#Views of Tirana

[kommabortsig]

Tirana_from_South.jpg

[anxhelotosuni]

BlueMoon

[gemirus-stiven]

[thetravellingman87]

View of Tirana with the mountains in the background.

[acslytherpuff]

Get to know my mc:

Cassie Luna

Name: Cassandra delina luna

Birth date: october 5

Pronouns: she/her

Age: 16 (in game) = 18 (real age)

Sexuality: straight

Blood status: pure blood

Ethnicity: british - albanian

House: slytherin

Birthplace: tirana (albania)

Languages: english, albanian, latin

Wand: silver lime; dragon heartstring; unbeding; ten and a half inches

patronus: racoon

amortentia: vanilla, coconut, amber and flowers, sebastians hair

personal color: pink - green

APPEARANCE

Cassie looks more like her mother but has little but significant features of her father. Her eyes are green but change color to lighter or darker depending on her mood. She never leaves the room without looking decent.

Her Lips are plump and her cheeks are squishy.

She has long brown hair which she likes to wear loose (most likely with curls)

hair color: dark brown

skin: pale / beige

eye color: green - amberish (depends on her mood)

build: skinny, hourglass

height: 5'3

features: cassie has a freckles in her face, one freckle above her cheekbone looks like a heart, she has a scar on her hip

Clothes and Make-up: She tends to wear the more elegant versions of school uniforms. Plaid Vest Uniform is her Favorite along with the Elegant Formal Uniform. Her style is very modern but always elegant. Cassie loves doing makeup. not too much but subtle. the eyes must always be well emphasized.

PERSONALITY

Cassie is overall a funny and loveable girl. when she doesn't know people she appears as quite, and calm - but when she's with people she knows she is funny active. But some people are scared of her because she quite be… scary (but trust in a funny way)y She can be sometimes very cold from the outside because she is really insecure about herself.

She likes to help people even if she don't know them and sometimes she gets over her own boundaries for that. Even her whole personality seems calm she can be very temperamental. She loves with her full heart. When she wants something - she gets it. She loves adventures and is not afraid of anybody. truly a sweet badass.

She is strongly influenced by her past. She is very thoughtful and questions things very often.

She often tends to seek for her own mind and wants to be free. sometimes she falls into an emotional hole where she feels useless and powerless. If she thinks something isn't right then she will fight to make it right. She doesn't judge anyone about anything but sometimes her humor can be very judgy. She is known for her funny sassy sentences. She is a strong fighter and get VERY serious.

Positive traits: funny, helpful, ambitious, smart, loving, caring

Negative traits: too emotional, TOO sassy sometimes, her temperament (because sometimes she can be a ticking bomb)

Likes: anything with cinnamon, traveling and exploring something new, deep talks, being outside in general, physical affection, music, make up, mytholgy, her friends, the night, pretty views, quidditch sebastian

Dislikes: people who r not funny, people who are mean towards her loved ones, being ignored

Fears: losing her most loved people, being locked up

QUICK BACKSTORY

Cassie was born in Albania. Her Parents met there when her mother was there for for a journey, she grew up there until she was 4. She moved away when her father was killed by someone unknown and she was threatened that she would be next.Her father was a very strong magician of the balkans and it is assumed that because she inherited his powers they are after her too. she moved to France with her mother after her father was killed. Her mother forbade her to leave the house alone. She could only see daylight in small cracks in the window. She never wanted to speak about her father when Cassie asked about him. Cassie often suffered from depression and loneliness. When she reached the age she first went to Beauxbatons. But Cassie felt that she didn't belong there. everything was too perfect for her. She skipped class and broke the rules. Her mother quickly found out about it because she is a professor there. Cassie was different from the others there. She wanted to see the world, learn, understand why her father was killed, ensure justice and, above all, learn to deal with her magical power, which grew stronger every year. Cassie's mother knew she was different and put her down because of it. That no one would love her with her behavior,that she would never be able to get her life together and that she is a disappointment. Because of her enormous strength, she was invited to Hogwarts. Her mother forbade her to go to Hogwarts but Cassie simply ran away. She quickly finds connections and people who understand her. She also finds out a lot about herself and her past during her time at Hogwarts. Her family (mothers side) don't want to have anything to do with her because she resists the rules and has her own ideas. She doesn't know her father's side... but will get to know them at an important moment.

RELATIONSHIPS

Sebastian Sallow - Sebastian and Cassie get to know eachother at her first day at hogwarts but what they didn‘t knew… they‘ve known eachother looong before. Both had experienced a lot in 5th year together and after that they both grew apart for a bit. However, when Cassie sets out to find out about her past, Sebastian is immediately at her side. Both get to know the vulnerable sides of themselves and support each other. both learn to love each other. Sebastian is Cassie's soulmate and the one who supports her the most. They‘ve got the red string theory.

Alvin Hayoung - Alvin and Cassie are best best friends. They got to know eachother from classes they have together. Alvin is Cassies diary. Their bound is very strong (sebastian sometimes get jealous). When Cassie is sad Alvin has the best huggies for her. They both love each other like siblings.

Ominis Gaunt: ominis is a good friend. If she needs a honest opinion (sometimes she's scared tho because he is BRUTALY honest) or wants to know something about sebastian - ominis will gladly help her out! she enjoys a good conversation with ominis or doing the most evil inside jokes abt other students.

