View source for Tirana

{{Short description|Capital city of Albania}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Tirana
| other_name         = Tirona
| settlement_type    = [[Capital city]] and [[Municipalities of Albania|municipality]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                        = infobox
| total_width                   = 280
| image_style                   = border:1;
| perrow                        = 1/2/2/2
| caption_align                 = center
| image1                        = Skanderbeg square tirana 2016.jpg
| alt1                          = 
|caption1                       = [[Skanderbeg Square]]
| image2                        = Toptani Shopping Mall Tirana 2016.jpg 
| alt2                          = 
|caption2                       = Toptani Centre
| image3                        = Tirana_Kapllan_Pasha_Tomb.jpg
| alt3                          = 
|caption3                       = [[Kapllan Pasha Tomb]]
| image4                        = Catedral de la Resurección de Cristo, Tirana, Albania, 2014-04-17, DD 13.JPG
| alt4                          = 
|caption4                       = [[Resurrection Cathedral, Tirana|Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral]]
| image5                        = Great Mosque of Tirana (2020).jpg
| alt5                          = 
|caption5                       = [[Tirana Grand Mosque|Namazgah Mosque]]
| image6                        = Castillo de Petrela, Petrela, Albania, 2014-04-17, DD 07.JPG
| alt6                          = 
|caption6                       = [[Petrelë Castle]]
| image7                        = Clock Tower Tirana 2017.jpg
| alt7                          =
|caption7                       = [[Kulla e Sahatit|Clock Tower]]
| image8                        = Tirana, Muzeu Historik Kombëtar, 2024-10 CN-02.jpg
| alt8                          =
|caption8                       = [[National History Museum (Albania)|National History Museum]]}}
| image_alt          = Photomontage of Tirana
| image_flag         = Flag of Tirana.svg
| flag_alt           = [[Flag of Tirana]]
| image_seal         = 
| image_shield       = [[File:Stema e Bashkisë Tiranë.svg|55px|center]]
| seal_alt           = Seal of Tirana
| pushpin_map        = Albania#Europe
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| pushpin_mapsize    = 290
| coordinates        = {{Coord|41|19|38|N|19|49|07|E|type:adm1st_region:AL_dim:100000|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[Albania]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of Albania|Region]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Central Albania]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Counties of Albania|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Tirana County|Tirana]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Municipalities of Albania|Municipality]]
| subdivision_name3  = Tirana
| established_title  = Settled
| established_date   = 1614
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–council]]
| leader_party       = [[Socialist Party of Albania|PS]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor of Tirana|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Erion Veliaj]]<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Mayor of Tirana |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/page/mayor |access-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923160022/https://www.tirana.al/en/page/mayor |archive-date=23 September 2020}}</ref>{{efn|Anuela Ristani served as acting mayor while Veliaj's mayoral powers and duties were suspended by the government from 10 February 2025 to 3 November 2025 due to his arrest,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pamfleti.net/politike/arrestimi-i-veliajt-anuela-ristani-komandohet-kryebashkiake-e-tiranes-i266017|title=Arrestimi i Veliajt, Anuela Ristani komandohet Kryebashkiake e Tiranës|trans-title=Veliaj's arrest, Anuela Ristani appointed Mayor of Tirana|language=Albanian|website=Pamfleti.net|date=11 February 2025}}</ref> but the [[Constitutional Court of Albania|Constitutional Court]] later reinstated him as mayor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gjykatakushtetuese.gov.al/njoftim-vendimmarrjeje-2/|title=Njoftim vendimmarrje|trans-title=Decision notification|language=Albanian|publisher=[[Constitutional Court of Albania]]|date=3 November 2025}}</ref>}}
| leader_title1      = Council
| leader_name1       = [[Tirana Municipal Council]]
| leader_title2      = Chairwoman
| leader_name2       = [[Romina Kuko]]
| total_type         = Municipality
| area_total_km2     = 1,110
| area_metro_km2     = 
| area_blank2_title  = Unit
| area_blank2_km2    = 41.8
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="PV">{{cite web |publisher=Porta Vendore |title=Pasaporta e Bashkisë Tirana |url=https://portavendore.al/bashkia-tirane/pasaporta-e-bashkise-tirane/ |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006142259/https://portavendore.al/bashkia-tirane/pasaporta-e-bashkise-tirane/ |archive-date=6 October 2021 |language=sq |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="municipalitiy area">{{cite web |publisher=Albanian Association of Municipalities (AAM) |title=Bashkia Tirana |url=https://aam.org.al/en/bashkia-tirane/ |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012193031/https://aam.org.al/en/bashkia-tirane/ |archive-date=12 October 2020}}</ref>
| elevation_m        = 110
| population_as_of   = 
| population_blank1_title = Municipality
| population_blank1  = 598176{{efn|name=fn1|The municipality of Tirana consists of the administrative units of [[Baldushk]], [[Bërzhitë]], [[Dajt]], [[Farkë]], [[Kashar]], [[Krrabë]], [[Ndroq]], [[Petrelë]], [[Pezë]], [[Shëngjergj]], [[Vaqarr]], [[Zall-Bastar]], [[Zall-Herr]] and Tirana.<ref name="PV"/><ref name="Classification">{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=A new Urban–Rural Classification of Albanian Population |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/2919/a_new_urban-rural_classification_of_albanian_population.pdf |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114101641/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/2919/a_new_urban-rural_classification_of_albanian_population.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2019 |page=15 |date=May 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Law 2014"/> The population of the municipality results from the sum of the listed administrative units in the former as of the [[Demographics of Albania|2023 Albanian census]].<ref name="PV"/>{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=67}}}}
| population_density_blank1_km2 = 538
| population_blank2_title = Unit
| population_blank2  = 389323<ref name="UnitPop">{{cite web |title=Census of Population and Housing|url=https://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/censuses/census-of-population-and-housing/|publisher=Institute of Statistics Albania}}</ref>
| population_density_blank2_km2 = 9313
| population_urban   = 526017<ref name="The urban population of Tirana – Census 2011">{{cite web |publisher=Knoema |title=The urban population of Tirana – 2011 Census Data (Knoema) |url=https://knoema.com/atlas/Albania/Tirane/Urban-Population |access-date=24 April 2025 }}</ref>
| population_metro   = 800986<ref name="The metro population of Tirana – Census 2011">{{cite web |publisher=Interreg Balkan Mediterranean (The European Regional Development Fund) |title=The metro population of Tirana |url=http://www.interreg-balkanmed.eu/project-partner/148/ |access-date=24 April 2025 }}</ref>
| population_demonym = {{langx|sq|Tiranas (m), Tiranase (f)}} <br> [[Tirana dialect]]: ''Tirons (m), Tironse (f)''
| demographics_type1 = GDP
| demographics1_title1 = Municipality
| demographics1_info1 = €6.6 billion (2021)<ref>{{cite web |title=44% of the economy in 2021 concentrated in Tirana, other districts fading |url=https://euronews.al/en/44-of-the-economy-in-2021-concentrated-in-tirana-other-districts-fading/ |website=euronews.al |date=22 May 2023 |access-date=5 April 2024 }}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Per capita
| demographics1_info2 = €9,000 (2021)<ref>{{cite web |title=Economic inequality deepens year after year/ Tirana has the highest per capita income of 134% of the average |url=https://politiko.al/english/e-tjera/pabarazia-ekonomike-thellohet-vit-pas-viti-tirana-me-te-ardhura-per-frym-i482783 |website=politiko.al |access-date=5 April 2024}}</ref>
| timezone           = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset         = +1
| timezone_DST       = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset_DST     = +2
| postal_code_type   = Postal code(s)
| postal_code        = 1000-1054
| area_code_type     = Area code(s)
| area_code          = +355 (0) 4
| blank_name         = Airport
| blank_info         = [[Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza|Nënë Tereza Airport]]
| blank1_name        = Motorways
| blank1_info        = [[File:Autostrada A3 Albania.svg|22px|link=A3 (Albania)]]
| blank1_name_sec2   = Highways
| blank1_info_sec2   = [[File:SH1-AL.svg|32px|link=SH 1 (Albania)]] [[File:SH2-AL.svg|32px|link=SH 2 (Albania)]]
| blank2_name_sec2   = [[Vehicle registration plates of Albania|Vehicle registration]]
| blank2_info_sec2   = TR
| website            = {{URL|https://tirana.al/}}
}}

'''Tirana'''{{efn|[[Albanian language|Albanian]] [[Definiteness|indefinite form]]: {{lang|sq|Tiranë}} ({{IPA|sq|tiˈɾanə|pron}})}} ({{IPAc-en|t|ᵻ|ˈ|ɹ|ɑː|n|ə|audio=en-us-Tirana.ogg}} {{respell|tih|RAH|nə}},<ref>{{Cite dictionary |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Tirana |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226133810/https://www.lexico.com/definition/tirana |url-status=dead |archive-date=2021-02-26 |title=Tirana |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite American Heritage Dictionary|Tirana |access-date=21 September 2020}}</ref> {{IPA|sq|tiˈɾana|sq}}; {{langx|aln|Tirona}}{{efn|[[Gheg Albanian]] [[Definiteness|indefinite form]]: {{lang|aln|Tironë}}}}) is the capital and [[List of cities and towns in Albania|largest city]] of [[Albania]]. It is located in the centre of the country, enclosed by mountains and hills, with [[Dajti]] rising to the east and a slight valley to the northwest overlooking the [[Adriatic Sea]] in the distance. It is among the wettest and sunniest cities in Europe, with 2,544 hours of sun per year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sunniest Cities in Europe |url=https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/Europe/sunniest-cities.php |website=currentresults.com |page=1 |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119060304/https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/Europe/sunniest-cities.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

Tirana was founded in 1614 by [[Ottoman Albania]]n general [[Sulejman Bargjini|Sylejman Pasha Bargjini]], centered on the [[Sulejman Pasha Mosque|Old Mosque]] and ''[[Sulejman Pasha Tomb|türbe]]''. The site of present-day Tirana has been continuously inhabited since the [[Iron Age]] and was likely the core of the [[Illyrian kingdom]] of the [[Taulantii]], which in [[classical antiquity]] was centred in the hinterland of [[Durrës|Epidamnus]]. Following the [[Illyrian Wars]], it was annexed by the [[Roman Empire]]. With the collapse of the [[Western Roman Empire]] in the fourth century, most of Albania came under the control of the [[Byzantine Empire|Eastern Roman Empire]]. The city was fairly unimportant until the 20th century, when the [[Congress of Lushnjë]] proclaimed it as Albania's capital after the [[Albanian Declaration of Independence]] in 1912.

