The Fortifications of Butrint

Professor Gjerak Karaiskaj is well known in the Albanian archaeology and architecture. He published a prodigious number of archaeological articles throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Working all around the country, Karaiskaj become pre-eminent in the study of Albanian’s fortifications especially in the archaeological site of Butrint. His work on the fortifications of Butrint is one of the single most significant archaeological discourses produced in Albania.
Karaiskaj original 1984 book was published with a print run of only 3000 copies, though did contain a substantial summary in German. Following the 2009, the Butrint Foundation and the Albanian Heritage Foundation resolved to translate and republish The Fortification of Butrint in an English language edition. The fortifications of Butrint retains much to be admired and remains an important publication.
The principal objective of this book is a study of the defensive constructions of Butrint throughout all period of its history. The major historical events of the city and its surroundings, as well as the socio-economic and political history of the region provide the context for this analysis. A second objective is to ascertain the accuracy of previous plans. The study of the defensive structures, which have such an important place in the architecture of the city, will serve to complete the historical picture and contribute to the investigation of continuity of this centre of occupation from prehistory to the late medieval period.

The Dictionary of Archaeology

In July 2009 Albanian Heritage Foundation published the Dictionary of Archaeology, a book by Ardit Miti and Eglantina Serjani. This book was enabled with the financial support of the Packard Humanities Institute and the strong support of the scientific director of the foundation, Professor Richard Hodges. It is the first initiative on the publication of a dictionary of terms in Albanian archaeology. The book will be a useful instrument for the students and the young archaeologist as well as for the people who are interested in archaeology and cultural heritage, which through this book will easily understand and get to know the terminology. The dictionary includes 1983 terms, which vary from the historical and geological periods, facts and events, peoples and tribes, human evolution, religion, biography of kings, empires, researchers etc, states and institutions, sites, monuments, artefacts, theory and practices to the helping disciplines of archaeology, some of which are for the first time introduced to the Albanian readers, especially to the students and the young archaeologist.
Some of the terms are presented with illustrations (172 figures) and two tables, one of the historical periods and the other of the geological periods of the earth. The tables are set in scale in order to give the idea of the extensions of the periods, cultures and archaeological sites in space and time. 
This dictionary tents to have not only a descriptive character but it goes beyond it, being more interpretative, particularly in those terms that explain the archaeological and cultural heritage of Albania.

The manual of archaeological field practices

The publication of “The manual of archaeological field practices”,  has been finalized. The manual is conceived as a general guide of the main research practical processes in the field of archaeology. This is the first Albanian book about the techniques in the fieldwork mainly formulated for students and young archaeologists.
The first chapter deals with  the methodology of intensive surface survey including fieldwork, topographical maps and GIS, field records and material study during the survey process. The methodology of geophysics survey applied in the field of archaeology is also mentioned. The second chapter based on excavation techniques is concentrated on three main concepts: excavation, field recording and post-excavation work. Also, the contribution of other disciplines in archaeological research process as publication and theoretical approaches has been mentioned. A short history of the methods applied in Albania in the past and an archaeological dictionary fulfil the manual which we hope will be useful for everyone who is interested.      
The manual can be found at the Albanian Heritage Foundation library, Institute of Archaeology library, Faculty of History and Philology library, National library as well as  in bookstores in Tirana.  

History of Illyrians

The Albanian Heritage Foundation finalized the publication of the “History of Illyrians”. This book is a collection of papers of Prof. Selim Islami’s work, based on the original author’s manuscript provided by his family.

The essays and papers presented in the book are an important research on the history of Illyrians. Professor S. Islami is well known for his contribution in the Albanian archaeology. The collected papers of Prof. Selim Islami “History of Illyrians” has been just published and is being distributed by ADRION LTD.