Valentine Black (- Cassies twin and is one of her best friends! Her Gossip Sister and Partner in crime! After Sebastian she spends most of her Time with Val. Both of them do have a LOT insiders about EVERYONE. They do know EVERY gossip in Hogwarts. But also if something is very serious both of them are supporting eachother immediately.

Other students: cassie gets along with all students so far! she is open for everyone and will help anyone if they need her. she is really popular.She is also friends with aaaaa lot of other mc's which she adore so much! (Sadly got no other relationship backgrounds w/them till now :c )

> ʀᴀɴᴅᴏᴍ ꜰᴀᴄᴛꜱ < (. . . more incoming)

- Cassie has a baby Mooncalf since birth which is called „Moonie“. It lives in her Vivarium in Hogwarts.

- the first one ever who saw her scar was sebastian

- her and sebastian can be very sassy thats why their shipname is „sassie“

- her favorite classes are dada, astronomy and divination

- she believes in myths and rituals

- she prefers night time than day time

- girlys weakness is quidditch seb or messy hair seb

[zvaigzdelasas]

Albanian police raided the MEK compound outside of Tirana on the order of the country’s corruption and organised crime court, resulting in resistance from residents, one death and over 100 injured, with the Iranian group calling on the EU to intervene. The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) are an Iranian opposition military organisation that advocates the overthrow of the current regime in Tehran. After being forced out of Iran, they were relocated to Camp Ashraf near the Iranian border in 1985 and sided with Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War. In 1992, they carried out attacks against Iranian embassies in 13 countries and were designated as a terrorist organisation by the US, Canada, EU, UK and Japan for their use of terror tactics. This status was removed during the 2000s, and their members were relocated to Albania and France. Over 1000 remain in Albania in a heavily guarded compound. On Tuesday, the State Police entered the premises to conduct a search, resulting in resistance. The order from the raid came from the Special Court Against Corruption and Organised Crime on suspicions of terrorist and cybercrime. Interior Minister Bledi Cuci condemned MEK for what he called intolerable violence exerted on Albanian police.

“I feel sorry that Albania has offered them everything related to their shelter for humanitarian purposes according to the agreement. It has provided assistance, security, and even protection against threats from Iran’s secret services. For more than 3 thousand days, they have lived in complete safety in our guarantee. Unimaginable and intolerable violence and the reaction they have made to the State Police”, he told the media.

Cuci added that the authorities suspected they were carrying out activities in Albania that run contrary to the agreement laying down the conditions of their stay.[...]

MEK reacted furiously to the raid and levied accusations of violence and violation of human rights against the Albanian authorities. “At the request of the religious fascism that ruled Iran, this morning, 20 June, about 1,000 Albanian police attacked Ashraf in a criminal and oppressive act. Many broke doors, cupboards, belongings, and attacked residents with tear gas and spray. Many computers are broken,” a spokesperson said, adding that one person died and 100 were injured. They demanded EU and international intervention, calling for them to hold the Albania that run contrary to the agreement laying down the conditions of their stay.[...]

In March 2021, MEK was accused by Facebook of running a troll farm out of their base in Albania, closing more than 300 accounts belonging to members.[...]

“The people behind this activity relied on a combination of authentic and fake accounts to post MEK-related content and comment on their owne and other people’s posts, including those of international news organisations presence Radio Liberty, Voice of America and BBC,” said the report. Over the years, many questions have been asked about MEK, with The Guardian questioning whether they are terrorists, cultists, or champions of Iranian democracy and the New York Times describing a visit there as full of “propaganda sessions”. Those who have reported on MEK with a critical view, raised possible legal issues or questioned their bas in Albania, closing more than 300 accounts belonging to members.[...]

In 2019, Exit accessed the compound for a forum and reported that makeup and mobile devices were confiscated upon entry, members wore strict uniforms and were segregated by sex. In the days following the visit, after it was revealed that the journalist intended to write about the forum, they received some 15 calls and messages demanding they return for further tours and ‘explanatory sessions’.

Since 2013, the MEK has held a series of events and summits at its headquarters where US officials and former officials have participated, such as former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, former vice president Mike Pence, and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani [as well as several democrats]. It is reported that such high-level speakers receive fees exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars for such events.

MEK state that all negative press and questions asked about their organisation are fuelled by or paid for by the Iranian government.

20 Jun 23

[NCRI is MEK]

“U.S. leaders such as Vice President Pence, Sec. Pompeo, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Secretary [John] Kerry, General [James] Jones, senior military, many senators and congressmen, and world leaders have visited and supported the Iranian resistance and praised the Albanian hospitality.[...] ["MEK] have come by agreement and at the request of the United States. Tomorrow, the Minister of Interior must come and provide explanations, otherwise, we will refer the matter to the regular commission.” [a member of the National Security Commission of the Albanian Parliament said]

20 Jun 23

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a coalition that includes the People's Mujahedin (MEK) group outlawed by Tehran, alleged that the de facto ban on the rally was the result "pressure" on France by the Iranian government. The NCRI, which calls for the overthrow of Iran's clerical leadership, had asked permission for the rally in Paris on July 1, with tens of thousands of supporters expected from France and across Europe. Paris police did not grant approval for the rally as it is "likely to generate disturbances to public order because of the geopolitical context", a Paris police source, asking not to be named, told AFP.

