According to a legend, the people of Albania were formed from descendants of eagles. Today, the eagle is the national symbol, writes the German magazine “Kultursommer Rheinland-Pfalz”.

The Balkan Peninsula is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with more than 350 species of local birds. This comes as a result of the country’s rich vegetation, coastlines, mountains, and forests.

Albanian culture is as diverse as nature. In particular, folk culture refers to a diverse and rich tradition. In addition to traditional clothing, such as the belt worn around the waist or the fustanella for males, integral parts of the culture are also various types of folk dances, oral epics, and ballads. Equally important is traditional Albanian folk music, which is present at every celebration or wedding.

Instruments like the lahuta, çiftelia, or sharki are often used.The melodies are accompanied by singing, usually epic songs representing the history and values of the country.

The Balkan Peninsula was part of the Ottoman Empire until 1912, and many influences from that time are still felt today. In the north of Albania, the Kanun, an oral code of that time, is still applied, but local dishes like byrek(pie) and baklava testify to the country’s culinary past.

/k.s/