Challenges of young Albanian archaeologists

2024-10-13 21:45:00, Sociale CNA

Most of the Archaeological Parks of Albania are undiscovered and the needs for archaeological excavations and archaeologists are great. Excavations in many archaeological areas of the country are few and are attracting a small number of young Albanian archaeologists. According to the researchers, funding for archaeological missions and scientific research is mainly supported by foreigners, and the archaeological parks themselves are using very little of their income for these activities.

In an archaeological mission in the ancient city of Antigone in Gjirokastër, Natalia Qirjo, an archeology student at the University of Tirana, is digging with a small group of archaeologists and students in the main area of ??the city.

Archaeologists have found a layer earlier than the construction of the city by King Pyrrhus and are trying to research the archaeological material. Natalia says that this is the second year that she has been involved in the excavation.

Challenges of young Albanian archaeologists

"This is the second year that I have come on an archaeological mission. Last year I was in the upper part of the city where excavations were carried out at the "house of coins", while this year I am here in the center of the city or the "agora" as it is otherwise known. It is a very beautiful and useful experience that also has its difficulties", she says.

Natalia says that she chose archeology because of her passion. According to her, involvement in archaeological missions is very important for students.

"I finished my second year this year and it is very important for me to learn about the career I will follow in life. I had a desire for social studies and when I saw archeology I said that this is what I will choose."

While Pëllumb Hoxha says that for nine years he has been on the ground with archaeological excavations in several areas of Albania.

Challenges of young Albanian archaeologists

"I have participated in several archaeological missions. I was involved in the mission of Zgërdhesh with the Germans, then in Koman with a group of French-Swiss and Albanians who dig there, then I was on a mission in Durrës with the Italians and now I am here in Antigone again with the Italians who come from the University of Macerata" , he says.

It is a very good experience, with foreign archeological missions as excavation methods are exchanged, Pëllumbi continues.

"We get knowledge of excavation methods and practices of how it works in other countries in archaeological areas. This then helps us to determine our best paths in archaeological excavation and in the study of materials to do analysis for historical periods."

According to the archaeologist, young people are getting closer to archeology in recent years, although Albania's needs are great since most of the country's archaeological parks are undiscovered.

"Maybe young people have little information about archaeology," he says

Experienced archeologist Sabina Veseli says that it is very important for Albanian archeology students to participate in these excavations.

Challenges of young Albanian archaeologists

"We try to explain all the phases to the students, either in the field or in the laboratory, with the possibility that they can choose where they want to focus in the future. In archeology it is field work, you have to dig, stand in the sun all day. Archaeologists' hours are long, they start at five in the morning, take a break at noon, and then return to the lab. It is hard work in the field but very beautiful.”

Mrs. Veseli says that the interest in archeology in Albania should increase. Archeology always arouses interest, says Sabina.

"I think that archeology always arouses interest. Archeology arouses more interest than other branches because there is always a tis of adventure, a tis that travels, lives in communities, discovers and this process intrigues today's youth. I think that the interest among young people to deal with archeology continues to be the same. I think that this interest should increase as archeology in the Albanian territory is very developed and there is work for everyone", she declares.

Challenges of young Albanian archaeologists

According to official data, the archaeological parks were visited this year by around 400,000 local and foreign tourists, a number that has been increasing year after year.

But according to cultural heritage specialists in most archaeological parks the increase in income does not coincide with more funding for scientific research and archaeological excavations from these incomes that are generated.

Researchers estimate that funding for archaeological missions in Albania, but also for scientific research in general, is scarce both from universities and cultural heritage institutions./ VOA