20 Jun 23

[RFERL is US State Media]

The U.S. State Department said in an e-mail to RFE/RL that American authorities were informed that the raid was conducted lawfully and voiced support for Tirana's sovereign right to take such action. "The Albanian State Police have assured us that all actions were conducted in accordance with applicable laws, including with regard to the protection of the rights and freedoms of all persons in Albania. We support the Government of Albania’s right to investigate any potential illegal activities within its territory," the State Department statement said.

21 Jun 23

The State Department reiterated in its statement that the U.S. government does not regard MKO as a democratic representative of the Iranian people. "As we have said before, the United States does not see the [MKO] as a viable democratic opposition movement that is representative of the Iranian people," the statement said. "The U.S. government does not provide support or training to the [MKO], does not contribute funding to the organization, and does not maintain substantive contact beyond issues related to the [MKO]'s resettlement, which was completed in 2016. "The State Department continues to have serious concerns about the [MKO] as an organization, including allegations of abuse committed against its own members," the statement concluded.

The MKO killed U.S. personnel in Iran during the 1970s and carried out a series of terror attacks on Iranian embassies in 13 different countries in 1992, leading to its inclusion on the lists of terrorist organizations of the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. In 2013 the group was removed from the list amid efforts by Washington to support [sic!] the group in its fight against the Islamic regime in Tehran.

22 Jun 23

Another blow to MEK is the budding Saudi-Iranian normalization. Saudi Arabia, until recently one of Iran’s chief adversaries in the region, was long suspected of funding the MEK. Its high-level representatives, such as Prince Turki al-Faisal, a former ambassador to Britain and the U.S. and a former director of Saudi intelligence, sometimes attended MEK’s rallies where he supported the “downfall of the regime” in Iran. It is entirely conceivable that, as part of the Tehran-Riyadh rapprochement, Saudi Arabia would downgrade its ties to the group, if not abandon them altogether. 

26 Jun 23

"We hope the Albanian government will take the practical and responsible step against the group of the hypocrites," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said at a news conference on Monday, repeating a pejorative term that Iranian authorities commonly use to discredit the group rather than the actual title.  

Demanding legal action against the MEK, Kanaani told Albanian authorities that the group will continue to pose threats to their host nations, according to a report by the Tasnim News Agency.  

28 Jun 23

[Albania Daily News is Albanian Media]

Prime Minister Edi Rama in an interview with the German media Der Spiegel said that the Mujahideen cannot use Albania to fight against the Iranian regime.  Part of the interview:  SPIEGEL: Mr. Rama, last week the security forces near Tirana carried out an operation in the Iranian MEK camp. Why?  Rama: We have had the MEK in our country for several years. They are welcome, but on the condition that they do not use Albania as a platform for their political operations. Our Iranian guests have repeatedly violated this agreement.  SPIEGEL: Government computers in Tehran have been hacked and sensitive documents circulated. About 100 PCs and dozens of hard drives are said to have been confiscated now. Can you confirm this?  Rama: Albania has no intention of being at war with the Iranian regime. Albania does not accept anyone who has abused our hospitality.  Spiegel: Why did you agree to the request of US President Barack Obama in 2016 to accept thousands of Mujahideen?  Rama: It was a life-saving operation. We opened our doors because the group, then operating from Iraq, was systematically followed. And if a friend like the US asks us for something, we feel honored. [...] We understand the anger against the regime in their country. But our country is used as a trench in a war that is not ours, it does not work! Of course, they have every right to fight for their freedom, but to do so they must leave Albania. [...]

The controls are part of the fight against cyberattacks and terrorism and come after the investigations that started on the cyberattacks that our country faced a year ago. They are suspected to be the result of attacks that were previously carried out against Iran from Albanian territory. In order to verify the suspicions and provide the necessary evidence for the exercise of illegal activity inside the mujahedin camp in Albania, on June 20, the State Police carried out an extensive control inside the camp.

1 Jul 23

[licze]

View from Dajti Ekspres upper station, Tirana, Albania

[beast-of-mosss]

SOCKS AND BUSKINS: ENSTARS OCS UNIT!:

Okay, okay. So it's a three unit group that had theater motifs, each song is supposed to be a story and deal with comedy/tragedy (hence the name). The unit members are José Díaz(Silent King), Sierra Rivera (Double-faced Queen), and "Frecil" Frederico Rivera(Blind Jester).

I'm still trying to figure out the uniforms for the unit, but I'm thinking of basing it off the fairy court from Midsummer's night (Oberan, Tirana, and Puck) or something similar to that aspect. Keep switching between light greens/earth tones and more royal colors. All I know is that each unit member will have some motifs for their character that they play.

Each song is supposed to tell a story—first starting off with one of the characters (Jester, Queen, or King) setting the stage and telling the audience what they think is happening verus what's actually happening. Much like a musical or play. Each character has a different point of view of each event/past songs, and it changes from either tragic to comedic really quickly. I want to explore the relationship between tweaking a story/how comedy and tragedy are linked/etc. And how easy it is to change the perceptive.