Classified as a [[Global city|gamma-world-city]],<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Globalization and World Cities Research Network]] (GaWC) |title=The World According to GaWC 2020 |url=https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/world2020t.html |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006165159/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/world2020t.html |archive-date=6 October 2020}}</ref> Tirana is the most important economic, financial, political, and trade centre in Albania due to its significant location in the centre of the country. As the seat of power of the [[Government of Albania]], it hosts the official residences of the [[President of Albania|President]] and [[Prime Minister of Albania]] and the [[Parliament of Albania]]. The city was announced as the [[European Youth Capital]] for 2022.

== History ==
{{see also|Timeline of Tirana}}
{{Update|section|date=July 2020}}

=== Early development ===
[[File:Tirana,_Albania_2017-04_Tirana_Mosaic_02.jpg|thumb|left|The mosaics of an [[Tirana Mosaic|Ancient Roman]] house from the 3rd century AD]]

The area of Tirana has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times with the earliest recognised reference found at the [[Cave of Pëllumbas]] belonging to the Palaeolithic period. [[Illyrians]] were the first population of the area and formed most likely the core of the [[Illyrian kingdom]] of the [[Taulantii]], which in classical antiquity was centered in the hinterland of [[Durrës|Epidamnus]].<ref name="Hammond">{{cite journal |last=Hammond |first=Nicholas Geoffrey Lemprière |publisher=[[British School at Athens]] |title=The Kingdoms in Illyria circa 400-167 B.C. |journal=The Annual of the British School at Athens |volume=61 |year=1966 |jstor=30103175 |page=247 |doi=10.1017/S0068245400019043 |s2cid=164155370}}</ref> When the Romans arrived in Illyria after their victory of the [[Illyrian Wars]], they populated and integrated the area into their empire under the political control of the city of Rome. The oldest surviving discovery from this period is a [[Tirana Mosaic|Roman house]] dating to the 3rd century, which was transformed into an [[aisleless church]] with a mosaic floor. A [[Fortress of Justinian|castle]], possibly known as ''Tirkan'', was built by the Byzantine Emperor [[Justinian I]] between the 4th and 6th century and later restored by Ahmed Pasha Toptani in the 18th century.<ref name="Heppner1994">{{cite book |last=Heppner |first=Harald |title=Hauptstädte in Südosteuropa: Geschichte, Funktion, nationale Symbolkraft |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EzVfQTE-dD8C&q=Theranda%20name&pg=PA135 |year=1994 |publisher=Wien u.a. Böhlau |pages=133, 135 |isbn=978-3-205-98255-5 |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121063852/https://books.google.com/books?id=EzVfQTE-dD8C&q=Theranda%20name&pg=PA135 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Castillo de Petrela, Petrela, Albania, 2014-04-17, DD 02.JPG|thumb|left|[[Petrelë Castle|Castle of Petrelë]] was founded in the 6th century by [[Justinian I]].]]

Tirana is mentioned in [[Republic of Venice|Venetian]] documents in the 1350s as well as in 1418: ''"...the resident Pjeter, son of late Domenik from the village of Tirana..."''.<ref name="Heppner2"/> Records of the first land registrations under the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] in 1431–32 show that Tirana consisted of 60 inhabited areas, with nearly 2,028 houses and 7,300 inhabitants.{{Citation needed|date=November 2015}} In 1510, [[Marin Barleti]], an Albanian Catholic priest and scholar, in the biography of the Albanian national hero [[Skanderbeg]], ''Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum principis'' (''The story of life and deeds of Skanderbeg, the prince of Epirotes''), referred to this area as a small village, distinguishing between "Little Tirana" and "Great Tirana".<ref name="Heppner2">{{cite book |last=Heppner |first=Harald |title=Hauptstädte in Südosteuropa: Geschichte, Funktion, nationale Symbolkraft |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EzVfQTE-dD8C&q=Theranda%20name&pg=PA135 |year=1994 |publisher=Wien u.a. Böhlau |pages=137 |isbn=978-3-205-98255-5 |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121063852/https://books.google.com/books?id=EzVfQTE-dD8C&q=Theranda%20name&pg=PA135 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is later mentioned in 1572 as ''Borgo di Tirana''.<ref>{{citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zHxsWspxGIIC&pg=PA451 |page=451 |title=Islamic Desk Reference |author=E. J. Van Donzel |quote="il borgo di Tirana" is already mentioned as early as 1572 |publisher=E.J. Brill |year=1994 |isbn=9780585305561 |oclc=45731063 |access-date=5 January 2016 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121063852/https://books.google.com/books?id=zHxsWspxGIIC&pg=PA451#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to [[Johann Georg von Hahn|Hahn]], the settlement had already started to develop as a [[bazaar]] and included several [[watermill]]s,<ref name="Miho">{{cite book |title=Trajta të profilit urbanistik të qytetit të Tiranës : prej fillimeve deri më 1944 |oclc=20994870 |author=Koco Miho |location=Tirana |publisher=[[8 Nëntori Publishing House|8 Nëntori]] |year=1987 |editor=J.Tocka |page=57}}</ref> even before 1614, when [[Sulejman Bargjini]], a local ruler, built the [[Sylejman Pasha Mosque|Old Mosque]], a small commercial centre, and a [[Turkish bath|''hammam'']] (Turkish bath). This is confirmed by oral sources, which state that there were two earlier mosques 300–400 m from the Old Mosque, towards today's [[Ali Demi Street]]. The Mosque of Reç and the Mosque of Mujo were positioned on the left side of the [[Lana river|Lana River]] and were older than the Old Mosque.<ref name="Miho"/> Later, the [[Et'hem Bey Mosque]], built by [[Molla Bey of Petrela]], was constructed. It employed the best [[artisans]] in the country and was completed in 1821 by Molla's son [[Etëhem Bey Mollaj|Etëhem]], who was also Sulejman Bargjini's great-nephew.

In 1800, the first newcomers arrived in the [[Human settlement|settlement]]{{clarify|date=February 2019}}, the so-called ''ortodoksit''. They were [[Aromanians]] from villages near [[Korçë]] and [[Pogradec]], who settled around modern day [[Tirana Park on the Artificial Lake]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forum-al.com/ |title="Tiranasit" e ardhur rishtaz |publisher=Gazeta Shqiptare |access-date=17 August 2008 |language=sq |archive-date=2 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202054230/http://www.forum-al.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They started to be known as the ''llacifac'' and were the first Christians to arrive after the creation of the town.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Delvina |first=Sherif |title=Low Albania (Epirus) and Cham issue |date=2006 |publisher=Eurorilindja |isbn=99943-861-0-7 |location=Tiranë |pages=196 |oclc=124184965 }}</ref> In 1807, Tirana became the centre of the [[Subprefecture]] of Krujë-Tirana.{{Citation needed|date=November 2016}} After 1816, Tirana languished under the control of the ''Toptani'' family of [[Krujë]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2017}} Later, Tirana became a sub-prefecture of the newly created [[Vilayet of Shkodër]] and the Sanjak of Durrës. In 1889, the [[Albanian language]] started to be taught in Tirana's schools,{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} and the patriotic club Bashkimi was founded in 1908.
[[File:Bazar Tirana (ca. 1900)2.jpg|thumb|right|The Old Bazaar at the turn of the 20th century. The [[Sulejman Pasha Mosque]] is visible in the background. It was destroyed in [[World War II]].]]

