Mediterranean heritage on display in Albania’s National Library

Over 700 rare books, maps, and manuscripts — some dating back to the 1300s — are now on display in Tirana as part of the “Memory of the Mediterranean” exhibition at Albania’s National Library.

The month-long exhibition opened as part of Tirana’s designation as the 2025 “Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue.” It showcases works in multiple languages and scripts, including Ottoman Turkish, and aims to highlight the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

Albania’s Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, said the exhibition draws attention to books and cultural memory, and aligns with efforts to modernize public reading spaces.

Library director Piro Misha said the goal is to present the institution’s rich collections to the public, featuring original works spanning several centuries and civilizations.