Funny enough, all the idols in this unit are trans—I didn't realized this until a few weeks ago.

Also, disabled as well—José has a arm prosthetic and is selective mute while Frecil is legally blind. This does cause some issues with getting shows done, it just means that they have to do things a little differently. Something I'm willing to explore more.

Sierra has a hearing aid, but I need to do more research into hearing aids/hearing loss—so please be patient with me^^!

The Silent King and The Blind Jester are supposed to be semi-foils. The story of Socks and Buskins is still being fleshed out atm.

José is actually the writer for the story with Frecil being the co-writer. Frecil composes the music and Sierra does the choreography.

The unit was founded by both Frecil and José. Despite Frecil being very, very, experienced in the idol world—they gave the leadership/"King" position to José. Frecil acts more like a guide/mentor towards José and sometimes Sierra. Sierra and Frecil are recent step-siblings (both their mothers met due to the creation of the unit, yes its hell)

Aela "Cherry" Barbasdotter is their sole producer. She's been with the unit since near the start of its creation and damn, very very overprotective to the point that its suffocating.

Anyway, that's it so far~! I'm really excited to, well, get character sheets down for these guys~! I've been working on them for quite a while, and kinda just upped the silliness/antics a bit more due to the media being—well— Enstars. Also, I wanted to touch roots with my amateur theater kid sooo~!

[architectuul]

Saimir Kristo: Architecture Is The Means To Create A Common Language Of Living

Weltraum, a radio podcast about space on the jabbering Independent Coastal Radio NOR hosted Saimir Kristo ... I had this great opportunity to talk about the city, his ideals and thoughts.

Saimir Kristo | Photo © Kristiana Meço

How Tirana changed in last 20 years?

Saimir Kristo: Talking about the weather it was much more rainy. It used to be the rainy city in Albania twenty years ago, when I come back from Greece. It changed radically. In 2004 there were not even proper bars. Of course nobody cared about the bars in that time, the country was just going out of a difficult period from the civil war in 1997, where pyramid schemes tricked citizens and took away their money. Fifteen years ago I am not really sure if we were not able to escape from this closed territorial system but today is the other problem, that people are leaving, there are massive emigrations. The problem I face as an individual but also as an architect in the last twenty years working in remote areas of Albania.

Tirana Aerial View | Photo © Open House Tirana

When I come back there was this amazing energy where people from Albania want to change the country, they wanted to go out from those enclaves from the past. There were many cases of informality in the 1990s, many cases of wild development, but there were people with the amazing energy. Whenever we have problems and we have the energy, we can always solve all problems because we have people around to solve it together. What about if you have depth and you go to the rural areas of Albania? Those villages were very much present in the landscape of the county but today are almost empty. Villages of once 1.000 inhabitants have now only thirteen people.

Tirana New Boulevard | Photo © Open House Tirana

The intention to move into big urban centres in the 1990s was very huge, it was a huge mass immigration. Today it's starting again. When I moved to Tirana there was just almost a half of a million people, reaching today a number of one million. So from 2,5 million Albanians that have left the county one million lives between Tirana and Durrës, the main port city. And we have 29.000 km2 of the territory. This is an important way to speak how Albania changed.

It is not always about architecture?

SK: I think is barely about the architecture. Architecture it is the means to justify, to camouflage, to improve and to manifest that people are much more sensitive about it. It is the means to deconstruct mentalities but also a means to educate to improve the settings and create a common language of living, of being. All these years of architecture in Albania, not as innovative approach because if was used in a part, is used in a way to transfer the identity of the city. I have a very famous image in mind, in 1990 when the main Skanderberg square had only pedestrians, only one bus and one truck.

Skanderbeg Square during daytime.| Photo © Open House Tirana

Skanderbeg Square changes it's identity during the evening.| Photo © Open House Tirana

Architecture is the means to justify, to camouflage, to improve and to manifest that people are much more sensitive about it. It is the means to deconstruct mentalities but also a means to educate to improve the settings and create a common language of living, of being.

People were thinking we had a very organised square with the right amount of people (whatever that means), a public transport with one bus. What if we go back to this situation? That can be very dangerous, because the Skanderberg square didn't had cars because people didn't want to use cars but because no one have a car easily. People also didn't feel the square as a public space but a main space for demonstration of the propaganda of the authoritarian regime of Hoxha. In the same way are the public spaces today, they might seem more contemporary organised but they are made only for events, either a political meeting, music concert or sports gather.

Urban Streetscapes: Filter Caffee Filtre | Photo © Tirana Architecture Triennial

The real life in squares makes them lively after midnight or early morning, where there is no urgency to be there but just a pure pleasure or desire. Architecture was and it still used to express political dominance and authority. To have a beautiful architecture we have to present it and experiment. I don't like the word educate, I think to have this relationship of co-ownership of projects that people really want.

The real life in squares makes them lively after midnight or early morning, where there is no urgency to be there but just a pure pleasure or desire.

As an educator you work in an educational institution, how is educational system about architecture in Albania functioning? 