===Modern development===
On 28 November 1912, the national flag was raised in [[Vlorë]] by [[President of Albania|President]] [[Ismail Qemali]], marking the symbolic birth of Albania as a sovereign country. The next years, however, were marked by turmoil. During the [[Balkan Wars]], Tirana was temporarily occupied by the Serbian army and it took part in uprising of the villages led by [[Haxhi Qamili]]. In August 1916, the first city map was compiled by the specialists of the Austro-Hungarian army.<ref>{{cite journal |year=2007 |title=Klan magazine |journal=Klan |issue=527–534 |pages=265 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z7Q8AQAAIAAJ&q=Madje,+planimetria+e+par%C3%AB+e+qytetit+n%C3%AB+shkall%C3%ABn+1:5.000+%C3%ABsht%C3%AB+hartuar+n%C3%AB+gusht+1916,+nga+specialist%C3%ABt+e+ushtris%C3%AB+austro-hungareze |access-date=2018-10-10 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121063928/https://books.google.com/books?id=z7Q8AQAAIAAJ&q=Madje,+planimetria+e+par%C3%AB+e+qytetit+n%C3%AB+shkall%C3%ABn+1:5.000+%C3%ABsht%C3%AB+hartuar+n%C3%AB+gusht+1916,+nga+specialist%C3%ABt+e+ushtris%C3%AB+austro-hungareze |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the capture of the town of [[Debar]] by [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbia]], many of its Albanian inhabitants fled to [[Turkey]], the rest went to Tirana.<ref name="Clayer306307"/> Of those that ended up in [[Istanbul]], some of their number migrated to Albania, mainly to Tirana where the Dibran community (people from [[Dibër County]]) formed an important segment of the city's population from 1920 onward and for some years thereafter.<ref name="Clayer306307">{{cite book |last=Clayer |first=Nathalie |chapter=The Albanian students of the Mekteb-i Mülkiye: Social networks and trends of thought |editor1-last=Özdalga |editor1-first=Elisabeth |title=Late Ottoman Society: The Intellectual Legacy |year=2005 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9780415341646 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5FMoWJFs73gC&q=The+Expulsion+of+the+Albanians+appendix&pg=PA307 |pages=306–307 |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121063813/https://books.google.com/books?id=5FMoWJFs73gC&q=The+Expulsion+of+the+Albanians+appendix&pg=PA307#v=onepage&q=The%20Expulsion%20of%20the%20Albanians%20appendix&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 February 1920, the [[Congress of Lushnjë]] proclaimed Tirana as the temporary capital of Albania, which had gained independence in 1912.<ref name="Pearson">{{cite book |last=Pearson |first=Owen |title=Albania and King Zog: independence, republic and monarchy 1908–1939 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3_Sh3y9IMZAC&q=Congress+of+Lushnj%C3%AB+capital+tirana+Albania+and+King+Zog:&pg=PA140 |year=2006 |publisher=IB Taurus |isbn=1-84511-013-7 |page=140 |quote=It was decided that the Congress of Lushnje was not to be dissolved until elections had been held and the new government had taken power into its hands and begun to exercise its functions in Tirana, in opposition to the Provisional Government in Italian occupied Durrës |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121063929/https://books.google.com/books?id=3_Sh3y9IMZAC&q=Congress+of+Lushnj%C3%AB+capital+tirana+Albania+and+King+Zog:&pg=PA140 |url-status=live }}</ref> The city acquired that status permanently on 31 December 1925. In 1923, the first regulatory city plan was compiled by Austrian architects.<ref>Kera, Gentiana. [http://library.panteion.gr:8080/dspace/bitstream/123456789/444/1/KERA.pdf ''Aspects of the urban development of Tirana: 1820–1939''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325151138/http://library.panteion.gr:8080/dspace/bitstream/123456789/444/1/KERA.pdf |date=25 March 2012 }}, Seventh International Conference of Urban History. Athens, 2004.</ref> The centre of Tirana was the project of [[Florestano Di Fausto]] and [[Armando Brasini]], well-known architects of the [[Benito Mussolini|Mussolini]] period in Italy.
Brasini laid the basis for the modern-day arrangement of the ministerial buildings in the city centre.
The plan underwent revisions by Albanian architect Eshref Frashëri, Italian architect Castellani and Austrian architects Weiss and Kohler.{{Citation needed|date=September 2016}}
The modern Albanian parliament building served as an officers' club. It was there that, in September 1928, [[Zog of Albania]] was crowned King Zog I, King of the Albanians.
[[File:Old_villa_in_Tirana_city_center_01.jpg|thumb|left|Old villa architecture in Tirana]]
Tirana was the venue for the signing of the Pact of Tirana between Fascist [[Italy]] and Albania.
During the rule of King Zog, many [[Muhaxhir (Albanians)|Muhaxhirs]] migrated towards Tirana, which led to a growing population in the capital city in the early 20th century.<ref>Stefanović, Djordje (2005). "Seeing the Albanians through Serbian eyes: The Inventors of the Tradition of Intolerance and their Critics, 1804–1939." ''European History Quarterly''. '''35'''. (3): 470.</ref>

In 1939, Tirana was captured by Fascist forces, who appointed a [[puppet government]]. In the meantime, Italian architect [[Gherardo Bosio]] was asked to elaborate on previous plans and introduce a new project in the area of present-day [[Mother Teresa Square (Tirana)|Mother Teresa Square]].<ref>Bleta, Indrit. [http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12612184/index.pdf ''Influences of political regime shifts on the urban scene of a capital city, Case Study: Tirana.''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815203802/http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12612184/index.pdf |date=15 August 2011 }} Turkey, 2010.</ref> A failed assassination attempt was made on [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy]] by a local resistance activist during a visit to Tirana. In November 1941, two emissaries of the [[Communist Party of Yugoslavia]] (KPJ), Miladin Popović and Dušan Mugoša, called a meeting of three Albanian communist groups {{citation needed|date=December 2016}} and founded the [[Party of Labour of Albania|Communist Party of Albania]], and [[Enver Hoxha]] soon emerged as its leader.

The town soon became the centre of the Albanian communists, who mobilised locals against Italian fascists and later [[Nazi]] Germans, while spreading ideological propaganda. On 4 February 1944, the [[Gestapo]], supported by the forces of [[Xhafer Deva]], executed 86 anti-fascists in Tirana.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pearson |first=Owen |title=Albania in Occupation and War: From Fascism to Communism 1940-1945 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P3knunC7z_oC&pg=PA272 |year=2006 |publisher=I.B.Tauris |isbn=978-1-84511-104-5 |page=326 |access-date=21 January 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121063844/https://books.google.com/books?id=P3knunC7z_oC&pg=PA272 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 November 1944, the [[Liberation of Tirana|town was liberated]] after a [[Albanian Resistance of World War II|fierce battle between the Communists and German forces]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2016}} The Nazis eventually withdrew and the communists seized power.
[[File:Tirana Square 1988.jpg|thumb|right|[[Skanderbeg Square]] in 1988, two years prior to the [[Fall of communism in Albania]]]]

From 1944 to 1991, massive socialist-style apartment complexes and factories were built, while [[Skanderbeg Square]] was redesigned, with a number of buildings demolished. For instance, Tirana's former Old Bazaar and the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] Cathedral were razed to the ground in order to build the Soviet-styled Palace of Culture. The northern portion of the main boulevard was renamed [[Joseph Stalin|Stalin]] [[Zogu I Boulevard|Boulevard]] and his statue was erected in the city square. Because private car ownership was banned, mass transportation consisted mainly of bicycles, trucks and buses. After Hoxha's death, a [[Pyramid of Tirana|pyramidal museum]] was constructed in his memory by the government.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

Before and after the proclamation of Albania's policy of self-imposed [[isolationism]], a number of high-profile figures paid visits to the city, such as Soviet leader [[Nikita Khrushchev]], [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] Premier [[Zhou Enlai]] and [[German Democratic Republic|East German]] Foreign Minister [[Oskar Fischer (politician)|Oskar Fischer]]. In 1985, Enver Hoxha's funeral was held in Tirana.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=1985-04-12 |title=ENVER HOXHA DIES; ALBANIAN LEADER |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/12/world/enver-hoxha-dies-albanian-leader.html |access-date=2022-01-18 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118201912/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/12/world/enver-hoxha-dies-albanian-leader.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A few years later, [[Mother Teresa]] became the first religious figure<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biography.com/religious-figure/mother-teresa |title=Mother Teresa |website=Biography |date=24 February 2020 |access-date=10 May 2020 |archive-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502065743/https://www.biography.com/religious-figure/mother-teresa |url-status=live }}</ref> to visit the country after the end of Albania's long [[anti-religious]] [[state atheism|atheist]] stance. She paid respects to her mother and sister resting at a local cemetery.
[[File:Albanien (05).jpg|thumb|left|Tirana's main boulevard in 1991]]
Starting at the campus and ending at Skanderbeg Square with the toppling of Enver Hoxha's statue, the city saw [[Fall of communism in Albania|significant demonstrations]] by [[University of Tirana]] students demanding political freedoms in the early 1990s. On the political aspect, the city witnessed a number of events. Personalities visited the capital, such as former U.S. Secretary of State [[James Baker]] and [[Pope John Paul II]].
The former visit came amidst the historical setting after the fall of communism, as hundreds of thousands were chanting in Skanderbeg Square Baker's famous saying of "Freedom works!".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kempster |first1=Norman |title=Albanians Mob Baker, Cheer U.S. : Europe: 'Freedom works,' he exhorts a rally of 200,000. The country hopes for aid to rebuild an economy shattered by lengthy Stalinist isolation. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-06-23-mn-2067-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=23 June 1991 |access-date=8 December 2018 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016162653/http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-23/news/mn-2067_1_albanian-economy |url-status=live }}</ref>
Pope John Paul II became the first major religious leader to visit Tirana, though Mother Teresa had visited few years prior.

During the Balkans turmoil in the mid-1990s, the city experienced dramatic events such as the unfolding of the [[1997 unrest in Albania]] and a [[Fatos Nano#Second and third premierships|failed coup d'état]] on 14 September 1998.

In 1999, following the [[Kosovo War]], Tirana Airport became a NATO airbase, serving its mission in the former Yugoslavia.

=== Contemporary ===
{{See also|2018–2019 student protest in Albania}}
{{Further|2019 Albania earthquake}}
[[File:Streets of Tirana 2016.jpg|thumb|Mustafa Matohiti Street near the [[Pyramid of Tirana]]. After the [[fall of communism in Albania]], many areas saw new development.]]

During his term from 2000 to 2011, the former [[mayor of Tirana]], [[Edi Rama]], undertook a campaign to demolish illegal constructed buildings across Tirana as well as along the river banks of [[Lanë]] to bring the area to its pre-1990 state. In an attempt to widen roads, Rama authorized the bulldozing of private properties so that they could be paved over, thus widening streets. Most main roads underwent reconstruction, including the Unaza, [[Kavaja Street|Rruga e Kavajës]] and the main boulevard. Rama also led the initiative to paint the façades of Tirana's buildings in bright colours, although much of their interiors continued to degrade. Rama's critics claimed that he focused too much attention on cosmetic changes without fixing any of the major problems such as shortages of drinking water and electricity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rudi.net/pages/16989 |title=A bright and colourful new style of urban design emerges in Albania |publisher=Resource for Urban Design Information |access-date=16 August 2008 |archive-date=7 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807174853/http://www.rudi.net/pages/16989 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Pusca |first=Anca |year=2008 |title=The aesthetics of change: Exploring post-Communist spaces |journal=Global Society |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=369–386 |doi=10.1080/13600820802090512 |s2cid=7735000 |url=https://research.gold.ac.uk/3446/1/GlobalSocietyAsPublished.pdf |access-date=3 June 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923194420/https://research.gold.ac.uk/3446/1/GlobalSocietyAsPublished.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2007, [[George W. Bush]] traveled to Tirana on an official state visit, becoming the first [[U.S. President]] to visit the former communist country.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |title=Bush makes landmark visit to Albania |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1554129/Bush-makes-landmark-visit-to-Albania.html |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007101412/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1554129/Bush-makes-landmark-visit-to-Albania.html |archive-date=7 October 2020 |date=10 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stolberg |first=Sheryl Gay |work=[[The New York Times]] |title=Thousands Hails Bush in Visit to Albania |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/11/world/europe/11prexy.html |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007101556/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/11/world/europe/11prexy.html |archive-date=7 October 2020 |date=11 June 2007}}</ref> In 2008, the [[2008 Gërdec explosions|Gërdec explosions]] were felt in the capital as windows were shattered and citizens shaken. In January 2011, the [[2011 Albanian opposition demonstrations|Albanian opposition demonstrations]] were triggered in front of the governmental buildings in Tirana protesting against political corruption and state capture, particularly associated with the former prime minister [[Sali Berisha]]'s government.<ref>{{cite web |work=[[The New York Times]] |title=Albania: 20,000 Protesters March Against Government; 3 Killed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/world/europe/22briefs-Albania.html |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095346/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/world/europe/22briefs-Albania.html |archive-date=7 October 2020 |date=21 January 2011}}</ref> In September 2014, [[Pope Francis]] made an official state visit to Tirana simultaneously becoming the second pontiff to visit Albania, after Pope John Paul II in 1992.<ref name="Pope Francis">{{cite web |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] (DW) |title=Pope Francis arrives in Albania on a flying visit |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pope-francis-arrives-in-albania-on-a-flying-visit/a-17937580 |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007092630/https://www.dw.com/en/pope-francis-arrives-in-albania-on-a-flying-visit/a-17937580 |archive-date=7 October 2020 |date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=Pope Francis praises human rights and religious freedom during Albania visit |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/21/pope-francis-human-rights-religious-freedom-albania-tiranaorana |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007093046/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/21/pope-francis-human-rights-religious-freedom-albania-tiranaorana |archive-date=7 October 2020 |date=21 September 2014}}</ref>

Following the municipal elections of 2015, power was transferred from the [[Democratic Party of Albania|Democratic Party]] representative [[Lulzim Basha]] to the [[Socialist Party of Albania|Socialist Party]] candidate [[Erion Veliaj]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Erion Veliaj takes office as Mayor of Tirana |url=http://english.albeu.com/news/news/erion-veliaj-takes-office-as-mayor-of-tirana/207965/ |access-date=2015-08-31 |archive-date=1 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801055037/http://english.albeu.com/news/news/erion-veliaj-takes-office-as-mayor-of-tirana/207965/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Albania then underwent a territorial reform, in which defunct communes were merged with municipalities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reforma Territoriale – Harta – 61 bashki |url=http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/kryesore/harta-me-61-bashki |website=reformaterritoriale.al |access-date=2015-08-31 |archive-date=28 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828144648/http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/kryesore/harta-me-61-bashki |url-status=dead}}</ref> Thirteen of Tirana's former communes were integrated as administrative units joining the existing eleven.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Veliaj suspends construction permits |url=http://english.albeu.com/news/news/veliaj-suspends-construction-permits/208263/ |access-date=2015-08-31 |archive-date=16 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816161528/http://english.albeu.com/news/news/veliaj-suspends-construction-permits/208263/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Since then, Tirana is undergoing significant changes in infrastructure, law enforcement and new projects, as well as continuing the ones started by Veliaj's predecessor. In their first few council meetings, 242 social houses got allocated to families in need.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tirana City Council approves the allocation of social housing for 242 families |url=http://english.albeu.com/news/news/tirana-city-council-approves-the-allocation-of-social-housing-for-242-/209471/ |access-date=2015-08-31 |archive-date=20 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820175539/http://english.albeu.com/news/news/tirana-city-council-approves-the-allocation-of-social-housing-for-242-/209471/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Construction permits were suspended until the capital's development plan is revised and synthesized.<ref name=":0"/>

Between December 2018 and February 2019, a [[2018–2019 student protest in Albania|series of demonstrations]] erupted in the central areas of Tirana and other cities of the country in response to a controversial law on higher education, poor quality of teaching, high tuition rates and corruption.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Tirana Times]] |title=University students protest tariff hikes, low education standards in Albania |url=https://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=139540 |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006181441/https://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=139540 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=5 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pomeroy |first=Robin |publisher=[[Reuters]] |title=Albanian students block Tirana highway in protest at higher fees |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-albania-protest-idUSKBN1OA24S |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006181710/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-albania-protest-idUSKBN1OA24S |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=11 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ehl |first=David |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] (DW) |title=France, Hungary, Serbia: Is half of Europe protesting? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/france-hungary-serbia-is-half-of-europe-protesting/a-46792738 |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006182039/https://www.dw.com/en/france-hungary-serbia-is-half-of-europe-protesting/a-46792738 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=18 December 2018}}</ref> In September 2019, Tirana was ravaged by a 5.6 [[Moment magnitude scale|magnitude]] [[earthquake]] with an epicenter located near Durrës.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] (DW) |title=Albania jolted by strong earthquake, dozens reported injured |url=https://www.dw.com/en/albania-jolted-by-strong-earthquake-dozens-reported-injured/a-50531661 |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006185228/https://www.dw.com/en/albania-jolted-by-strong-earthquake-dozens-reported-injured/a-50531661 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=21 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Andone |first1=Dakin |last2=Gashi |first2=Aldona |publisher=[[Cable News Network]] (CNN) |title=Albania struck by 5.6-magnitude earthquake, injuring at least 37 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/21/europe/earthquake-albania/index.html |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006185522/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/21/europe/earthquake-albania/index.html |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=21 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Euronews]] |title=Albania earthquake: Magnitude 5.6 tremor felt in capital Tirana |url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/09/21/earthquake-of-magnitude-5-6-strikes-off-coast-of-albania |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006193101/https://www.euronews.com/2019/09/21/earthquake-of-magnitude-5-6-strikes-off-coast-of-albania |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=21 September 2019}}</ref> Two months after, in November 2019, another strong [[2019 Albania earthquake|earthquake]] with the magnitude of 6.4 hit the region again resulting in comparatively few damages in Tirana.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peltier |first1=Elian |last2=Magra |first2=Iliana |last3=Victor |first3=Daniel |work=[[The New York Times]] |title=Albania Earthquake Kills at Least 23 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/25/world/europe/albania-earthquake-tirana.html |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006191853/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/25/world/europe/albania-earthquake-tirana.html |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=25 November 2019}}</ref> The same month, Tirana was announced as the [[European Youth Capital]] for 2022 with a planned program including events of cultural and social importance.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[European Youth Capital]] (EYC) |title=Congratulations, Tirana! Winner of the European Youth Capital for 2022 |url=https://www.youthforum.org/congratulations-tirana-winner-european-youth-capital-2022 |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006200427/https://www.youthforum.org/congratulations-tirana-winner-european-youth-capital-2022 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |date=21 November 2019}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

In December 2022, Tirana hosted the [[2022 EU-Western Balkans summit|EU-Western Balkans summit]], marking the inaugural summit to be held outside the European Union's borders.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[European Council]] (EUCO) |title=Eu-Western Balkans summit in Tirana, 6 December 2022 |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2022/12/06/ |access-date=7 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207073849/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2022/12/06/ |archive-date=7 December 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 September 2024, it was reported that [[Prime Minister of Albania]] [[Edi Rama]] was planning to create the [[Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order]], a sovereign [[microstate]] for the Order within Tirana.<ref name="nyt_article">{{Cite news |last=Higgens |first=Andrew |date=21 September 2024 |title=Albania Is Planning a New Muslim State Inside Its Capital |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/21/world/europe/albania-tirana-muslim-state-bektashi.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921090757/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/21/world/europe/albania-tirana-muslim-state-bektashi.html }}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:View of Tirana from the Lapidar.jpg|thumb|right|View of Tirana Metropolitan Area]]

Tirana extends at the [[Tirana plain|Plain of Tirana]] in the centre of Albania between the mount of [[Dajti]] in the east, the hills of Kërrabe, Sauk and Vaqarr in the south, and a valley to the north overlooking the [[Adriatic Sea]]. The average altitude is about {{convert|110|m|ft|sp=us}} [[above sea level]], with a maximum of {{convert|1828|m|abbr=off}} at Maja Mincekut of Mali me Gropa in Shenmeri.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.qarkutirane.gov.al/sites/default/files/Koncepti%20i%20Zhvillimit%20Rajonal%20per%20Qarkun%20e%20Tiranes_0_0.pdf |title=Koncepti i Zhvillimit Rajonal per Qarkun e Tiranes 2012-2017 |language=sq |trans-title=Concept of Regional Development for the District of Tirana 2012-2017 |date=22 April 2013 |access-date=9 August 2020 |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722002839/http://www.qarkutirane.gov.al/sites/default/files/Koncepti%20i%20Zhvillimit%20Rajonal%20per%20Qarkun%20e%20Tiranes_0_0.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The city is surrounded by two important [[Protected areas of Albania|protected areas]]: the [[Dajti National Park]] and [[Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Protected Landscape]]. In winter, the mountains are often covered with snow and are a popular retreat for the population of Tirana, which rarely receives snowfalls. In terms of [[biodiversity]], the forests are mainly composed of [[pine]], [[oak]] and [[beech]], while its interior relief{{clarify|date=February 2019}} is dotted with [[canyon]]s, waterfalls, caves, lakes and other landforms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dajti National Park A Recreational Area for Citizens of Tirana, Albania |url=http://mmv.boku.ac.at/refbase/files/mecaj_nasip_muharr-2002-dajti_national_park.pdf |website=boku.ac.at |page=2 |access-date=11 September 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810232417/http://mmv.boku.ac.at/refbase/files/mecaj_nasip_muharr-2002-dajti_national_park.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Thanks to its natural heritage, it is considered the "Natural Balcony of Tirana". The mountain can be reached by a narrow asphalt mountain road onto an area known as Fusha e Dajtit. From this small area there is a view of Tirana and its plain.

[[Tiranë (river)|Tiranë river]] flows through the city, as does the Lanë river. Tirana is home to several artificial lakes, including [[Grand Park of Tirana|Tirana]], Farka, Tufina, and Kashar. The present municipality was formed in the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities of Baldushk, Bërzhitë, Dajt, Farkë, Kashar, Krrabë, Ndroq, Petrelë, Pezë, Shëngjergj, Tirana, Vaqarr, Zall-Bastar and Zall-Herr, which became municipal units. The seat of the municipality is the city of Tirana.<ref name="Law 2014">{{cite web |url=https://www.vendime.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/137-2014.pdf |title=Law nr. 115/2014 |language=sq |pages=6375 |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225080313/https://www.vendime.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/137-2014.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Climate ===

[[File:Mali_Dajtit.jpg|thumb|Snow at the [[Dajti National Park]]. It generally melts quickly in the region.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kottek |first1=Markus |last2=Grieser |first2=Jürgen |last3=Beck |first3=Christoph |last4=Rudolf |first4=Bruno |last5=Rube |first5=Franz |date=June 2006 |title=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated |url=http://www.schweizerbart.de/resources/downloads/paper_free/55034.pdf |journal=[[Meteorologische Zeitschrift]] |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=259–263 |doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130 |bibcode=2006MetZe..15..259K |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=12 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412021016/http://www.schweizerbart.de/resources/downloads/paper_free/55034.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

Tirana has a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa'') according to the [[Köppen climate classification]] and receives enough [[precipitation]] during summer to avoid the [[Mediterranean climate]] (''Csa'') classification.

The average precipitation in Tirana is about {{convert|1266|mm|in|abbr=off}} per year. The city receives the majority of precipitation in winter months, which occurs from November to March, and less in summer months, from June to September. In terms of precipitation, both rain and snow, the city is ranked among the wettest cities in [[Europe]].<ref name="currentresults.com">{{cite web |title=European Cities With the Wettest, Rainiest Weather |url=https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/Europe/wettest-rainiest-cities.php |website=currentresults.com |page=1 |access-date=7 December 2017 |archive-date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122325/https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/Europe/wettest-rainiest-cities.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

Temperatures vary throughout the year from an average of {{convert|6.7|°C|°F}} in January to {{convert|24|°C|°F}} in July. [[Spring (season)|Spring]]s and [[Summer (season)|summer]]s are very warm to hot often reaching over {{convert|20|°C|°F}} from May to September. During [[autumn]] and [[Winter (season)|winter]], from November to March, the average temperature drops and is not lower than {{convert|6.7|°C|°F}}. The city receives approximately 2500 hours of sun.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Telegraph Media Group |title=Mapped: the sunniest (and dullest) cities in Europe |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/mapped-the-sunniest-and-dullest-cities-in-europe/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/mapped-the-sunniest-and-dullest-cities-in-europe/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=21 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
{{Weather box
| width = auto
| collapsed = Y
| location = Tirana ([[Tirana 7|7]]){{efn|Elevation at {{cvt|90|m}}}} 1961-1990 normals and extremes 1940-present{{efn|The monthly estimations for rainy and snowy days are not available, only annual.}}
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 21.3
| Feb record high C = 28.0
| Mar record high C = 30.3
| Apr record high C = 32.6
| May record high C = 35.9
| Jun record high C = 39.7
| Jul record high C = 43.0
| Aug record high C = 43.6
| Sep record high C = 39.7
| Oct record high C = 36.1
| Nov record high C = 31.3
| Dec record high C = 22.5
| year record high C = 43.6
| Jan high C = 11.6
| Feb high C = 12.9
| Mar high C = 15.6
| Apr high C = 19.0
| May high C = 23.8
| Jun high C = 27.7
| Jul high C = 30.7
| Aug high C = 30.7
| Sep high C = 27.3
| Oct high C = 21.8
| Nov high C = 17.1
| Dec high C = 13.0
| year high C = 21.0
| Jan mean C = 6.7
| Feb mean C = 7.8
| Mar mean C = 10.0
| Apr mean C = 13.4
| May mean C = 18.0
| Jun mean C = 21.6
| Jul mean C = 24.0
| Aug mean C = 23.8
| Sep mean C = 20.7
| Oct mean C = 16.0
| Nov mean C = 11.7
| Dec mean C = 8.1
| year mean C = 15.2
| Jan low C = 1.8
| Feb low C = 2.6
| Mar low C = 4.5
| Apr low C = 7.9
| May low C = 12.1
| Jun low C = 15.6
| Jul low C = 17.2
| Aug low C = 16.9
| Sep low C = 14.1
| Oct low C = 10.1
| Nov low C = 6.3
| Dec low C = 3.2
| year low C = 9.4
| Jan record low C = -10.4
| Feb record low C = -9.4
| Mar record low C = -7.0
| Apr record low C = -1.0
| May record low C = 2.5
| Jun record low C = 5.6
| Jul record low C = 4.2
| Aug record low C = 10.0
| Sep record low C = 3.8
| Oct record low C = -1.3
| Nov record low C = -4.3
| Dec record low C = -6.9
| year record low C = -10.4
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 143
| Feb precipitation mm = 132
| Mar precipitation mm = 115
| Apr precipitation mm = 104
| May precipitation mm = 103
| Jun precipitation mm = 68
| Jul precipitation mm = 42
| Aug precipitation mm = 46
| Sep precipitation mm = 78
| Oct precipitation mm = 114
| Nov precipitation mm = 172
| Dec precipitation mm = 148
| year precipitation mm = 1266
| Jan precipitation days = 13
| Feb precipitation days = 13
| Mar precipitation days = 14
| Apr precipitation days = 13
| May precipitation days = 12
| Jun precipitation days = 7
| Jul precipitation days = 5
| Aug precipitation days = 4
| Sep precipitation days = 6
| Oct precipitation days = 9
| Nov precipitation days = 16
| Dec precipitation days = 16
| unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm
| year precipitation days = 128
| Jan humidity = 74
| Feb humidity = 73
| Mar humidity = 69
| Apr humidity = 72
| May humidity = 68
| Jun humidity = 69
| Jul humidity = 62
| Aug humidity = 64
| Sep humidity = 71
| Oct humidity = 70
| Nov humidity = 76
| Dec humidity = 79
| year humidity = 71
| Jan sun = 124
| Feb sun = 125
| Mar sun = 165
| Apr sun = 191
| May sun = 263
| Jun sun = 298
| Jul sun = 354
| Aug sun = 327
| Sep sun = 264
| Oct sun = 218
| Nov sun = 127
| Dec sun = 88
| year sun = 2544
| Jan uv = 2
| Feb uv = 2
| Mar uv = 4
| Apr uv = 6
| May uv = 8
| Jun uv = 9
| Jul uv = 9
| Aug uv = 8
| Sep uv = 6
| Oct uv = 4
| Nov uv = 2
| Dec uv = 1
| source 1 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst|DWD]],<ref name = DWD>{{cite web |url=http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_136150_kt.pdf |title=Klimatafel von Tirana (Flugh.) / Albanien |work=Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world |publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst |language=de |access-date=30 January 2016 |archive-date=9 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209124404/https://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_136150_kt.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name = DWDsun>{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp-cdc.dwd.de/pub/CDC/observations_global/CLIMAT/multi_annual/sunshine_duration/1961_1990.txt |title=Station 13615 Tirana |work=Global station data 1961–1990—Sunshine Duration |publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017195327/ftp://ftp-cdc.dwd.de/pub/CDC/observations_global/CLIMAT/multi_annual/sunshine_duration/1961_1990.txt |archive-date=2017-10-17 |url-status=dead |access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref>{{efn|[https://web.archive.org/web/20171017195318/ftp://ftp-cdc.dwd.de/pub/CDC/help/stations_list_CLIMAT_data.txt Station ID for Tirana is 13615]. Use this station ID to locate the sunshine duration.}} Meteo Climat (record highs and lows),<ref name = meteoclimat>{{cite web |url=http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=728 |title=Station Tirana |publisher=Meteo Climat |language=fr |access-date=11 June 2016 |archive-date=3 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203023808/http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=728 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] (some records, rain and snow days)<ref name = noaa>{{cite web |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/RA-VI/AB/13615.TXT |title=Tirane (13615) - WMO Weather Station |access-date=12 May 2019 |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121064317/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/RA-VI/AB/13615.TXT |url-status=live }}</ref> and Weather Atlas<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/albania/tirana-climate |title=Tirana, Albania - Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast |publisher=Yu Media Group |website=Weather Atlas |language=en |access-date=2019-07-03 |archive-date=3 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703202630/https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/albania/tirana-climate |url-status=live }}</ref>
| source = 
}}
{{Clear}}

