Shkodër’s urban transformation is progressing well. After a long period of neglect, the city is reclaiming its true values through new projects that blend traditional architecture with modern elements.

Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Shkodër today, a month after his last visit, to observe the progress of several ongoing projects and transformative initiatives for Shkodër and the wider region. Along with the Mayor of Shkodër, Benet Beci, the Prime Minister took part in the presentation of two key projects for the city: the revitalization of the Museum of Memory and the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Great Mosque of Shkodër. The presentation was held in an open meeting with local residents and religious community representatives.

“With full support from the government, we are opening a new chapter for our city through carefully planned interventions in public infrastructure and urban development. Currently, there are 10 active construction sites in Shkodër and we expect to open many more in the near future,” said Mayor Beci. He also shared details about the Museum project, explaining that “The site, located in the heart of the city in the building that once housed the internal security branch, will serve as a respectful memorial for all those who suffered, giving the city a space to remember its difficult history.”

Regarding the second project, Mayor Beci stated: “Another important project will be the square surrounding the Ebu Beker Mosque, or the Great Mosque of Shkodër, which will redevelop the area surrounding the religious site, integrating it with public spaces. This project will provide new opportunities for the city’s development, including underground parking and commercial areas.”

The revitalization of the Museum of Memory, along with the redevelopment of the area around the Shkodër Mosque, is designed by architect Jesus Hernandez, who is also responsible for projects such as the National Museum of Photography “Marubi,” the Zogaj stone pavement, and the new entrance to Shkodër.

With the support of the Albanian government, the completion of these projects will transform these two buildings into key landmarks for Shkodër’s citizens, visitors, and tourists. The exhibition documenting the crimes of the communist dictatorship, alongside the narration of Albania’s tragic religious history, will not only serve as a responsibility to future generations but will also add cultural value, positioning Shkodër as a prominent destination.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama:
Good afternoon, everyone! It’s a great pleasure to be here today in the Municipality of Shkodër to mark the completion of one phase and the beginning of another, with both the Museum of Memory project and the redevelopment of the entire park and surrounding area around the Great Mosque. These are two transformative projects for Shkodër: the first, in relation to our past and the essential need to have an open exhibition of the terrible wounds inflicted by the communist dictatorship in Shkodër, and the second, to create a completely new situation within the heart of Shkodër by transforming the currently closed park of the Great Mosque into a space that not only highlights the significant building of the Mosque but also serves the community as a meeting point, where people of all ages can gather, and where both the mosque’s services on one side and the countless interactions of an entire city can find their place.

These are two highly ambitious projects, but first and foremost, I want to emphasize that we have entrusted this to the right person. Hernandez is the author of the National Museum of Photography “Marubi,” the architect who transformed it into a precious jewel of modern architecture, which we are promoting with all our energy. He is also the architect behind the stone pavement in Shirokë, which is remarkable for both its simplicity and beauty, and has rightfully received international praise and prestigious awards.

Meanwhile, together with Hernandez, the Albanian Development Fund and the Municipality of Shkodër are working on the new city entrance, which is also a very ambitious project.

I am confident that, in addition, both of these projects will have a significant impact on promoting the city of Shkodër—not only locally but also internationally.

The Museum of Leaves was recognized, if I’m not mistaken, in 2018 by the Council of Europe as the best newly built museum in Europe in 2017, and as a result, Shkodër will undoubtedly receive further promotion, helping it reach beyond the borders of Albania.

Of course, we are well aware of the financial burden these two investments carry, but we will certainly fund them together with the Municipality of Shkodër.

At the same time, we are working with the Fund on a new national program that will include Shkodër, focusing on a modern infrastructure for both underground and above-ground parking.

There’s no doubt that Shkodër has entered a new phase.

I thank you all very much, and I want to conclude as Hernandez did, by emphasizing the need for the Museum of Memory to involve as many interest groups as possible and, of course, religious communities, because we know all too well the indescribable tragedy that the religious communities in Shkodër faced during that dark chapter of the city’s and Albania’s history.

Thank you very much!