SK: It is situated on a dogma of the repetitive reproduction of something before, which is also linked to today, because students tend to limit their creativity because of the restrict educational system and their project doesn't resemble the project of their professors. This is a problem of us, educators. We have to change that. We continue to teach students what we were thought twenty, thirty years ago. We need to transform radically they way we do it. We shall focus on the importance of reading, going in depth of students ideas and expressions. Then students can find right tools to express better. We always try to copy what is present as innovative. It is on us, professors to educate ourselves more, read more and listen more. This is the the problem of architects, they don't listen so much but tend to speak.

Roundtable Virtual or Physical; from left to right Etleva Dobjani, Saimir Kristo, Dijana Vučinić, Tinatin Gurgenize. | Photo ©  Tirana Architecture Triennial

The other topic, which I am very critical about, is the issue of non payed work. This has became a standard. We teach students to be aware of how much they need to be payed to be able to value their work. These are things that were never talked before in the auditorium.

Maybe LINA is the good opportunity for that; what did LINA created for Bartleti?

SK: Some of our LINA fellows presented the issue of inclusivity and education, which makes me very proud of. For Bartleti LINA collaboration makes a very important presence for bringing fresh ideas from incredible fellows with a high level of integrity and professionalism. On the other side this enhanced courage to our students to work with these topics and collaborate with the others. It is a case of asking question in a classroom and feeling a prejudice why are you asking this question. If you see other people having the same question, the you are part of the community. The other important issue is a continuous collaboration with other institutions that are part of LINA. I always have called this more that European union of architecture, because it extends beyond Europe.

Space Saloon + The MAAK | Photo ©  Tirana Architecture Triennial

International collaboration can not only be used as a mean to justify but can also be used as a means to go further, to look beyond and investigate a very delicate problem. Last year we had an opportunity to host New South with the issue of Sacred grounds.

Sacred Grounds by New South. | Photo ©  Tirana Architecture Triennial

We have this phenomenon of reduced co-existance in Albania. We have four different religions, which all cohabitate together. This is because our dictator abroad the religion in the 1960s, so when there was no religion, they need to find a common language to keep their faith inside them. In the New South's installation in the National historic museum, the most dictatorial building in Albania, presented all these four religion and in such way created a non physical temple for people of all these four religions inside an extra dogmatic building. We try to touch not only the build aspect but also how we perceive the space.

What kind of act is the demolishment of the National Theatre of Albania that happened few years ago?

SK: The demolition of the National Theatre was a collective act. It was not just an act to build a new theatre. It is not only an act by the government to transform a public space, get read of the old building or neglect it' s value. I think it's an act of us as architects, us as citizens of Tirana, not to raise the attention to all other historical buildings that have been left to the mercy of time since thirty years now. It is something we need to reflect in our consciousness. We might not have the money to restore the building, as culture is the smallest portfolio in our government. We have to ask for more. Demolitions is not something sporadic, that happened with the theatre, this is happening with hundred of historical buildings in Tirana and all around Albania. (Saimir presented the Forgotten Masterpieces of Albania in some of our previous talks).

The National Theatre in Tirana. | Photo via Architectuul

We are always there in the last moment, when we know that there is one percent of chance to save it. We should emphasise the importance of thesis buildings and find a way to restore them. The city from twenty years ago it's not recognisable today. This is telling a lot about us, because to rebuild and restore takes a lot more time to discuss and work on that. In many levels the case of theatre is a consume story but it's also an inflation of our society and at the end you have one more building less to admire. The 17th of May 2020 at 4:30 in the morning, that's when the theatre collapsed, should not be the moment to ask the old theatre to be rebuild again in the place of the old one, but should be a moment to commemorate how neglected we were as a society and how important is to turn the attention on the city that we are taking advantage of.

Northern Boulevard Extension | Photo © Open House Tirana

The memory of the city is always important and we need to be able to pass over the memory of the story of the historical theatre to the next generations and not to romanticise the idilic idea of a new theatre by BIG. It is important of how to show the identity of our city.

How do you see architecture in the future?

SK: Beautiful! Why not! I am not part of the dramatic and pessimist discussions that architecture and our cities are getting worse. We have students that are not compromising themselves and they want to do a change. I want to Wellcome all the changes to see myself as a part of this evolving system. With new students working in the field of architecture we just have a bright future. What we need is to embrace all these things to feel them. We have to open our minds and to wake up. We have to keep the dream of our inner small Chile inside and working in architectural education we are responsible to keep that dream of all these young students alive and we have to foster it.

The National Theatre of Albania was demolished on 17. May 2020 at 4am. | Photo © Saimir Kristo

Saimir Kristo, P.hD. is an architect and urban designer, currently Deputy Dean and Lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Creative Industries at BARLETI University. Founder of Tirana Architecture Triennale - Architecture Fund in Albania and Open House Tirana. He is an APLS Alumnus invited by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IVLP Alumnus invited by the US State Department representing civil society in Albania. As an active member of civil society, he is engaging communities to develop a common educational platform in the field of architecture and urban planning. His professional practice IXI Architecture is working in tangible and intangible mediums to transform urban design and architecture in Albania for the better. He holds a Ph.D. in Architecture and Urban Planning Focused on city morphology and urban catalysis and their role in the transformation of public spaces, a research result of his experience as a project leader in Urban Regulatory Plans in Albania. His scientific activity extends with monographs and publications but also as a jury member in international competitions. He serves as the Independent Nominator for the “EU Mies van der Rohe Award” appointed by the Fundacio Mies van der Rohe for Albania. Since its establishment, he has been a board member of "Fundjavë Ndryshe" foundation.

