-
By:
Gonxhe Konjufca
- November 29, 2023 11:00
- Share to:
Flag Day at the Ahmet Delija Tower in Upper Prekaz has opened a new chapter. A permanent exhibition of artifacts and chronological writings of his time has been opened there. The story of resistance and struggle for independence unfolds. Until now, the Tower - rebuilt on the foundations of the one from 1860 - has been static. With the exhibition, the story about the freedom fighter, the popular tribune and the leader of Drenica is revealed
In the Drenica region stands a silent witness of Albanian history - a tower that once belonged to the hero Ahmet Delia. Located at the foot of a road in Upper Prekazi, it not only served as a bastion of defense, but also played an important role in shaping the fate of the region in crucial periods. Rebuilt on the foundations of the old tower, Ahmet Delija's tower appeared as a focal point for major decisions that influenced the historical course of the Drenica region. Its walls echo with the voices of prominent personalities deeply committed to the national cause. Among them is Hasan Prishtina.
Ahmet Delia left an indelible mark on this fortification, which is protected as a cultural heritage monument, transforming it into a symbol of endurance and sacrifice. This name engraved on the pages of Albanian history met its heroic end in 1913. He bravely defended his homeland in a time of great turmoil, becoming a beacon of courage and steadfast patriotism.
Freedom fighter, popular tribune and leader of Drenica, Ahmet Delia was born in 1850 in Prekaz. Raised among the Kuchi tribal community in a culture with canonical norms, he was finding his place in the harsh and dynamic environment of the events of the 1912th century. During his life, Delia was engaged in several military campaigns and popular assemblies. His last battle in December XNUMX, where, armed only with an ax he defends the country, seals his figure in the epic tradition of endurance in Kosovo.
On the day when Albania celebrates the 111th anniversary of its independence, Ahmet Delija's tower revealed a touching tribute to this national hero - the exhibition carefully curated by archaeologists and anthropologists Lekë Shala, Anduena Halilaj and Kaltrina Igrishta with the help of professor Blerim Latifi.
"Today, the permanent exhibition was opened in the Ahmet Delija tower. This part of the tower has been empty and the story about Ahmet Delin is in the books and there are local historians who write, but we wanted to bring something more visual to the general public and expand the story of Ahmet Delin as a leader and about the events and other decisions that have been made here in Drenica and that's how we decided to realize this exhibition", said Shala.
also
Ahmet Delija's tower opens its historical chapter on flag day
The chronological arrangement of the exhibition offers a journey through time. Visitors walk through the corridors of history, following the footsteps of Ahmet Delija and his contemporaries. Each corner of the room unfolds a chapter, revealing the challenges and decisions made within these walls. The echoes of conversations and strategic discussions seem to linger, creating an experience that transcends the boundaries of time. The organizers discovered and preserved these artifacts with great care, while delving into the socio-cultural context that shaped the era of Ahmet Delija. Their joint effort has resulted in a museum that not only educates, but also honors the heroism and sacrifices woven into the fabric of Albanian independence.
"It has not been very easy to study this period because usually the information we have is either in the archives of the Ottoman period or of the Yugoslav state at that time, so there are other barriers such as language, but most of the information we got them from different researchers and from foreign newspapers that wrote about Ahmet Delina at that time", said Shala.
The grandson of Ahmet Delija, Adem Ahmeti, has expressed deep joy and gratitude as they witness the lasting legacy of their predecessor. The fact that the memory of Ahmet Delina remains unextinguished brings pride to the family. Through the meticulous preservation of the museum's artifacts and the chronological history of Ahmet Delija, the family finds assurance that his contributions and sacrifices for the country continue to be honored and remembered by future generations.
"I don't know when we have been happier and we are praying that this museum has opened and that this day is celebrated in this tower. This tower has a lot of history, it is the first tower more than 100 years old. In this tower, many dignitaries have participated in important decisions about the national issue. They have made decisions for the fate of the Albanian people", said Ahmeti.
The opening of the tower to visitors, together with the exhibition that displays the artifacts of Ahmet Delija, marks a turning point in the documentation of history. The tower was built for the first time in 1860. In 1872, Shemsi Pasha set fire to it. It was rebuilt in 1890 to be destroyed in 1979 as a result of the earthquake. In 2005, it was rebuilt in the same place with the same layout. The one-story tower was intended only for friends and guests. The ground floor was intended for leaving guests' horses, while the upper floor consisted of a room with a fireplace and an ablution hall.
The tower continues to welcome those who wish to explore the event chapters. Now, with the inclusion of the exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to delve even deeper into history. This addition transforms the tower from an architectural object into a living testament to sacrifice and endurance.
"The tower will be open to all visitors, anyone who is interested in coming to visit here, there is also a cicerone who maintains the tower open for every visitor who comes. It has always been open, but now a permanent exhibition has been added", said Anduena Igrishta.
The initiative for the opening of the permanent exhibition in the Ahmet Delija tower started as an individual until it was realized with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
also
"Faces of Freedom" with portraits and memories of peacekeepers
VIDEO:
