ZA worked with the National Territorial Planning Agency of Albania, the Albanian Development Fund, and the Office of the Prime Minister Edi Rama to design a 1,200-resident, 24 acre postdisaster masterplan featuring a combined 200,000sf of residential, educational, institutional, commercial, and community-based programs. 15 multi-family buildings flow along the western edge of the site, providing homes to 93 displaced families on formerly agricultural land. These buildings are radically thin in section; single-loaded corridors provide access a mix of one, two, and three bedroom units. The ground floor of these multi-family buildings are left open to evolve in a flexible way as the community grows and self-organizes patterns of social exchange and ritual. These activities will unfold along a horizontal ground plane, a visually continuous pastoral datum navigated by paths linking landscape events such as gardens, plazas, and recreational fields. East of the multi-family strip, an intimate 120-house neighborhood consisting of one, two, and three bedroom homes extends towards the horizon along “green fingers,” linear parks which weave together wild nature, cultivated landscapes, pavilions, kindergartens, and nurseries.

What I love about Architecture Photography is to have the opportunity to turn back on site after the project is implemented and to see how architecture has been appropriated and metabolised by the local residents. A neighbourhood is like a child, in all its stages of development. In the first years after the baby is born, he starts to walk and learn to speak, to ask, to complain, to socialise, to create personality. The neighbourhood “Shote Galica” is a 3 year neighbourhood. The people affected by the earthquake have started to inhabit the apartments. They are in the first stages of creating a community with a distinctive personality. Walking in the neighbourhood I found some design features very positive for the community; the ground floor with the open colonnade gives a sense of openness and free flow of movement so everyone can enter in the neighbourhood, but also a sense of vigilance because of the inner courtyards. When I was shooting I felt a sense of surveillance, although few people were passing by, like the buildings have eyes, which gives the neighbourhood a sense of protection. It will be curious to turn back after some years, when the shops and the playgrounds in the ground floor will be finished to see how the neighbourhood has evolved.

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Analog Sparks is an International Film Photography Award with a mission to discover, showcase and promote analog photography worldwide across all genres.

You can see all the Winners in Architecture Category in the link here

Title: “THE CONSTRUCTION OF AIR-ALBANIA STADIUM”

Prize: Honorable Mention in Category Architecture /Large Format

Location: Tirana, Albania

Description: The New Air-Albania Stadium (2018), a contemporary building by Archea Studio, is constructed in the footprints of the old national stadium, a work of rational modernism of the 1940s. I decided to capture the image in 4x5 inch Kodak film with Graflex Crown Graphic, a vintage View Camera of the same age as the old stadium. The building is photographed during the pouring of concrete and the assembly of steel beams, before the installation of the modern facade. Photographing this modern building with a vintage camera was an artistic way to explore the contrast between past and future technologies.

in english

Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., in the premises of the TATI SPACE Photography Center, is open the Exhibition "ALBANIAN SCAPES - a photographic journey into Albanian Landscape" with photography and prints by Alketa Misja. The photos are part of the photography series ALBANIAN SCAPES, that cover a period of time 2008 to 2022. A part of the prints are published in the book ALBANIAN SCAPES by the author. While another part are presented for the first time in this exhibition. The exhibition will remain open until April 22, International Earth Day.

Project Description

“Albanian Scapes is a photographic series about the Albanian landscape, as the title suggests (Albanian + Landscapes).During these last 25 years, we have witnessed the changes that the Albanian landscape has undergone from rapid urbanization, the territory’s use for commercial purposes, and the exploitation of natural resources with no protection criteria. Photography has helped me document this transformation. For this reason, the photos serve as a moment frozen in time of a landscape that will never be the same. Alternatively, Albanian Scapes can be viewed as a meditation on the current state of the Albanian landscape, constantly shifting, much like the interests of the society of which nature is a part. The album is organized like a photographic journey from north to south, traversing the natural riches of Albania and its contrasts. On one end, we see the nature of Theth and Orosh, which remains untouched by mass tourism, and on the opposite one, the artificial landscape of Tirana, which is being transformed by mass urbanization daily.”

In the introduction to the book "Albanian Scapes", arch. Andi Papastefani writes- “The pleasing sights in this aesthetic edition captivate both the eye and mind.  Alketa has been able to draw attention to the complexity, contrast, and problems of this country with which nature has been so generous. She portrays all of these juxtapositions in her photographic narrative about Albania as an architect and photographer, using iconic images that urge people to think and consider the true value of the landscape, culture, and history, as well as what we have lost”

While Falma Fshazi writes- “In the Albania of Albanian Scapes, we recall the cities that are permanently changing and increasingly occupied with tall buildings, bringing with it as many stories yet to be told. Many overlapping stories, managing to retain their individuality, much like the Albanian urban landscape whose transformation has continued with intensity toward the hills, plains and river banks, often entering where it does not belong, but unable to fundamentally alter the Mediterranean nature, the hospitable nature of the locals, or erase the traces of time. In Alketa's photography, the natural landscape of Albania, from Theth to Lukovë, is a watery world, one made up of fresh, salty, ice-cold, or healing and warm waters that, when not adorning the rocky peaks, twist and turn through the plains protected by vertical mountains. Blue waters and white waters, shallow waters and deep waters, an ecological heritage, as much as the living memory of things, species and people who come to us through photographs, in a search for meaning for Albanians, Europeans and the worlds of tomorrow.”

