European and Mediterranean culture.
Opening his remarks, the Prime Minister affirmed his belief that a strong and effective collaboration has taken shape—uniting the collection’s curators, the architect, the Municipality of Tirana, and the Ministry of Culture. This joint effort, he noted, has mobilized all the essential resources to finally realize a long-awaited cultural space in Tirana devoted to Islamic art and heritage.
Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized that the new museum fills a cultural gap in Tirana, not only in terms of space but also in historical understanding. He echoed the architect’s insight that Islamic art and culture are an integral part of Mediterranean and European heritage.
Though modest in scale compared to grand international museums, Rama stressed that this institution is both necessary and sufficient to convey a vital truth—one often overlooked or even denied. He noted that many still perceive Islamic culture as disconnected from Europe or as a legacy imposed by a specific historical period. In contrast, he argued, the reality is quite different, by establishing the Museum of Islamic Art and Heritage, Albania affirms this truth, offering a space that is not only essential but also a valuable addition to the capital’s cultural landscape.
Prime Minister Rama announced that the historic Sarajet building will undergo full restoration, reclaiming its original identity. It will serve as the core of the new Museum of Islamic Art and Heritage, which will also include a second, contemporary structure designed to complement the existing architecture.
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