Here You can listen to the WELTRAUM interview.

[mariacallous]

Last Friday, an 82-year-old woman wrapped up warm and set off on a 200-mile round trip for a meeting that she half suspected wouldn’t even let her in. As you read this, the film of her speaking that evening has been viewed more than five million times. Which is odd, because it’s not much to look at: a wobbly side-view of a woman with white hair, intense closeups of grey cardigan. Bridgerton this is not.

But it’s the words that count. Joan Salter has got herself down to Hampshire for a public meeting with the home secretary, and now it is her turn to ask a question. As a child survivor of the Holocaust, she hears Suella Braverman demean and dehumanise refugees and it is a reminder of how the Nazis justified murdering Jews like her. So why do it?

Even as the words come out, Braverman’s face freezes. The evening so far has been a Tory activists’ love-in, which, Salter tells me later, made her nervous about being the sole dissenter. But then the home secretary responds, “I won’t apologise for the language I’ve used” – and a disturbing truth is exposed about what Britain has become.

Braverman labels those seeking sanctuary in Britain an “invasion”. Quite the word, invasion. It strips people of their humanity and pretends they are instead a hostile army, sent to maraud our borders. Her junior minister Robert Jenrick once begged colleagues not to “demonise” migrants; now he stars in videos almost licking his jowls over “the Albanians” forced on to a flight to Tirana. Salter is right to say such attitudes from the top fuel and license extremists on the ground. We saw it after the toxic Brexit campaign, when Polish-origin schoolchildren in Huntingdon were called “vermin” on cards left outside their school gates, as race and religious hate crimes soared that summer.

Today, the air is once again poisonous. Far-right groups have been visiting accommodation for asylum seekers, trying to terrify those inside – many of whom have fled terror to come here – often before sharing their videos on social media. The anti-fascist campaigners Hope Not Hate recorded 182 such jaunts last year alone, culminating in a petrol bomb tossed at an asylum centre in Dover by a man with links to far-right groups and who would post about how “all Muslims are guilty of grooming … they only rape non-Muslims”.

Unlike those big men in their big boots frightening innocent people, Salter isn’t chasing social media clout. The grandmother wants to warn us not to return to the times that sent her, at the age of three, running with her parents across Europe in search of sanctuary. She does make a mistake in yoking the home secretary to the term “swarms”. As far as I can see, this figurehead for the new Tory extremism has yet to use that vile word. But I can think of a Tory prime minister who has used that word: David Cameron, the Old Etonian never shy of blowing on a dog whistle, who made a speech denouncing multiculturalism even as Tommy Robinson’s troops marched on Luton. And Margaret Thatcher talked of how the British felt “rather swamped” by immigrants. In those venerable names from the party’s past lies the big picture about the Conservatives’ chronic addiction to racist politics.

Because racism is not what polite people do – and yet Tories keep on doing it, commentators will often put it behind some behavioural cordon. It’s a few rotten apples, you’ll be told, after some councillor dons a blackshirt or moans about the new Doctor Who. Or: they need to fend off the effect of Nigel Farage. Or even, as one Times commentator wrote in 2019, Boris Johnson says it but he “barely believes a word” of it. Such clairvoyance! But that’s the thing about power: other people trot behind with a dustpan and brush to sweep up the mess you keep making.

Yet there was no Ukip when Benjamin Disraeli declared that the Irish “hate our order, our civilisation, our enterprising industry, our pure religion. This wild, reckless, indolent, uncertain and superstitious race have no sympathy with the English character.” It was no rotten apple but Winston Churchill, the Tory idol, who as prime minister pronounced: “I hate Indians. They are a beastly people with a beastly religion. The famine was their own fault for breeding like rabbits.” The Bengal famine of 1943 is widely estimated to have killed about 2 million people.

I draw these quotes from a new book, Racism and the Tory Party, by the sociologist Mike Cole. Far from being a mere slip of the tongue, racism, he argues, “has saturated the party from the beginning of the 19th century to the second decade of the 21st”. From Enoch Powell’s “rivers of blood” to Theresa May’s hostile environment, it courses through Tory history. And it is not just words. In its online safety bill, the government wants this week to make illegal any online video of people in small boats that shows such Channel crossing in a “positive light”. Braverman still grinds on with her plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, to stay in hostels with 12 toilets and five showers for 100 inmates.

For the Tories, racism is a fire that they just love to play with. The heat it throws off can be electorally useful. But it is always someone else who gets burned. The targets change – two centuries ago it was the Irish, today it is Albanians – but the strategy is always the same: pick the group, render them inhuman, then chuck them out. The mystery is why a party with such a long and inglorious history can still be lauded by the press for sprinkling a few non-white people along its frontbench.

The woman who is today Joan Salter was in 1943 a three-year-old girl called Fanny Zimetbaum. As Polish-origin Jews, her family were not granted sanctuary in Britain from the Nazis marching into their home of France. Instead, her parents had to scramble through Europe, while Joan was shipped across the Atlantic to an orphanage in America. Only years later, through much wrangling, were the family reunited in London. By then, she remembers her parents as “thoroughly broken”. When she was in her 70s and studying for a master’s, Salter went through the archives. She read a parliamentary debate from 1943, concerning 2,000 Jewish children in France refused British visas and who were then deported to Hitler’s Germany. She read foreign secretary Anthony Eden claiming “no knowledge” of the matter. Then she read the minutes and memos that proved he was lying: he was in the war cabinet meeting where the issue was discussed. Still the children were abandoned, just as her family were left to their fate.