in Albanian

Ditën e shtunë, dt 18 mars 2023, ora 11.00, në ambientet e TATI SPACE Photography Center, u hap Ekspozita Fotografike “ALBANIAN SCAPES -një udhëtim fotografik në peizazhin shqiptar”, me fotografi dhe printime nga Alketa Misja. Cikli është pjesë e projektit fotografik ALBANIAN SCAPES, i cili përfshin një hark kohor 2008-2022. Një pjesë e printimeve janë botuar në librin ALBANIAN SCAPES. Ndërsa një pjesë tjetër paraqiten për herë të parë në këtë ekspozitë. Ekspozita do të qëndrojë e hapur deri në 22 Prill, Dita Ndërkombëtare e Tokës.

Përshkrimi i Projektit

“Albanian Scapes është një seri fotografike mbi peizazhin shqiptar, ashtu siç tregohet edhe në titull Albanian + Landscapes. Gjatë këtyre 25 viteve kemi qenë dëshmitarë të ndryshimeve që ka pësuar peizazhi shqiptar si rrjedhojë e betonizimit dhe urbanizimit të shpejtë, përdorimit për qëllime komerciale dhe shfrytëzimit pa kriter të burimeve natyrore. Fotografia më ka ndihmuar të dokumentoj këtë transformim. Për këtë arsye, Albanian Scapes shërben si njëngrirje në kohë e një peizazhi i cili nuk do të jetë më i njëjtë. Albanian Scapes është një meditim mbi gjendjen ekzistuese të peizazhit shqiptar, i cili është në ndryshim të vazhdueshëm, ashtu si edhe interesat e shoqërisë në të cilën natyra bën pjesë. Projekti është ndërtuar në formën e një udhëtimi fotografik, nga veriu në jug, i cili të njeh me pasuritë natyrore shqiptare dhe kontrastet e saj. Në njërin skaj është natyra e Thethit dhe e Oroshit, ende e paprekur nga turizmi masiv, ndërsa në skajin e kundërt, peizazhi i ndërtuar i Tiranës, i cili transformohet cdo ditë nga urbanizimi i vrullshëm”

Në parathënien e librit “Albanian Scapes”, ark. Andi Papastefani shkruan – “Në këtë botim estetik e të veçantë, pamjet e këndshme të ngacmojnë syrin dhe mendjen. Alketa ka arritur të evidentojë kompleksitetin, kontrastin dhe problematikat e këtij vendi, me të cilin natyra është treguar aq bujare. Si arkitekte dhe fotografe, ajo e prezanton këtë situatë plot kontradikta në narrativën e saj fotografike nëpër Shqipëri, me anë të imazheve ikonike që të shtyjnë të mendosh, të kuptosh vlerën e vërtetë të peizazhit, kulturës, historisë, si edhe atë që kemi humbur.”

Ndërsa Falma Fshazi shkruan – “Në Shqipërinë e Albanian Scapes, ne rikujtojmë qytetet që ndërrojnë fytyrë me shpejtësi, teksa mbushen me ndërtesa të larta po aq sa me histori ende për t’u dëgjuar. Histori që mbivendosen, por vazhdojnë të jenë vetvetja, ashtu si dhe peizazhi urban shqiptar, transformimi i të cilit ka vijuar me intensitet drejt kodrave, fushave e brigjeve të lumenjve, duke hyrë edhe ku nuk i takon, por pa tjetërsuar dot ndjesinë e pamjen mesdhetare, gjurmët e kohëve, e as natyrën mikpritëse të vendasve. Në veprën fotografike të Alketës, peizazhi natyror i Shqipërisë nga Thethi në Lukovë është një ekzistencë ujore, e ujërave të ëmbël, të kripur, brisk të fohtë, apo shërues e të ngrohtë, të cilët, ku nuk janë të puqur me shkëmbinjtë e lartësive, gjarpërojnë fushave të mbrojtura nga male vertikale. Ujëra të kaltër e ujëra të bardhë, ujëra të cekët e ujëra të thellë, trashëgimi ekologjike, aq sa kujtesa e gjallesave, sendeve dhe njerëzve që na vijnë nëpërmjet fotove si kërkues të kuptimit për shqiptarët, evropianët dhe botën e nesërme.”

Amazon Store: ISBN Hardcover, ImageWrap: 9798881301958

Blurb Bookstore: ISBN Hardcover, ImageWrap: 9798881287856

Blurb Bookstore: ISBN Hardcover, Dust Jacket: 9798210988904

Standard Landscape, 10x8 inch, 25x20cm

100 pages, Premium Lustre Paper,

A publication of Tatì Space Photo Books

“A photographic journey into Albanian Landscape as seen from an architect and urban planner. A Landscape in a constant transformation under the pressure of human activities and rapid urbanization. A fragile landscape that will not be the same. The photos in this book cover a period of time from 2008 to 2022.”

The PhotoBook “ALBANIAN SCAPES” is published now and is available on Amazon and Blurb Bookstore.

Amazon Store: ISBN Hardcover, ImageWrap: 9798881301958

Blurb Bookstore: ISBN Hardcover, ImageWrap: 9798881287856

Blurb Bookstore: ISBN Hardcover, Dust Jacket: 9798210988904

Standard Landscape, 10x8 inch, 25x20cm

100 pages, Premium Lustre Paper,

With the Foreword by Arch. Andi Papastefani and Dr. Falma Fshazi

A publication of Tatì Space Photo Books

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Albanian Scapes is a photographic series about the Albanian landscape, as the title suggests (Albanian + Landscapes). Most of the photographs were taken during weekend or summer vacation trips to various locations throughout Albania. Thus, alternately, Albanian Scapes may be interpreted as Albanian Escapes, a desire shared by my fellow travelers and me to escape the noisy and concrete-infested city in search of pure, idyllic nature. During these last 25 years, we have witnessed the changes that the Albanian landscape has undergone from rapid urbanization, the territory’s use for commercial purposes, and the exploitation of natural resources with no protection criteria. Photography has helped me document this transformation. For this reason, the photos serve as a moment frozen in time of a landscape that will never be the same.

Albanian Scapes can be viewed as a meditation on the current state of the Albanian landscape, constantly shifting, much like the interests of the society of which nature is a part. The album is organized like a photographic journey from north to south, traversing the natural riches of Albania and its contrasts. On one end, we see the nature of Theth and Orosh, which remains untouched by mass tourism, and on the opposite one, the artificial landscape of Tirana, which is being transformed by mass urbanization daily.

In his preface In Albania- Between Natural and Human Landscape, Andi Papastefani writes- “In this invaluable publication, Alketa Misja offers a depiction of this ongoing aesthetic, cultural, and ethical contrast. She portrays all of these juxtapositions in her photographic narrative about Albania as an architect and photographer, using iconic images that urge people to think and consider the true value of the landscape, culture, and history, as well as what we have lost.

The pleasing sights in this aesthetic edition captivate both the eye and mind. Unlike other publications on Albania that only highlight the natural beauty or, in other cases, merely the urban anarchy, Alketa has been able to draw attention to the complexity, contrast, and problems of this country with which nature has been so generous. This publication emphasizes the responsibility of society and residents to carry out daily activities with as little negative impact on nature as possible.”

In her preface Landscape as Heritage, Falma Fshazi writes: “In the Albania of Albanian Scapes, we recall the cities that are permanently changing and increasingly occupied with tall buildings, bringing with it as many stories yet to be told. Many overlapping stories, managing to retain their individuality, much like the Albanian urban landscape whose transformation has continued with intensity toward the hills, plains and river banks, often entering where it does not belong, but unable to fundamentally alter the Mediterranean nature, the hospitable nature of the locals, or erase the traces of time.

In Alketa's photography, the natural landscape of Albania, from Theth to Lukovë, is a watery world, one made up of fresh, salty, ice-cold, or healing and warm waters that, when not adorning the rocky peaks, twist and turn through the plains protected by vertical mountains. Blue waters and white waters, shallow waters and deep waters, an ecological heritage, as much as the living memory of things, species and people who come to us through photographs, in a search for meaning for Albanians, Europeans and the worlds of tomorrow.”

Permalink

]]>HimaraAwardsAlketa MisjaTue, 30 Nov 2021 17:33:06 +0000https://www.alketamisja.com/blog/2021/11/30/exploring-modern-architecture-in-tirana54707d55e4b0bee793c3d9bd:5478706ce4b09bed66ad6871:61a65744d829653c53b2b327The series “Exploring Modern Architecture” has been selected by ARCHITECTURE MASTERPRIZE PHOTO AWARDS 2021, as Honorable Mention in Exterior Architecture Photography / Historic Exterior Category

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Title: “EXPLORING MODERN ARCHITECTURE”

Prize: Honorable Mention in Exterior Architecture Photography / Historic Exterior

Location: Tirana, Albania

The photos are part of the personal project "Exploring Modern Architecture in Albania". It is a photography research in the beginnings of Modernism, that starts in early 1920 and continues in 1940, which later influenced the post-war modernism in architecture. An important period in history that marks the development of main Albanian cities as modern European urban centres. An optimistic period in history, but which has been forgotten and not very much appreciated. In the photos is shown "Palazzo GLA" (today National Archeological Museum), built during 1940 in the style of Rational Modernism.

"Palazzo GLA" known as "The Columns" in Tirana, is built in the 1940 in the Style of Italian Rational Modernism by architect Gherardo Bossio. The photos are captured using a large format 4x5 inch film camera / © Alketa Misja Photography

From the Series “GRAND PARK OF TIRANA”, shoot in digital and analog 35 mm film. The chapter Winter/Autumn

The beginning. Winter 2018

Autumn 2018, in Kodak Color Plus 200

Winter 2019, in 35 mm Kodak Color Plus 200

“Alketa Misja Photography Studio” wishes you Happy New Year 2020.

Following the fist edition 2019 Wall Calendar “SHELLS”, this second edition is about Flowers. A series of six flowers photographed in studio, and printed in a very limited edition, in Epson Ultra Premium Luster Paper, with Epson Stylus Pro 3880 Ultra Chrome K3 Ink Vivid Magenta. The Calendar has 6 pages (plus 2 covers), with two months in each page, in dimensions 11”x 17” (or 279 mm x 432 mm), provided with extra space to be framed when the calendar is ended.

It can be purchased through this website in the category shop/calendar.

