Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the restoration of the Koshtan Tekke as a major investment that reflects Albania’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage and preserving national identity.

Located in Memaliaj, the Koshtan Tekke is a Cultural Monument currently undergoing restoration and conservation works. The site preserves the values of the Bektashi tradition and played an important role in Albanian education by opening the first Albanian-language school in the Tepelena area in 1908.

Through this project, funded by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, authorities aim to stop further deterioration and protect the monument’s authenticity. Gonxhja said the restoration fulfills the responsibility to pass this valuable heritage on to future generations.

“ We are moving this commitment forward through concrete investments because preserving heritage is a state responsibility and an important part of our vision for the cultural, social and economic development of communities,” Gonxhja said.

Founded in 1807, the Koshtan Tekke holds significant historical and spiritual value. Therefore, the restoration project, prepared by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastër, includes structural reinforcement of the building, restoration of the stone-slab roof, recovery of original wooden elements, restoration of floors and ceilings, and treatment of the facades to ensure the monument’s long-term protection.

Once completed, the project will help safeguard one of the region’s most important cultural and religious landmarks while preserving its historical character for future generations.

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