Reconstructing the unknown: an integrated and multisource description of Albanian landscape transformations since the 1850s

Abstract

This paper aims to reconstruct the Albanian rural landscape through qualitative, diachronic, and multisource interpretations from the mid-19th century until 2022. For the first time, the data suitable for studying and describing landscape changes have been outlined to understand them over time, combining literature, historical maps, paintings, photo collections, movies, land art, and statistical dataset interpretations. By describing the changes in the Albanian landscape and interpretation of agricultural statistics, the research has confirmed the land-use dynamicity of its rural landscape. These considerations call for a more contemporary approach to landscape planning, stressing the need for the State Party to sign the Council of Europe Landscape Convention. In addition, strategies and actions should valorise both the ordinary landscape and the community involvement in its proactive management.

Keywords:

• Albanian landscape
• landscape transformations
• rural landscape
• Western Balkans

Acknowledgements

The author would especially like to thank Dr. Artan Kacani for his support and information. Similarly, thanks are also extended to Arch. Artan Raça, Dr. Sotir Dhamo, Dr. Valerio Perna, Dr. Godiva Rembeci, Dr. Klodjan Xhexhi, Prof. Sherif Lushaj, and Prof. Marco Devecchi, as well as to the library staff of POLIS University for their help and advice in understanding the Albanian rural landscape. Lastly, the author thanks Dr. Rohit Jigyasu for the advice on the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 https://geoportal.asig.gov.al/en.

2 http://mavimu.marubi.gov.al/aspx/Home.aspx.

3 http://www.elsie.de/index.htm.

Additional information

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Fabrizio Aimar

Dr. Fabrizio Aimar, M.Arch., Ph.D., is an assistant professor of the practice at the Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, at Texas A&M University, USA. He is also the Director of the Centre for Heritage Conservation at the same University and holds the title of Woodcock Endowed Professor in Historic Preservation. His research focuses on landscape resilience, UNESCO cultural landscapes, landscape planning, and the protection of cultural heritage.