This post is about my trip to Orosh Mirdita, and the photographic impressions on the landscape and people. Oroshi is a village in North Albania, at Gryke Orosh near Fan River Valley. Along this valley, the road "Rruga e Kombit" is built, which connects different settlements of Albania and Kosovo. During my visit there (in 2008), the Road was under construction, modifying the landscape, as well the inhabitants' hope to get closer to the city. What impressed me the most was the beautiful nature and the hospitality of people. From the conversations, I found their pride in the history and traditions of Orosh, as well their happiness for the connection to the road, which would end the long isolation. When asked, the young people did not hesitate to dress and pose with their traditional costumes. This post is a homage to Orosh, with its beautiful nature and rich history, that the communist regime left isolated for many years.

Will Oroshi preserve its Nature and Individuality while facing the development and modernity?

Wishing to know more about Orosh, I asked my friend architect Maks Kola, who was born in Mirdita and raised there until the university studies. Following is my interview with Maks.

Alketa - Hello Maks. First of all, I would like to thank you for accepting my invitation to be part of my blog. Can you first tell to the blog readers, what is your connection to Mirdita?

Maks Kola - Both my parents are from Mirdita. I was born in Mirdita, more precisely in Rrëshen, which is the administrative center of Mirdita. I lived there until the completion of high school, and then went on to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Today, even though I no longer live in Mirdita, I try to visit often, not losing the ties, since Mirdita is part of my constitution and behavior.

Alketa - Can you tell me something about the History of Orosh, and Oroshi Abbey?

Maks Kola - In fact, Mirdita was only the village today called Orosh, more precisely Grykë Orosh, since Oroshi today has several villages such as Grykë Oroshi, Mashtërkore, Lgjin, Nënshenjt, Bulsharë, Shmria, (Shën Maria) Ndërshene, Lajthiza and Shpërdhaza

Orosh is the heart of Mirdita. It is the nucleus of the creation of today's Mirdita, at the same time an important center of anti-Ottoman resistance since the 15th century.

Oroshi had the qualities of a medieval residential center, namely the Holy Mountain. Even in the early Middle Ages, from the 6th to 12th centuries, there was a church ensemble with such urban elements as the Benedict Assembly, the Abbey of Saint Lazard (St. Alexander), the Diocese School, some Churches and residences for the friars and priests.

In 1602, in the Abbey, several assemblies were held to counter the Ottoman rule, as there was the political, economic and spiritual center of the province of Mirdita, an important part of the Arbri Principality.

In this Abbey, it is worth mentioning the fact that one of the first Albanian schools was established. There have been many abbots, but I can not but mention Renaissance Prend Docin, whose name holds the central square of Rrëshen town. Prend Doci was a great personality in the field of culture and letters, a politician, diplomat and patriot.

An important part of Mirdita's history is its autonomy. It was declared Republic on 21 July 1911. The President of the Republic was Gjon Marka Gjoni, the son of the well-known Gjomarkaj Family, based in Orosh.

The Mirditors know very well the history of their ancestors. It is part of their constitution as they guard the Albanian identity, the religious identity, the catholicism, the customs, the codes, the Albanian language, the songs, the dance, the cuisine and many other elements of the Albanian culture, especially of Mirdita.

Alketa - What about the Costumes and the Traditional Dresses? When I was there, the young men had their own traditional dresses, which they put on very proudly. Can you tell me something about popular motives, colors, hats, etc.

Max Kola - I can say a lot about all of these elements I mentioned above, but I wanted to take a bit in the old outfits, as these are kept today with fanaticism. Some of these elements of clothing are: white shirts for both men and women, which in the chest section were decorated with many nobility and subtlety, using various motifs related to faith. The belt, and the jumper which has a decorative motif of Catholic faith such as the cross and national motifs such as the eagle but stylized.

Another distinctive element of the mirditor women is the hairstyle and the headscarf. It shows their status and is related to the style of Illyrian queens.

In the Socks, through motives, is develop the artistic creativity of the woman. The dominant color in the wardrobe of the province of Mirdita is red and white, but I can not help but mention the black scarf and black jacket of mirditor women, which became black in a sign of mourning after Skanderbeg's death.

The men's hat is special. It has the form of a cut con. The men’s outfit decorated with black woolen laces, along with red motifs in the vest, make it so unique that has attracted the attention of many foreign scholars.

Alketa - Maksi, thank you very much for the interesting explanations on Orosh and Mirdita. I wish you great successes in your work.

March 2019

(all the photos below, are from my trip in Orosh in 2008)

Ky postim i përket udhëtimit tim në Orosh Mirditë, dhe impresioneve fotografike mbi peisazhin dhe banorët. Oroshi është një fshat në veri të Shqipërisë, në Grykë Orosh pranë Luginës së lumit Fan. Përgjatë kësaj lugine është ndërtuar “Rruga e Kombit”, e cila lidh disa qëndra të banuara të Shqiperisë dhe Kosovës. Gjatë vizitës time atje (2008), Rruga ishte duke u ndërtuar, duke modifikuar në këtë mënyrë gjeografinë e vendit, si dhe shpresën e banorëve për tu afruar me qytetin. Ajo që më bëri përshtypje ishte natyra e fshatit dhe njerëzit mikrpitës. Nga bisedat me ta, dallohej krenaria për historinë dhe traditën e Oroshit, si dhe kënaqësia për ndërtimin e rrugës së re, e cila do ti jepte fund izolimit të gjatë. Të pyetur për kostumet popullore, të rinjtë nuk hezituan ti vishnin dhe të fotografen me një ndjenjë të dukshme krenarie. Ky postim është homazh për këtë fshat me natyrë të bukur dhe histori të pasur, të cilin rregjimi komunist e la të izoluar padrejtësisht.

