TIRANA, Nov 15/ATA/ – Albania’s State Archives, in cooperation with the National Library and the British Embassy in Tirana, opened a documentary and photographic exhibition on Friday dedicated to British officer Aubrey Herbert, a prominent advocate of Albanian independence in the early 20th century. 

The event, held as part of British Cultural Week, showcases original documents from the State Archives marking a century since Herbert’s death and highlighting his role in defending Albania’s independence and shaping early Albanian-British ties. 

The materials on display included: 

– A Council of Ministers decision recognising aid provided by the Herbert family in sheltering Kosovo refugees, and the naming of a new village “Herbert” in their honour; 

– A notice from the Kavaja sub-prefecture forwarded to Durres Prefecture, thanking Lady Carnarvon for funding a school in the village of Herbert; 

– A condolence telegram sent to the Herbert family by the municipality of Lushnja after Lady Carnarvon’s death; 

– A note of protest published in The Times and signed by Herbert, Edith Durham and other public figures opposing the partition of Albania by neighbouring states; 

– Minutes of a meeting of the Albanian Committee in London, attended by Fan Noli, Mehmet Konica, Filip Noga and British personalities led by Herbert, discussing the preservation of Albania’s territorial integrity; 

– Excerpts from Herbert’s speech in the House of Commons criticising the British prime minister’s stance on Albania’s division. 

The exhibition also highlights the philanthropic contributions of the Herbert family to Albania during the 1920s. The opening was attended by acting Director General of the Archives Endrit Musaj, diplomats and historians.