From her own life, this remarkable woman knows that fascism is not just a one-off and racism never a mere faux pas. They are forces of evil that lurk on the political perimeter and threaten to consume our society wholesale. Joan Salter bears a warning. The rest of us should listen.

[conandaily2022]

Algert Beraj biography: 20 things about Mr. World Albania 2024

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mr World (@mrworld.official) Who is Algert Beraj? Algert Beraj is an Albanian finance specialist, model and beauty king from Tirana, Albania. He represented Albania in Mister World. In 2017, Beraj started modeling professionally. He went to Shkolla Teknike Ekonomike Tiranë in Tirana and earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Kolegji…

[anxhelotosuni]

Tirana

[jokotten]

(Aktualisierung: Zahl der Migranten)ROM/TIRANA - Italien hat nach einer ersten Niederlage vor Gericht wieder Flüchtlinge nach Albanien gebracht, um dort in Lagern außerhalb der EU über deren Asylanträge zu entscheiden.

(Aktualisierung: Zahl der Migranten) ROM/TIRANA (dpa-AFX) – Italien hat nach einer ersten Niederlage vor Gericht wieder Flüchtlinge nach Albanien gebracht, um dort in Lagern außerhalb der EU über deren Asylanträge zu entscheiden. Nach tagelanger Fahrt übers Mittelmeer lief ein Schiff der italienischen Marine mit zunächst acht Migranten aus Ägypten und Bangladesch im Hafen der Stadt Shengjin ein.…

[thetravellingman87]

View in Tirana.

[divinejhonson]

Secure a Job in Albania: Trusted Pakistani Agency Services

 Albania, a growing economy in the heart of Europe, presents numerous job opportunities for skilled professionals from Pakistan. As the demand for international talent in Albania increases, Pakistani job seekers can access a world of possibilities across various sectors, including IT, construction, healthcare, and education. For those ready to explore overseas employment, partnering with a trusted agency, like Falisha Manpower, can make the journey smooth and successful. Here, we’ll look at the key benefits of connecting with a reputable recruitment agency for Albania in Pakistan, the advantages of working in Albania, and tips for successful overseas job placement.

Why Consider Albania for Your Next Career Move?

Albania has emerged as a destination of choice for individuals looking for quality international experience in a unique European environment. Known for its vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and rapid economic growth, Albania attracts many international professionals, especially in fields where demand outweighs the local supply. With a recruitment agency like Recruitment Agency for Albania in Pakistan, Pakistani job seekers can tap into Albania’s thriving job market with guidance and support at every step.

1. Growing Demand for Skilled Workers

Many Albanian companies are seeking foreign talent to fill specialized roles in industries like IT, engineering, healthcare, and education. Due to this demand, skilled professionals from Pakistan can secure rewarding roles that offer competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Recruitment agencies play a pivotal role in connecting Pakistani professionals with Albanian employers, ensuring that the right candidates meet the needs of companies.

2. Competitive Salaries and Benefits

Albania’s economy is steadily advancing, and as the country aligns with the European Union standards, the quality of job benefits and salaries continues to improve. Professionals who relocate to Albania can expect competitive compensation packages, including housing assistance, healthcare benefits, and paid leave. A recruitment agency can guide candidates on salary expectations and help negotiate terms, making sure they receive competitive offers.

3. Unique European Experience with Affordability

For Pakistani professionals interested in exploring Europe, Albania offers the perfect mix of affordability and cultural exposure. While living expenses in major European cities can be high, Albania remains an affordable option without compromising on the quality of life. Cities like Tirana provide a modern lifestyle, scenic views, and the chance to experience European culture, making it an appealing destination for work and travel enthusiasts alike.

The Role of a Recruitment Agency in Securing Jobs in Albania

A trusted recruitment agency simplifies the overseas job search process, ensuring that Pakistani candidates are matched with the right job opportunities. Here’s how a Top Manpower Recruitment Agencies In Pakistan like Falisha Manpower can help:

1. Access to Verified Job Opportunities

Navigating international job markets independently can be challenging, especially in unfamiliar regions. A recruitment agency has direct connections with employers in Albania and can offer access to genuine job openings, protecting job seekers from potential scams. By working with reputable agencies, candidates can trust that the roles they’re applying for are legitimate and come with clear expectations and responsibilities.

2. Expert Guidance and Personalized Support

Each candidate has unique skills, experiences, and career goals. An established recruitment agency in Pakistan will offer personalized assistance, from resume building to interview preparation, to help candidates present themselves effectively to Albanian employers. This guidance enhances their chances of securing roles that align with their qualifications and aspirations.

3. Smooth Visa and Documentation Process

One of the primary concerns for overseas job seekers is managing the complex visa and work permit application processes. A recruitment agency assists with the documentation and visa applications required to work in Albania, ensuring compliance with Albanian immigration laws. With experienced guidance, candidates can avoid common mistakes and experience a hassle-free transition to their new role abroad.