A do të mundet Oroshi të ruajë Naturën dhe Individualitetin e vet, ndërkohë që përballet me zhvillimin dhe modernitetin që i ofrohet?

Duke dashur të dij më shumë për Oroshin, pyeta mikun tim arkitekt, Maks Kolën, i cili ka lindur në Mirditë dhe jetuar atje deri në moshën e studimeve universitare. Më poshtë po postoj intervistën time me Maksin.

Alketa - Përshëndetje Maksi. Në rradhë të parë dua të falenderoj që pranuat ftesën për të qënë pjesë e blogut tim. Mund të më thoni fillimisht, për lexuesit e blogut, cila është lidhja juaj me Mirditën?

Maks Kola - Të dy prindërit e mi janë nga Mirdita. Unë kam lindur në Mirditë, më saktë në Rrëshen, e cila është qendra administrative e Mirditës. Aty kam jetuar deri në përfundimin e shkollës së mesme, dhe më pas vazhdova studimet për arkitekturë, në Universitetitin Politeknik të Tiranës. Sot, edhe pse nuk jetoj më në Mirditë, përpiqem ta frekuentoj atë, duke mos humbur lidhjet, pasi Mirdita është pjesë e ndërgjegjes, formimit dhe sjelljes sime.

Alketa - Mund të më thoni diçka për historinë e fshatit Orosh, dhe për Kishën Abacie të Oroshit?

Maks Kola - Në fakt, Mirdita ka qënë vetëm fshati që sot quhet Orosh, më saktë Grykë Orosh, pasi Oroshi sot ka disa fshatra si: Grykë Oroshi, Mashtërkore, Lgjin, Nënshenjt, Bulsharë, Shmria, (Shën Maria) Ndërshene, Lajthiza dhe Shpërdhaza.

Oroshi është zemra e Mirditës. Është bërthama e krijimit të Mirditës së sotme, njëkohësisht qendër e rëndësishme e rezistencës antiosmane që në shekullin e XV.

Oroshi kishte cilesitë e një qendre banimi mesjetare, saktësisht Mali i Shenjtë. Madje që në mesjetën e hershme, nga shekulli VI deri në shek XII, ka ekzistuar një ansambel kishtar, me elemente të tilla urbane si: objekti i Kuvendit të Benediktit, Abacia e Shën Llezhdrit (Shën Aleksandri), shkolla Dioqeziane, disa Kisha si dhe rezidencat e fretnëve dhe priftërinjve.

Në vitin 1602, në këtë Abaci, janë mbajtur disa kuvende për tju kundërvënë sundimit otoman, pasi aty ka qenë qëndra politike, ekonomike dhe shpirtërore e krahinës së Mirditës, pjese e rëndesishme e Principatës së Arbrit.

Në këtë Abaci, vlen për tu përmendur fakti, që është ngritur një nga shkollat e para shqipe. Kjo Abaci ka patur në kohëra shumë abatë, por nuk mund të rri pa përmendur Rilindasin Prend Docin, emrin e të cilit mban sheshi qëndror i qytetit të Rrëshenit. Prend Doci ishte personalitet i madh në fushën e kulturës e të letrave, politikan, diplomat e mbi të gjitha atdhetar.

Pjesë e rëndësishme e historisë së Mirditës është edhe autonomia e saj. Ajo u shpall Republikë më 21 korrik 1911. President i Republikës ishte Gjon Marka Gjoni, bir i Derës së njohur të Gjomarkajve me seli në Orosh.

Mirdita dhe mirditorët e njohin mirë historinë e të parëve të tyre. Është pjesë e ndërgjegjes së tyre që ata të ruajnë të paprekur nga pushtuesit identitetin shqiptar, identitetin fetar, katoliçizmin, zakonet, kodet, doket, gjuhën shqipe, këngët, vallen, kuzhinën e shumë elemente të tjerë të kulturës shqiptare, e veçanërisht të Mirditës.

Alketa - Po për Kostumet Popullore dhe Zakonet cfarë mund të më thoni? Kur isha atje, të rinjtë kishin kostumet e tyre tradicionale, të cilat i veshën me shumë krenari. Mund të më thoni diçka për motivet popullore, ngjyrat, kapelet, etj.

Maks Kola - Mund të them shumë për të gjitha këto elemente që përmenda më lart, por doja të ndalesha pak tek veshjet që janë nga më të vjetrat, ku dhe sot ruhen me fanatizëm. Disa nga këto elemente të veshjeve janë: këmisha e bardhë si për burra ashtu edhe për gra, të cilat në pjesën e gjoksit dekoroheshin me shumë fisnikëri dhe finesë, duke përdorur motive të ndryshme që lidhen me besimin. Brezi me trema, straveca, xhupi i cili ka një dekor me motive të besimit katolik siç është kryqi dhe motivet kombëtare siç është shqiponja por e stilizuar.