=== Urbanism ===

[[File:Grand_Park_of_Tirana_(2020).jpg|thumb|right|The [[Grand Park of Tirana|artificial lake of Tirana]] built from local waters in 1955]]

In September 2015, Tirana organized its first vehicle-free day, joining forces with numerous cities across the globe to fight against the existing problem of urban air pollution. This initiative resulted in a considerable drop in both air and noise pollution, encouraging the Municipality to organise a vehicle-free day every month.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-25 |title=Albania Announces Car-Free Days for First Sunday of Each Month |url=https://exit.al/en/2022/03/25/albania-announces-car-free-days-for-first-sunday-of-each-month/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Exit - Explaining Albania |language=en-US |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018081207/https://exit.al/en/2022/03/25/albania-announces-car-free-days-for-first-sunday-of-each-month/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Car-free day in Tirana, these are the roads where driving isn't permitted |url=https://euronews.al/en/albania/2022/03/22/car-free-day-in-tirana-these-are-the-roads-where-driving-isnt-permitted/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018081209/https://euronews.al/en/albania/2022/03/22/car-free-day-in-tirana-these-are-the-roads-where-driving-isnt-permitted/ |archive-date=18 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}}</ref>

The city suffers from problems such as [[waste management]], high levels of [[air pollution]] and significant [[noise pollution]].
Over the last decades, air pollution has become a pressing concern as the number of cars has increased. These are mostly 1990s and early 2000s [[Diesel engine|diesel]] cars,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK6ZChjF-L8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/sK6ZChjF-L8 |archive-date=2021-10-30 |title=Stoku i makinave të përdorura – News, Lajme – Vizion Plus |last=VizionPlusAlbania |date=7 November 2013 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while it is widely believed that the [[fuel]] used in Albania contains larger amounts of [[sulfur]] and [[lead]] than in the [[European Union]]. Effective 1 January 2019, the government has imposed an import ban of used vehicles made prior to 2005 in an effort to curb pollution, encourage the buying of new cars from certified domestic dealerships, and to improve overall road safety. Another source of pollution are PM10 and PM2.5 [[Atmospheric particulate matter|inhaled particulate matter]] and [[Nitrogen dioxide|NO<sub>2</sub>]] gases<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ecat-tirana.org/project4/imazhe/Tirana%20Air%20Quality%20Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310212638/http://www.ecat-tirana.org/project4/imazhe/Tirana%20Air%20Quality%20Report.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Environmental Center for Administration & Technology Tirana. 2008. ''Tirana Air Quality Report.'' Tirana: EU/LIFE Program; German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety. |archive-date=10 March 2012 |access-date=20 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.pmcg.co.me/NM7/Dako.pdf |title=Dako, Alba; Lika, Mirela and Hysen Mankolli. 2008. Monitoring aspects of air quality in urban areas of Tirana and Tirana and Durrës, Albania |journal=Natura Montenegrina |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=549–557 |access-date=2013-01-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325152255/http://www.pmcg.co.me/NM7/Dako.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2012}}</ref> resulting from rapid growth in the construction of new buildings and expanding road infrastructure.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cameron |first=Rob |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4062429.stm |title=Tirana: Where the streets have no name |work=BBC News |date=3 December 2004 |access-date=3 December 2004 |archive-date=30 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530002351/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4062429.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Untreated [[solid waste]] is present in the city and outskirts. Additionally, there have been complaints of excessive noise pollution. Despite the problems, the Grand Park at the Artificial Lake has some effect on absorbing CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, while over 2.000 trees have been planted around sidewalks.

Works for four new large parks have started in the summer of 2015 located in Kashar, [[Farka Lake|Farkë]], Vaqarr, and [[Dajti Mountain|Dajt]]. These parks are part of the new urban plan striving to increase the concentration of green spaces in the capital.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oranews.tv – Veliaj: Në Farkë do ndërtohet terminali i autobusave për juglindjen |url=http://www.oranews.tv/vendi/veliaj-ne-farke-do-ndertohet-terminali-i-autobusave-per-juglindjen/ |website=Oranews |access-date=2015-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822190111/http://www.oranews.tv/vendi/veliaj-ne-farke-do-ndertohet-terminali-i-autobusave-per-juglindjen/ |archive-date=22 August 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The government has included designated green areas around Tirana as part of the Tirana Greenbelt where construction is not permitted or limited.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planifikimi.gov.al/?q=sq/content/njoftim-shtyp-lidhur-me-dy-vendimet-e-kkt-se-lidhur-me-kuroren-e-gjelber-te-tiranes-dhe |title=HOME |website=planifikimi.gov.al |access-date=10 July 2017 |archive-date=23 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323053747/http://www.planifikimi.gov.al/?q=sq/content/njoftim-shtyp-lidhur-me-dy-vendimet-e-kkt-se-lidhur-me-kuroren-e-gjelber-te-tiranes-dhe |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://aprtirana.al/baza-ligjore/ |title=Baza Ligjore - APR Tirana |website=aprtirana.al |access-date=10 July 2017 |archive-date=20 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820045348/http://aprtirana.al/baza-ligjore/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

== Politics ==

=== Administration ===
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Tirana|l1=Units of Tirana}}
{{See also|List of Tirana's neighborhoods|l1=Neighborhoods of Tirana}}
{{Further|Mayor of Tirana}}

{{Tirana map|float=right}}
The [[Municipalities of Albania|municipality of Tirana]] is encompassed in the [[County of Tirana]] within the [[Central Albania|Central Region of Albania]] and consists of the rural administrative units of [[Baldushk]], [[Bërzhitë]], [[Dajt]], [[Farkë]], [[Kashar]], [[Krrabë]], [[Ndroq]], [[Petrelë]], [[Pezë]], [[Shëngjergj]], [[Vaqarr]], [[Zall-Bastar]], [[Zall-Herr]] and Tirana.<ref name="Administration">{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Strategjia e Zhvillimit të Qendrueshëm të Bashkisë Tiranë 2018–2022 |url=https://www.tirana.al/uploads/2019/3/20190304142936_szhqbt-2018-2022-30-e-miratuar-per-web-finale.pdf |access-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613230128/https://tirana.al/uploads/2019/3/20190304142936_szhqbt-2018-2022-30-e-miratuar-per-web-finale.pdf |archive-date=13 June 2020 |page=22 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Dorina Pojani |title=Tirana City Profile |date=6 March 2010 |doi=10.1016/j.cities.2010.02.002 |volume=27 |journal=Cities |pages=483–495}}</ref> The [[Administrative units of Tirana|administrative unit of Tirana]] is further partitioned into eleven urban administrative units, namely [[Tirana 1]], [[Tirana 2]], [[Tirana 3]], [[Tirana 4]], [[Tirana 5]], [[Tirana 6]], [[Tirana 7]], [[Tirana 8]], [[Tirana 9]], [[Tirana 10]] and [[Tirana 11]].<ref name="Administration"/>
[[File:Bashkia Tirane.jpg|thumb|Tirana City Hall]]
The Mayor of Tirana along with the Cabinet of Tirana exercises executive power. The Assembly of Tirana functions as the city parliament and consists of 55 members, serving four-year terms. It primarily deals with budget, global orientations and relations between the city and the [[Government of Albania]]. It has 14 committees and its chairman is Aldrin Dalipi from the Socialist Party. Each of the members have a specific portfolio such as economy, finance, juridical, education, health care, and several professional services, agencies and institutes.