By Selim Islami Tirane 2007

ICAA Review 2000-2007

Archaeology in the 21st Century: ICAA 1999-2007 is the latest publication by the ICAA.  It details the achievements of the Centre since its foundation in 1999 and gives an overview of the extensive project work the ICAA teams have undertaken in that time.  Drawing together highlights from all of the Centre’s Packard Humanities Institute-funded projects, the book reviews the work of the researchers in the ICAA, the Albanian Rescue Archaeology Unit, the Cultural Heritage Unit and the Gjirokastra Conservation and Development Organisation.  It describes the successful student training programmes that have created a new generation of Albanian archaeologists, as well as the network of partnerships forged with overseas universities.  In particular, successes such as the opening of the Kamenice Tumulus heritage site are discussed as well as the extensive programme of surveys and excavations undertaken in and around Durrës that have saved valuable parts of the city’s threatened archaeological record from destruction.  The review is forward looking and it is hoped that the ICAA will strengthen its role as a key  institution in Albania.    

Saranda ancient Onchesmos A short history and guide

Ancient Onchesmos has not fared well in recent years.  Uncontrolled development has destroyed great swathes of the towns archaeological past.  Now a new guide to Saranda and its ancient history and archaeology, is the first to try to rescue all of this and bring it together in an easy format for the visitor.  It includes a series of sites from the hinterland of the town and practical details of travel and accommodation. 

By Richard Hodges Tirane 2007

New directions in Albanian Archeology

This book commemorates the 70-th birthday of one of Albania’s most distinguished archeologist, Muzafer Korkuti. After fifty years in archaeology, this is a timely ocassion to celebrate a remarkable career with a collection of essays by his colleagues, students and international collaborations.
This volume is the first major overview of Albanian archaeology in the modern era. It contains essays focusing upon all time periods from the Middle Paleolithic to the Ottoman era, as well as studies of a methodological and historical nature arising from the changing circumstances in Albania today.

Edited by Lorenc Bejko and Richard Hodges  Tirane 2006

Illyrian Apollonia: research and archaeological studies

Apollonia was the greatest ancient city in Albania, and one of the focal points of Mediterranean history.  The volume Illyrian Apollonia research and archaeological studies brings together the fruits of research over an extended time.  Dr. Aleksandra Mano was one of the leading Albanian archaeologists of her day and here are gathered together her collected studies on the greatest ancient city in Albania.  Many of these works were published in early volumes of the journal Illiria and are now difficult to find, this compendium brings all of this work together in an easily accessible format.  With the changes now occurring in Albanian archaeology and the making of Apollonia into a national archaeological park, this edition is an important retrospective on one of the prime metropoles of the Mediterranean region.

Aleksandra Mano Tirane 2006

Trekking through southern Albania

This book presents the experience of hiking through the southern Albanian mountains, providing a lively description of places and experiences for the intrepid traveler. The book provides solid, practical information for these seeking to explore this country in the form of series of selected walks through its rugged hills and magnificent coastlines. Practical hints and tips include suggestions for places to stay and travel and eating arrangements. Visitors to will find this guide invaluable.

First published  2005 – Benen Hayden

Professor Emin Riza is well known for his work on Albanian vernacular architecture and as the leading figure in the study and conservation of the historic houses of Gjirokastra.  His detailed study The museum city of Gjirokastra has long been out of print and its republication in Albanian is to be doubly welcomed as Gjirokastra now has the status of Albania’s second Unesco World Heritage Site and recent years have presented numerous threats to the survival of its unique architectural ensemble.  The book is the summation of his long period of study and practical involvement in the city. The discussion covers Gjirokastra’s built legacy and covers most of the principal building types within the city focusing on the domestic dwellings.  The analysis of these and heir social significance forms the core of the book.  The work covers areas suitable also for specialists, with sections covering elements of engineering, architecture, and decorative arts and for everyone who has a concern for the preservation of the Albanian national heritage. 

Prof. Emin Riza Tirane 2004

National folk festival of Gjirokastra The spiritual heritage, legal acts and articles   
 

The national folk festival of Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s principal national cultural events.  This booklet outlines the legislative and cultural background to the festival, its spiritual values and  management, protection and promotion of these values in the view of the national folk festival of Gjirokastra.

The ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports   Tirane 2004 

A review of the activities of the ICAA for the year 2006  It includes a summary of the principal archaeological projects and activities that have been undertaken by the center during this year.

 International Centre for Albanian Archaeology  -Review – 2005


A review of the activities of the ICAA for the year 2005  It includes a summary of the principal archaeological projects and activities that have been undertaken by the center during this year.