Element tjetër dallues që e bën të veçantë gruan mirditore është edhe frizura. Mënyra e mbajtjes së flokëve tek femra mirditore dhe mbajtja e shamisë, tregon statusin e tyre. Kjo lidhet me stilin e mbretëreshave të kohës ilire.

Çorapet, ku në to, nëpërmjet motiveve, zhvillohet krijimtaria artistike e kësaj femre. Ngjyra dominuese në veshjet e krahinës së Mirditës, është e kuqja dhe e bardha, por nuk mund të lë pa përmendur shaminë dhe xhaketën e zezë të grave  mirditore, të cilat u bënë të zeza në shenjë zie pas vdekjes së Skënderbeut.

Kësula e burrave është e veçantë. Ajo ka formën konike të prerë. Tirqet e zbukuruara me gajtanë të zinj të leshtë, bashkë me jelekët e kuq e me motive të ndryshme, e bëjnë këtë veshje, aq unike sa ka tërhequr edhe mjaft studiues të huaj.

Alketa - Maksi, shumë faleminderit për spjegimet mjaft interesante mbi Oroshin dhe Mirditën. Të uroj shumë suksese në punën tuaj.

Mars 2019

The year 2018 is ending, and I have prepared the new Calendar with my photography, printed in a limited edition in my studio. It has six pages, with two months in each page, Printed in Epson Archival Matte Paper A3, dimensions 11.7”x16.5” (or 297mm x 420mm). The Shell in each page is 20cm x 20cm, provided with extra space to be framed, when the calendar is ended.

I hope you enjoy this fine art photography Calendar, Wishing You a Happy New Year 2019!

“Sea Shells are beautiful creatures, that protect and serve as a home for small sea animals. As such they embed protective energies and are symbols of protection and love. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Love, has the seashell one of the main symbols. But Shells are also simbols of Friendship, Hope and Prosperity. Photographed in studio by Alketa Misja, in contrast light and shadow, they look isolated, like planets in the space. Stripped of any scale with which to compare their size, we can give them any meaning.”

©2018 alketamisja studio, all rights reserved

A group of photos taken during my stay in Portofino

Chiesa San Giorgio

Water Reflections

(continues from the blogpost "Genoa Italy"  and  "Genoa - Caruggi and the Churches")

Palazzi dei Rolli is a group of palaces in the historical center of Genoa, especially along the so-called Strade Nuove, built by the Genoese aristocracy at the peak of Genoa's economic power in the 16th and 17th century (Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, formerly Strada Nuova or Via Aurea, Via Cairoli, formerly Strada Nuovissima, and via Balbi).  From the 163 palaces located in Strade Nuove, 42 are included by UNESCO in the World Heritage Patrimony, because of their architectonic and historic peculiarities. 

Palazzo Reale, Durazzo - National Gallery of Royal Palace

In Via Balbi, a 17th century street built by Balbi family for their residences, there is a very interesting building, il Palazzo Reale or Palazzo Balbi-Durazzo. The residence was built by Balbi in the begining of the year 1600, and given an inheritance to Eugenio Durazzo in 1677, who transformed it in an impresive Baroque-style.  After the fall of the Genoese Republic in 1822, it was possesed by Savoys who transformed it in their Royal Residence. Since 1922 the property is owned by the state and houses the National Gallery of Royal Palace and the Liguarian department for Artistic, Historic and Archaeological Heritage.

The building has 23 rooms, chapels and galleries. They include originals furnishing, decorations in Baroque style, paintings, frescoes  and antique objects very well preserved. The most significant rooms are the Apartments,  Galleria dei Specchi, Sala del Trono, and Salotto del Tempo, which faces a monumental terrace with a sea view. In 2006 this palace became an UNESCO World Heritage and is enlisted as a palace of the Rolli of Genova.

Palazzi Rolli della Strada Nuova

Strade Nuove, is a group of streets built by Genoese aristocracy in a time when the city was gaining economic and financial power from bankers and traders, that was reflected in urban expansion and the construction of wealthy private residences. They include Strada Nuova, Via Balbi and Via Cairoli, that started in 1550 and continued to be built in 16th and 17th century in Baroque and Renaissance style. They form a unique urban layout, that created the fundamentals of urbanization criterias for wealthy private residences and influenced European city planning up to our days. From the 163 palaces located in Strade Nuove, 42 are included by UNESCO in the World Heritage list. Rubens was so impressed by the splendeur of these buildings, that collected them in a drawing book, to serve as a guide for the design of wealthy houses in Antwerp. This book is a very detailed document for these buildings. The most splendid of these palaces are included in the system Palazzi Rolli, which is a group of private residences that Genoese nobility made available to royalty during their visits in Genoa. The palaces are still on private property and are home to Town Hall, major banks, shops, public and private agencies. Three of these palaces: Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Tursi and Palazzo Rosso, are open to the public as art galleries, in a form of one set exhibition route. Palazzo Bianco is the oldest of the buildings in Strada Nuova, built by Luca Grimaldi in 1540, and reconstructed  in 18th century in a late Renaissance style by family Brignole. In 1889 the owners donated Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso to the City Councel to transform it in public museums. The gallery contains many European paintings of 13th till 18th century, among others Caravaggio, Rubens, Van Dyck. In the terrace of Palazzo Rosso there is an adorable view of the city.