In 2000, the centre of Tirana from the central campus of University of Tirana in the Mother Teresa Square up to the Skanderbeg Square, was declared the place of Cultural Assembly, and given state protection. The historical core of the capital lies around pedestrian only Murat Toptani Street, while the most prominent city district is [[Blloku]]. In 2010, the municipality undertook the installing of street name signs and entrance numbers while every apartment entrance was physically stamped.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tirana.gov.al/?cid=1,154,2320 |title=Bashkia – Lajmet e Ditarit |publisher=Tirana.gov.al |access-date=2011-09-15 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927060042/http://www.tirana.gov.al/?cid=1,154,2320 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== National capital ===
[[File:Tirana, consiglio dei ministri, 01.JPG|thumb|The [[Prime Minister's Office (Albania)|Kryeministria]] at the [[Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard]] is the official office of the [[Prime Minister of Albania]].]]
Tirana is the [[capital city]] of the [[Republic of Albania]] thus playing an essential role in shaping the political and economic life of the country.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE) |title=Constitution of the Republic of Albania |url=https://www.osce.org/albania/41888?download=true |page=3 |quote=The capital city of the Republic of Albania is Tirana |access-date=8 June 2020 |archive-date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004191634/http://www.osce.org/albania/41888?download=true |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the home to government functions and institutions for which the government of Albania is responsible, as for instance the [[executive (government)|executive]], [[judiciary|juridical]] and [[legislative]] branches of Albania.

The President and [[Prime Minister of Albania]] officially reside and work in Tirana specifically at the [[Presidential Office Building, Tirana|Presidenca]] and [[Prime Minister's Office (Albania)|Kryeministria]], respectively, nevertheless the [[Parliament of Albania]] is headquartered at the [[Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Presidency |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/attractions-and-sights/presidency |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719105349/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/attractions-and-sights/presidency |archive-date=19 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=The Prime Minister Offices |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/attractions-and-sights/the-prime-minister |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719105452/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/attractions-and-sights/the-prime-minister |archive-date=19 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Albania's Assembly Hall |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/attractions-and-sights/albanias-assembly-hall |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719105802/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/attractions-and-sights/albanias-assembly-hall |archive-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> Tirana is also the home to the national [[Constitutional Court of Albania|Constitutional Court]] and [[Supreme Court of Albania|Supreme Court]]. Important national institutions housed in Tirana include the [[Appeals courts of Albania|Appeal Court]] and [[Administrative Courts in Albania|Administrative Court]].

The [[Bank of Albania]] is located at the Skanderbeg Square while other institutions such as the ministries of [[Ministry of Culture (Albania)|Culture]], [[Ministry of Defence (Albania)|Defence]], [[Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (Albania)|Education]], [[Ministry of Finance and Economy (Albania)|Finance]], [[Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Albania)|Foreign Affairs]], [[Ministry of Health and Social Protection|Health]], [[Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (Albania)|Infrastructure]], [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Albania)|Internal Affairs]], [[Ministry of Justice (Albania)|Justice]] and [[Ministry of Tourism and Environment (Albania)|Tourism]] are spread over Tirana. The city is also the home to all the consulates and embassies in Albania, thereby making it an important centre for international diplomacy in the country.

=== International relations ===
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Albania}}

Tirana is a founding member of the Union of Albanian Municipalities in the Region.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Unioni i Bashkive Shqiptare (UBSHR) |title=Zyrtarizohet UBSHR, mbledh Konferencën e parë |url=https://ubshr.tirana.al/mbahet-konferenca-e-pare-e-unionit-te-bashkive-dhe-komunave-shqiptare-ne-rajon/ |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002190614/https://ubshr.tirana.al/mbahet-konferenca-e-pare-e-unionit-te-bashkive-dhe-komunave-shqiptare-ne-rajon/ |archive-date=2 October 2021 |language=sq |date=21 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[University for Business and Technology]] (UBT) |title=Politikat Lokale – Bashk olitikat Lokale – Bashkëpunimi Ndërkomunal në K ëpunimi Ndërkomunal në Kosovë |url=https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=etd |access-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812094056/https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=etd |archive-date=12 August 2021 |page=42 |language=sq |url-status=live}}</ref> Tirana is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with [[Ankara]], [[Beijing]], [[Bursa]], [[Doha]], [[Florence]], [[Kharkiv]], [[Sarajevo]] and has signed partnership agreements with [[Verona]] and [[Zagreb]].{{efn|name=fn3|Citations regarding the twin or sister cities of Tirana:<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Ankara|Ankara Municipality]] |title=Sister cities of Ankara |url=https://www.ankara.bel.tr/en/foreign-relations-department/sister-cities-of-ankara#.YViNENpBzIU |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002164826/https://www.ankara.bel.tr/en/foreign-relations-department/sister-cities-of-ankara |archive-date=2 October 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Beijing|Beijing Municipality]] |title=Beijing Info: Sister Cities |url=http://english.beijing.gov.cn/beijinginfo/sistercities/ |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006204142/http://english.beijing.gov.cn/beijinginfo/sistercities/mobile/ |archive-date=6 October 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Bursa|Bursa Municipality]] |title=Kardeş Şehirler |url=https://www.bursa.bel.tr/sayfa/kardes-sehirler-261 |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002165140/https://www.bursa.bel.tr/sayfa/kardes-sehirler-261 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |language=tr |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Arabian Business]] |title=Twin cities: Doha & Tirana |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/twin-cities-doha-tirana-448916.html |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006204435/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/twin-cities-doha-tirana-448916.html |archive-date=6 October 2021 |date=8 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Florence|Florence Comune]] |title=Firenze internazionale: Gemellaggi e patti di amicizia |url=https://www.comune.fi.it/pagina/firenze-internazionale/gemellaggi-e-patti-di-amicizia |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006204656/https://www.comune.fi.it/pagina/firenze-internazionale/gemellaggi-e-patti-di-amicizia |archive-date=6 October 2021 |language=it |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Kharkiv]] |title=Города-партнеры |url=https://www.city.kharkov.ua/ru/o-xarkove/goroda-partneryi.html |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006204902/https://www.city.kharkov.ua/ru/o-xarkove/goroda-partneryi.html |archive-date=6 October 2021 |language=uk |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Sarajevo]] |title=Gradovi pobratimi: Spisak |url=https://www.sarajevo.ba/bs/article/5778/gradovi-pobratimi-spisak |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310201912/https://www.sarajevo.ba/bs/article/5778/gradovi-pobratimi-spisak |archive-date=10 March 2021 |language=bs |url-status=live}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Zagreb|City of Zagreb]] |title=Statistical Yearbook of the City of Zagreb 2018 |url=https://www.zagreb.hr/UserDocsImages/arhiva/statistika/SYCZ_2018%2023%2004%202019%20links.pdf |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022171011/https://www.zagreb.hr/UserDocsImages/arhiva/statistika/SYCZ_2018%2023%2004%202019%20links.pdf |archive-date=22 October 2020 |page=34 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Verona|Verona Comune]] |title=Grandi Eventi - Gemellaggi e Patti d'Amicizia |date=5 September 2019 |url=https://www.comune.verona.it/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=5485&tt=verona_agid |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006213000/https://www.comune.verona.it/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=5485&tt=verona_agid |archive-date=6 October 2021 |language=it |url-status=live}}</ref> It has also signed special bilateral agreements with [[Zaragoza]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Zaragoza]] |title=Hermanamientos con Zaragoza |url=http://www.zaragoza.es/ciudad/zaragozainternacional/hermanamientos.htm |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906193658/http://www.zaragoza.es/ciudad/zaragozainternacional/hermanamientos.htm |archive-date=6 September 2021 |language=es |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Economy ==

[[File:Banka_e_Shqipërisë_2017_03.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bank of Albania]]]]

Tirana is the heart of the [[economy of Albania]] and the most [[industrialised]] and economically fastest growing region in Albania. Of the main [[Sector (economy)|sector]]s, the [[tertiary sector]] is the most important for the economy of Tirana and employs more than 68% of work force of Tirana.<ref name="sectors">{{cite web |title=50,7% of Albanian Employees Work in Agriculture |url=http://agroweb.org/?id=10&l=2640&ln=en&url=507-of-albanian-employees-work-in-agriculture |website=agroweb.org |date=26 May 2017 |access-date=22 June 2017 |archive-date=25 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625090430/http://agroweb.org/?id=10&l=2640&ln=en&url=507-of-albanian-employees-work-in-agriculture |url-status=dead}}</ref> 26% of the working population makes up the [[secondary sector]] followed by the [[primary sector]] with only 5%.<ref name="sectors"/>

The city began to develop at the beginning of the 16th century as it was part of the Ottoman Empire, when a bazaar was established, and its craftsmen manufactured silk and cotton fabrics, leather, ceramics and iron, silver and gold artefacts.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The History, Form and Function of the Old Bazaar in Tirana |url=https://www.academia.edu/4406992 |website=academia.edu |last1=Hysa |first1=Armanda |date=4 September 2013 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207064446/https://www.academia.edu/4406992 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 20th century, the city and its surrounding areas expanded rapidly and became the most heavily industrialised region of the country.

