In honor of the 80th anniversary of Albania’s Liberation, the National Historical Museum, in collaboration with the Institute of Military Studies, hosted a symposium today titled: “Massacres Committed by Occupiers Against Albanians During World War II.”

The event brought together distinguished scholars who presented on the harrowing events that left a deep mark on Albania’s history. Dr. Elidiana Canaj detailed the Borova Massacre (July 6, 1943) and the Korça Massacre (September 9, 1943), while Pelivan Hysi examined the Rabia Massacre in Tepelenë (July 24, 1943). Ilmi Qazimi addressed the Vlushë Massacre in Skrapar (May 11-12, 1944) and the Çezma e Thatë Massacre in Berat (May 26, 1944).

Ledio Xhoxhi, a specialist from the National Historical Museum, provided insights into “The Borova Massacre Based on the 1944 Archival Record.” Associate Professor Dr. Bernard Zotaj discussed the massacres in Vlorë, Smokthinë, and Vranisht, and Sali Onuzi focused on the Kukës Massacre (September 1944) as well as the Pristina Concentration Camp (August 1944).

The National Historical Museum highlighted in its online statement that the symposium served as a valuable moment to reflect on history, honor the victims of these tragic events, and safeguard collective memory. The event took place at the “Musine Kokalari” Library in Tirana.

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