Palazzo Bianco

Palazzo Tursi

Palazzo Rosso

The next BlogPost La Riviera Ligure

(continues from the Blog Post "Genoa, Italy") 

The best way to discover the Historic District of Genoa is through their caruggi; a dense network of narrow streets, that leads into a small square with its church surrounded by other buildings. The streets and the exterior of palaces are simple, but the interiors are very rich with works of art, decorations and artifacts. They show the history of the city preserved in every detail. 

Via San Lorenzo, and Cathedral San Lorenzo

Via San Lorenzo is the main street  which links Porto Antico with Piazza De Ferrari. In the half way there is Chiesa San Lorenzo, the main cathedral of the city, with black and white stone stripes, a masterpiece of Gothic art, built on a pre-existing Romanesque site.

The cathedral was elevated in 1098 on the remains of an existing church of the 4th century. With the time the building went through complex interventions and renovationa, until it became a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements. In the basement is the treasure of San Lorenzo with precious and very rare relics, among others the Holy Grail and the ashes of San Giovanni Battista, the patron saint of Genova. Curiously enaugh, during the naval bombing of February 1941, of the Second War World, a bomb felt unexploded inside the church, reinforcing the belive that the church is protected. 

Palazzo Ducale

Following Via San Lorenzo, in Piazza Matteoti, there is Palazzo Ducale, a landmark with an imposing neoclassical facade, the historic headquarters of dodges and now the city cultural centre. In the palace resided the Doges of the Genoese Republic from 1339 to 1797. After 1815 when Genoa became part of Regno di Sardegna, the function halls became public offices, while the southern wing, at one time destined to military force, was demolished to give space the opening of Via San Lorenzo. Throughout the time the palace undertook many modifications and restorations, that give to the building many architectonic styles. While the facade in Matteotti square is neoclasical, the lateral facade looking into Piazza de Ferrari is adorned with “trompe l’oeil” ornament, of flemish origin, very diffused in genoese palaces. The internal spaces give testimony to different restorations undertaken in diferent time periods. The most importante spaces are Salla del Consiglio Maggiore, Salla del Consiglio Minore, Torre Grimaldina, which is believed to be one of the wall’s towers of the 10th century, and served as political prison from 600’ until Fascist regime. Nowdays it is a place to visit, while the main halls are for conferences, exhibitions, social and cultural events.

Chiesa del Gesù

In the same square Matteoti, near Palazzo Ducale, is one of the oldest churches in Genova, Chiesa del Gesù, built in a Baroque style of 16th-17th century. The church originally dates back to the 6th century and later rebuilt in 1894. It houses one of the most beautiful ceilings in the city, gilded in gold and surounded by richly colored paintings of Rubens, Reni, and other Genoese master painters. I had the chance to visit the church in the sunset, and see everything illuminated by a golden glow.

Piazza Banchi e la Chiesa di San Pietro in Banchi (16th century)

Following the narrow streets in the heart of the city there is a very nice square, Piazza Banchi, with small shops that sell flowers, second hand books and records.

In front of Loggia del Mercanti (Mechants’ Loggia 16th century), which has been the first Stock Exhange Market in Italy in 1855, there is Church of San Pietro, erected on the outskirts of city walls in 862. After a fire in 1398 it was almost completely destroyed and in 15th century it was substituted by the palace of the Dodge Giannotto Lomellini. Following the plague of the 1579, it was decided by a public vote the construction of a new church, therefore the Lomellini handed over the palace to which only the top floors were reconstructed for the church, while the groundfloor continued as shops. Therefore the result was a singular mixture between the profane of the shops  and the sacred of the church. The construction began in 1583. The church has a sole nave, with a large octagonal dome. The interior is decorated with precious stuccoes, paintings and sculptures by famous artists.

Chiesa di San Matteo

In Piazza San Matteo, the antique center of Doria Family, we find an interesting building that joins the Gothic and Renaissance elements. The church was founded in 1125 by Martino Doria to serve Doria family, in 1278 it was demolished and rebuilt with three naves in Gothic style. The church was renovated many times, significant are the renovations in 16th century by Andrea Doria. Today we can still admire many works of art

Chiesa di San Donato

Following the narrow alleyways in the other part of the city, we arrive at Chiesa di San Donato (XIth-XIIth century). The church was erected in the antique city walls in 11th century, a period of strong economic and political recovery for Genova, and represents a splendid example of the genoese Romanesque style. In the following periods more elements were added, basically in the reconstruction of 1888 and 1925. In the interior the attention is drawn to the 6 columns (4 in granite and 2 in white marble) belonging to an original Roman temple, and other 6 columns with black and white strips belonging to Genoese tradition. In the inside there is a couple of columns representing human and animal figures and different pictorial works by flemish artists representing the influence of Antwerp school in the Ligurian culture of 16th century.   

Chiesa di San Maria di Castello and the Museum

Following the narrow alleyway, that goes up into Castello, we arrive at Chiesa San Maria di Castello, a Romanesque basilica of 12-15th century, which is considered the most important of the antique fortified settlement.

Chiesa San Maria di Castello was built in 1100 and 1125 on the ruins of a former church of 600, and  since the 15th century it was handed onto Dominicans who constructed the monastery and the new presbytery. The interior with three naves, is the result of different epochs; Romanesque naves and presbytery, 15th century lateral chapels, 15th century apse enlarged in 1589;  materials of the Roman age can be identified in the columns and the capitals of the church,  a sarcophague of the 3rd century, and the Miraculous Christ a medieval wooden crucifix. The church is placed side by side with the monastery provided with three cloisters, garden and water tanks. Since 2001 the complex is converted into museum and houses various masterpieces with original historic value.    

