Durres - History

Durres, formerly Durrazzo, is one of the oldest towns in Albania. The legend says that it was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson - Dyrrah. In 1627 - 1626 B.C. Greeks from Corfu and Corinth invaded the area and called the town Dyrrachion. In the 4th century B.C. Dyrrachion had become an independent city - state, producing metalwork, pottery, fabrics, leather and ships and its coins were circulating throughout the ancient world. The Illyrians after establishing their own state, tried to place Durres under their own dependence. In this struggle, victory favoured the state of the Taulantes. The Illyrian King Monunes, minted coins in Durres, with his own name in them and made Durres, the centre of his own state. In 229 B.C. Durres was taken by Rome and under roman rule, the town was called Dyrrachium, which became the starting point of the Via Egnatia. The famous Roman orator, Cicero called Durres an "admirable city", while the poet Catullus called it the tavern of the Adriatic.

During and after the 1870s, the city grew slowly, and branches of foreign shipping companies were opened here. The citizens of Durres participated in the Albanian national liberation movement, during the years 1878-1881, and 1910-1912. On November 21st, 1912, Ismajl Qemali came to Durres and on November 26th, 1912, the Albanian flag of independence was risen at Durres, but the city was captured by the Serbs three days later. The Serbs remained until May, 1913. On March 7th, 1913, Durres became the capital of Albania. After the fall of Wilhelm Wied, the Austrian prince appointed King of Albania by the European powers, Durres was the scene of many uprisings. In 1916 it was captured by the forces of Austria-Hungary, and in 1918 by Italian forces. During the past nine centuries, Durres has changed hands from one ruler to another 33 times. After World War I, in December, 1918, a national congress was held in Durres, a temporary administration of Durres was appointed, which fell in January, 1920, after the Congress of Lushnje. The citizens of Durres participated in the War of Vlora, and in the democratic movements of the years 1921-1924. During the rule of Zog, Italian capital went through Durres, and many factories were built, such as those for producing flour, cigarettes, and pasta. After the damages of the earthquake of December of 1926, wider roads were built, and the city gained an appearance, especially near the port, similar to that of its present appearance. During the 1930s, Durres marked a slow development, from 4700 inhabitants it had in 1923, grew to 10,500 in 1938. During 1939, Durres was the center of resistance to the Italian Fascist forces, which had occupied the country. Many demonstrations and strikes were held in the city, and in 1942 the National Liberation Council was formed here. In August, 1943, the city was taken by the Germans, which blew up the port in 1944. After World War II, Durres was transformed into an industrial city, and an important cultural and educational center. The main fields of production in today's Durres are the industries of mechanics, chemicals, electronics, furniture, plastic, rubber, and food. Durres produces wine, cigarettes, fish, high tonnage ships, train cars, electric motors, radio and television sets, plastic and rubber articles, etc. Durres was the scene of many demonstrations during the democratic movement of 1990-1991. Aside from the main library, The Cultural Center with the "Aleksander Moisiu" theater, Durres has the Estrada Theater, the Puppet Theater, the Philharmonic orchestra, the artistic Ensemble "Durresi," and many other artistic groups. The museums that have been built are the Archeological Museum, Museum of History, and the house of Aleksander Moisiusfamily has been turned into a museum. Durres has many scientific associations and the branch of the Artists and Writers Association is active here.

The remains of the walls of the Fortress of the City belong to the 6th century; the addition from 13-14th century. Ana Comnena, the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor, Alexis Comnenius, describing the fortress, writes that its walls were so thick that 4 horsemen could ride abreast on top of them. Wars and earthquakes destroyed the fortress.

The Amphitheatre is one of the biggest and most exquisite monuments that have survived from the ancient city. It was built in the 2nd century A.D. In the early Middle Ages, it was abandoned. In the 10th century, a chapel and cemetery were built upon its areas and galleries.

The city has expanded on the north and the east, whilst many new public and residential buildings have been built, monuments of the ancient city have been preserved. The main industrial zone is at the entrance of the city from the east, at the Shkozeti quarters. Durres has many parks and flower gardens, and the outdoor theater has been built on the hills of the city. The main recreational areas of Durres are the Beach of Durres and the Beach of Currilave, where citizens and tourists enjoy the sandy beaches and the clear seawater of the Adriatic.

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