4. Onboarding and Post-Arrival Support

Relocating to a new country involves several adjustments, from settling into a new workplace to understanding local culture. Trusted recruitment agencies, like Falisha Manpower, go beyond job placement by offering post-arrival support, including orientation and accommodation assistance. Such support ensures that candidates feel welcomed and are well-prepared for their new life in Albania.

Popular Job Sectors in Albania for Pakistani Professionals

Pakistani professionals considering Albania will find several sectors ripe with opportunities. Here are a few of the most in-demand fields:

1. Information Technology (IT)

Albania’s IT sector is rapidly growing, and the demand for skilled IT professionals remains high. Pakistani tech experts in software development, network engineering, and cybersecurity are well-positioned to secure roles in Albania. With many companies adopting digital transformation initiatives, the IT sector is an ideal field for career growth in Albania.

2. Engineering and Construction

As Albania continues to develop its infrastructure, there is an increasing need for engineers and construction professionals. Pakistani engineers specializing in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering can contribute significantly to these projects and enjoy rewarding roles in Albania’s developing cities.

3. Healthcare and Medical Services

The Albanian healthcare industry requires qualified doctors, nurses, and medical technicians to address its expanding population's healthcare needs. Pakistani medical professionals who meet the required certifications and language proficiencies can find fulfilling opportunities in both public and private healthcare institutions in Albania.

4. Education and Language Training

With an increased interest in learning English and other languages, there is a high demand for teachers in Albania. Pakistani educators with experience in teaching English or STEM subjects can secure teaching roles at both private and public educational institutions.

5. Hospitality and Tourism

Albania’s tourism industry is booming, creating numerous job opportunities in hospitality management, hotel operations, and customer service. Pakistani professionals with hospitality experience can leverage this growth and find rewarding roles in Albania’s beautiful tourism destinations.

How to Choose the Right Recruitment Agency for Albania

Selecting the right recruitment agency is essential for a successful job search. Here are some tips for choosing the best agency to help you secure employment in Albania:

1. Look for Experience and Reputation

A reputable recruitment agency should have a proven track record in placing Pakistani professionals in overseas roles, including in Albania. Agencies like Falisha Manpower, with years of experience and strong employer relationships, are well-suited to assist Pakistani job seekers with confidence and reliability.

2. Verify Accreditation and Legitimacy

It’s crucial to work with agencies that are licensed and accredited by relevant authorities. Licensed recruitment agencies adhere to strict standards, ensuring that candidates receive reliable service. Candidates can check the agency’s credentials and online reviews to verify its legitimacy.

3. Evaluate Additional Services

Leading recruitment agencies offer more than job placements; they provide support for documentation, visa applications, and relocation. Look for agencies that assist with these essential processes to ensure a smooth transition to Albania.

4. Personalized Approach

A top recruitment agency should offer personalized assistance based on each candidate’s skills, experience, and career goals. By choosing an agency that values individual attention, candidates can expect better job matches and tailored advice.

Why Choose Falisha Manpower for Job Placement in Albania?

Falisha Manpower stands out as a top choice for Pakistani professionals seeking international job placements. Here’s why:

1. Established Employer Relationships

Falisha Manpower has built strong relationships with employers in Albania and other European countries, enabling access to a range of job opportunities across multiple sectors. Their established connections with trusted employers make them a preferred Recruitment Agency for Albania in Pakistan.

2. Comprehensive Support from Start to Finish

Falisha Manpower assists with everything from job search to onboarding, including documentation and visa application support. They help Pakistani job seekers navigate the complexities of the overseas job market, making the process as seamless as possible.

3. Commitment to Ethical Standards

Falisha Manpower is committed to ethical recruitment practices, providing transparent job opportunities and upholding high professional standards. Candidates can trust that they will receive accurate information and fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

4. High Success Rate in Overseas Job Placements

With a proven record in helping Pakistani professionals secure international employment, Falisha Manpower has established itself as one of the Top Manpower Recruitment Agencies In Pakistan. Their expertise ensures a high success rate, providing job seekers with confidence in achieving their overseas career goals.

Conclusion

Securing a job in Albania is an exciting opportunity for Pakistani professionals looking to expand their horizons and gain valuable international experience. Albania’s demand for skilled professionals across industries offers a promising pathway for career growth, and with the right support from a reputable agency like Falisha Manpower, job seekers can confidently pursue these roles.

Choosing a trusted Recruitment Agency for Albania in Pakistan can significantly enhance your chances of securing employment abroad. By leveraging Falisha Manpower’s expertise, Pakistani professionals can navigate the job market, complete necessary documentation, and settle into new roles in Albania smoothly. For anyone eager to explore Albanian job opportunities, partnering with the best in the business can make the journey rewarding and successful.

[starbiopic]

From Village Akhara to World Champion: Chirag Chikara's Journey

In a small village in Haryana, a young wrestler has risen to become India’s latest pride on the global wrestling stage. Chirag Chikara, the new world champion, has brought home a gold medal in the Under-23 World Wrestling Championship held in Tirana, Albania, after an intense 4-3 victory against Kyrgyzstan’s Abdymik Karachov. But behind this celebrated moment lies an incredible journey of…