In the next Blog Post I Palazzi Rolli della Strada Nuova

In the following blogposts I will talk about a beautiful city, where I have spent the summer vacations- Genova in Italy. Before arriving there, I have planned to visit different places, the first in the list was Porto Antico, an area regenerated by the plan of genose architect Renzo Piano, who gave to the old port a new meaning. The whole area is very interesting, with his Aquario, Museums of Sea, shops and restorants.  But what impressed me the most were the hidden gems of the city, the long and rich history reflected in its urban fabric and architecture. As you follow the narrow alleyways (called caruggi), you discover the city through its palaces and churches, each of  them with its own history, that show a city of great traders and entrepreneurs.

Being the main port in Italy and in the Mediterranean, throughout history Genoa has served as a gateway of civilisation, linking East and West. The city began its great era of expansion in the year 1000 and became a powerful maritime republic, who extended his commercial and military dominion over Mediterranean. Under Andre Doria in 1528, the Republic of Genoa reached the height of its power: this was the beginning of the “Century of Genoese”, with rich traders, extraordinary navigators, such as Cristofor Colombus, and merchant bankers who financed the Spanish empire. The wealth accumulated in the city during this period is materialised in rich palaces and churches, that are declared UNESCO World Heritage Patrimony.

During the modern era, Genoa was developed in an industrial city and a large port. Today it is a technological and innovation center. The beaches in the coast and the attractions in historical centre makes it a turistic destination.

After a long period of urban neglect in the Area of Old Port, the city undertook an important regeneration plan, designed by architect Renzo Piano. Here is located the Aquario, Museo del Mare, ex-Magazzini del Cottone where is located La Citta dei bambini e dei Ragazzi, the Bigo and la Bolla, together with many shops and restaurants.

I have posted about Aquarium in a previews blog post “Aquarium of Genova”. In the following Posts I will talk about the historic district, the narrow caruggi with the old churches, and the architectonic heritage of Pallazzi dei Rolli in Strada Nuova. 

Historic District

Darsena e il Museo del Mare

I will start my photography journey from Porto Antico, where the most significant place is Darsena. For centuries Darsena has been the commercial and military core of the city, the port of departure and arrival of cargo ships, and the shipyard for building and repairing the galleys of Genoese Republic. As part of the regeneration plan, here is located Galata, Museo del Mare, built in 2004, which presents the history of navigation from 15 century to the present days.

Designed by the spanish architect Guillermo Vasquez Consuegra, the museum is built in a former shipyard of 15th century, which has been transformed into a dock named Galata, after the name of a famous genoese colony in Istanbul. The museum takes the same name, and it surrounds the old building with a modern glass structure. It presents the maritime history, spanned in twenty-eight galleries in four levels, through multimedia installations with over 4,000 artifacts, including real-scale reconstructions of vessels, such as a 17h century galley, a 19th century schooner, and the deckhouse of an early 20th century ocean liner. The museum features exhibition galleries dedicated to various subjects related to maritime history, including those depicting the technical evolution of ships, the “ legendary” travels from Europe towards the Americas and the history of Italian diaspora, the life of Christopher Columbus, a gallery presenting rare historical atlases, the interior of a 19th century British yacht decorated with about 120 maritime paintings, and an interactive room into which the visitors virtually experience stormy sea in board of a lifeboat.

The third floor is almost entirely dedicated to the Memory and Migration, where 40 multimedia stations tell the story of Italian emigration by sea – from boarding the ship, through crossing the ocean to landing in America – and the recent wave of foreign immigration to Italy. 

Piazza de Ferrari e Via XX Settembre

After Porto Antico, the main landmark in the city is Piazza de Ferrari, the historic and modern center of the city, built in the end of 19 century, in a period when Genoa became the main financial center of Italy. The square is open in the same time with Via XX Settembre, in 1901-1904, by levelling the hill of S. Andrea. In 1936 the square was enriched with a central fountain with a basin of 11 m in diameter, donated by Carlo Piaggio. The square is surrounded by main financial and political institutions built with an eclectic style: Teatro Carlo Felice, Palazzo dell’Accademia, Palazzo della Borsa, Palazzo del Credito Italiano, Palazzo della Navigazione Italia, and Palazzo Ducale. Il Palazzo della Borsa is the first Stock Exchange market, built with modern communications. The building has an architecture typical of the beginning of the 900’s, with her curved facade facing the square and a glamorous interior serving as the stock market. The building ceased its original function in 1996, being now available only for conferences and guided tours. 

I caruggi

The best way to discover the Historic District is through their caruggi; a dense network of narrow streets, that leads into a small square with its church surrounded by other buildings. The streets and the exterior of palaces are simple, but the interiors are very rich with works of art, decorations and artifacts. They show the history of the city preserved in every detail. 

In the next blog post, the Churches and Palazzo Ducale

Ionian Sea, Gjipe Albania,

Alketa Misja photography. 

May 2017

Print in limited editions, in Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster, with Epson Ultra Chrome K3 ink, Vivid magenta   

28 May 2017

12 February 2017

photography Alketa Misja