The Authority for Files (AIDSSH), in collaboration with the National Center for Books and Reading and the Municipality of Himara, will organize an event on August 23rd, European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian Regimes, as established by the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe. This event will honor the human dignity of the victims of totalitarianism. 

Titled “Porto Palermo: From Camp to Commemoration – Testimonies and Poetry,” the event will take place at the Porto Palermo Fortress, a cultural heritage monument. The Authority will descend to the historic fortress to bring to light its untold history as a detention site for the families of political opponents of the communist regime through testimonies, archival documents, and an exhibition featuring human portraits drawn by Lek Pervizi.

For a brief period, from 1949 to 1950, the fortress was used as a detention center for men, women, and children—relatives of political opponents—who were held in isolation under harsh conditions in its dark, unlit spaces. Many detainees from the Tepelena camp spent some time in Porto Palermo.

The National Center for Books and Reading will also present its “Verse Festival,” featuring poetry about the history of Porto Palermo during its time as a prison camp for the families of political opponents of the communist regime.

The Porto Palermo Fortress existed long before Ali Pasha Tepelena rebuilt it in the 18th century. According to some writings from 1912, this fortress was Venetian, though scholars have various theories about its construction. After restoration, Ali Pasha controlled the site, using it solely for visitor purposes and adapting it for military challenges.

/k.s/