Ina Zhupa: Ministry of Culture to start work on religious buildings damaged by fires

2025-08-21 11:31:00, Politikë CNA

Ina Zhupa: Ministry of Culture to start work on religious buildings damaged by

The Chairwoman of the Committee responsible for Culture, Ina Zhupa, has requested from the Minister responsible for Culture, Blendi Gonxhe, to immediately establish a group of experts to assess the damage caused by the fires, for current maintenance and preparation for professional restoration as soon as possible.

Zhupa counts that 4 religious buildings have been burned: 1- Senica Church in Delvina, 2- Leftehori Church in Delvina, 3- Shemberdhenjes Tekke in Gramsh, 4- Lekel Church in Tepelena. She adds that "Evidence of these damages cannot be a routine task for municipalities, but is the duty of MEKI, the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation."

"It will be one of the priority cultural issues for which I will seek hearings as chairwoman of the parliamentary committee responsible for culture," says Zhupa. She describes this as necessary care for believers, for Albanian cultural identity, for heritage, for cultural tourism and for the affected areas, which must be restored to their former state.

"The cult objects, part of the cultural heritage that were burned by the fires, cannot be left forgotten and damaged.

During the fires that caused extraordinary damage, 4 religious buildings and parts of the Albanian historical cultural heritage were also burned. Specifically:

1- Senica Church in Delvina

2- Church of Leftehor in Delvina

3-Shemberdhenjes Tekke in Gramsh

4- The church in Lekel in Tepelena.

Evidencing these damages cannot be a routine task for municipalities, but is the duty of MEKI, the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation.

Minister Blendi Gonxhe, also responsible for culture, must immediately assume the responsibilities that belong to his ministry in cooperation with the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, and in coordination with religious communities, establish a group of experts, engineers, and religious representatives to conduct a full inspection to document the damage and determine the necessary measures for restoration.

Immediate measures should also be taken to prevent further damage, such as protection from moisture or falling debris.

The Albanian state should provide full funding, alone or in cooperation with donors, for the restoration of these cultural and heritage sites. The restoration should be carried out by licensed specialists in the field of historical monuments.

This is necessary care for believers, for Albanian cultural identity, for heritage, for cultural tourism, and for the affected areas which must be restored to their former state.

"It will be one of the priority cultural issues for which I will request hearings as chair of the parliamentary committee responsible for culture," writes Ina Zhupa./ CNA