The most significant contribution is made by the tertiary sector which has developed considerably since the fall of communism in Albania. Forming the financial centre of the country, the [[financial industry]] is a major component of the city's tertiary sector and remains in good conditions overall due to [[privatization]] and the commendable [[monetary policy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Analysis of the Albanian Banking System in the Transition Years |url=https://www.ijbcnet.com/2-4/IJBC-12-2406.pdf |website=ijbcnet.com |language=en |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.ijbcnet.com/2-4/IJBC-12-2406.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> All of the most important financial institutions, such as the Bank of Albania and the [[Albanian Stock Exchange]] are centred in Tirana as well as most of the [[List of banks in Albania|banking companies]] such as the [[Banka Kombëtare Tregtare]], [[Raiffeisen (Albania)|Raiffeisen Bank]], [[Credins Bank]], [[Intesa Sanpaolo Bank (Albania)|Intesa Sanpaolo Bank]] and [[Tirana Bank]].
[[File:Plaza,_Tirane_Albania.jpg|thumb|left|[[Plaza Hotel Tirana|Maritim Plaza Tirana]] is in the centre of Tirana.]]
The [[telecommunication industry]] represents another major and growing contributor to the sector.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Oltiana |last1=Muharremi |first2=Filloreta |last2=Madani |first3=Erald |last3=Pelari |title=The Development of the Service Sector in Albania and Its Future |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271105196 |website=researchgate.net |pages=2–9 |language=en}}</ref> A rapid development occurred as well as after the end of communism and decades of isolationism mainly due to the new national policy of reform and opening up sped up the industry's development. [[Vodafone Albania|Vodafone]], [[Telekom Albania]] and [[Eagle Mobile|Eagle]] are the leading telecommunication providers in Tirana, as in all the country.

The [[tourism industry]] of the city has expanded in recent years to become a vital component of the economy.<ref>{{cite web |title=TOURISM AND EMPLOYMENT IN ALBANIA – IS THERE A STRONG CORRELATION? |url=http://www.asecu.gr/files/13th_conf_files/Tourism-and-Employment-in-Albania-Is-There-A-Strong-Correlation.pdf |website=asecu.gr |pages=1–9 |language=en |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.asecu.gr/files/13th_conf_files/Tourism-and-Employment-in-Albania-Is-There-A-Strong-Correlation.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Tirana has been officially dubbed as 'The Place Beyond Belief' by local authorities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Veliaj in Singapore: Tirana, a place beyond belief |url=http://rti.rtsh.al/2018/07/11/mayor-veliaj-in-singapore-tirana-a-place-beyond-belief/ |website=Radio Tirana International |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219182332/http://rti.rtsh.al/2018/07/11/mayor-veliaj-in-singapore-tirana-a-place-beyond-belief/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The increasing number of international arrivals at the [[Tirana International Airport]] and [[Port of Durrës]] from across Europe, Australia and Asia has rapidly grown the number of foreign visitors in the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=Turizmi në Tiranë, fluks nga Evropa, Azia e Australia |url=http://www.oranews.tv/article/turizmi-ne-tirane-fluks-nga-evropa-azia-e-australia |website=forum-al.com |location=Tirana |language=sq |date=11 August 2018 |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112195503/http://www.oranews.tv/article/turizmi-ne-tirane-fluks-nga-evropa-azia-e-australia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Veliaj: Ambicia jonë është që Tirana të kapë 1 milion turistë këtë vit |url=http://ata.gov.al/2018/06/07/veliaj-ambicia-jone-eshte-qe-tirana-te-kape-1-milion-turiste-kete-vit/ |website=ata.gov.al |date=7 June 2018 |location=Tirana |language=sq |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207065948/http://ata.gov.al/2018/06/07/veliaj-ambicia-jone-eshte-qe-tirana-te-kape-1-milion-turiste-kete-vit/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The largest hotels of the city are the [[Tirana International Hotel]], [[TID Tower|Maritim Plaza Tirana]] both situated in the heart of the city near Skanderbeg Square, and the Hyatt-owned luxury Mak Hotel Tirana<ref>{{cite web |title=US giant Hyatt takes over former Sheraton Tirana management |url=http://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=139585 |website=Tirana Times | date=6 December 2018 |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805043221/https://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=139585 |url-status=live }}</ref> located next to the [[Arena Kombëtare|Air Albania Stadium]], where Mariott Tirana Hotel is also planned to open.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jonuzaj |first1=Klaudjo |title=Marriott to open hotel in Albania's Tirana - govt |url=https://seenews.com/news/marriott-to-open-hotel-in-albanias-tirana-govt-634773 |website=SEE News |date=28 November 2018 |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=3 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103211041/https://seenews.com/news/marriott-to-open-hotel-in-albanias-tirana-govt-634773 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other major hotels present in central Tirana include the Rogner Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Tirana, Xheko Imperial Hotel, Best Western Premier Ark Hotel, and Mondial Hotel.
{{Clear}}

== Infrastructure ==

=== Transport ===
[[File:Terminal jashte.jpg|thumb|The terminal of [[Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza|Nënë Tereza International Airport]]]]

==== Air ====

Tirana is served by [[Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza|Nënë Tereza International Airport]], which is simultaneously the premier air gateway to the country. The airport was officially named in honour of the Albanian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, Mother Teresa. It connects Tirana with many destinations in different countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The airport carried more than 3.3 million passengers in 2019 and is also the principal [[Airline hub|hub]] for the country's [[flag carrier]], [[Air Albania]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=Statistikat e transportit |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/6649/statistikat-e-transportit_dhjetor_2019.pdf |access-date=13 June 2020 |page=2 |language=sq |date=27 January 2019 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/6649/statistikat-e-transportit_dhjetor_2019.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Road ====
[[File:Autobahn-Alb.jpg|thumb|The [[SH 2 (Albania)|Rruga Shtetërore 2]] (SH2) connecting Tirana with [[Durrës]]]]

The city's geographical location in the centre of Albania has long established the city as an integral terminus for the [[Roads in Albania|national road transportation]], thus connecting the city to all parts of Albania and the neighbouring countries.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Strategjija e Zhvillimit të Qendrueshëm të Bashkisë Tiranë 2018-2022 |url=https://tirana.al/uploads/2019/3/20190304142936_szhqbt-2018-2022-30-e-miratuar-per-web-finale.pdf |access-date=13 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613221311/https://tirana.al/uploads/2019/3/20190304142936_szhqbt-2018-2022-30-e-miratuar-per-web-finale.pdf |archive-date=13 June 2020 |pages=18, 23 |language=sq}}</ref> The [[SH 1 (Albania)|Rruga Shtetërore 1]] (SH1) connects Tirana with [[Shkodër]] and [[Montenegro]] in the north, and constitutes an essential section of the proposed [[Adriatic–Ionian motorway]]. The [[SH 2 (Albania)|Rruga Shtetërore 2]] (SH2) continues in the west and provides direct connection to Durrës on the Adriatic Sea. The Rruga Shtetërore 3 (SH3) is being transformed to the [[A3 (Albania)|Autostrada 3]] (A3) and follows the ancient [[Via Egnatia]]. It significantly constitutes a major section of the [[Pan-European Corridor VIII]] and links the city with [[Elbasan]], Korçë and Greece in the south. Tirana is further connected, through the Milot interchange in the northwest, with [[Kosovo]] following as part of the [[A1 motorway (Albania)|Autostrada 1]] (A1).

During the [[Communism in Albania|communist regime in Albania]], a plan for the construction of a [[ring road]] around Tirana arose in 1989 with no implementation until the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries]] (China-CEE) |title=Albania economy briefing: Tirana's Outer Ring Road and the controversial case of 2.1 km segment |url=https://china-cee.eu/2019/03/06/albania-economy-briefing-tiranas-outer-ring-road-and-the-controversial-case-of-2-1-km-segment/ |access-date=13 June 2020 |date=6 March 2019 |archive-date=13 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613230127/https://china-cee.eu/2019/03/06/albania-economy-briefing-tiranas-outer-ring-road-and-the-controversial-case-of-2-1-km-segment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is of major importance, especially concerning the demographic growth of the [[metropolitan region]] of Tirana as well as the importance of the economy. Although, constructions for the nowadays completed southern section of the ring road started in 2011, however, the northern and eastern sections are still in the planning process.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[TV Klan]] |title=Unaza e Madhe e Tiranës hapet në shtator |url=https://tvklan.al/unaza-e-madhe-e-tiranes-hapet-ne-shtator/ |access-date=13 June 2020 |language=sq |date=14 August 2017 |archive-date=13 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613230126/https://tvklan.al/unaza-e-madhe-e-tiranes-hapet-ne-shtator/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Rail ====

Rail lines of [[Hekurudha Shqiptare]] (HSH) connected Tirana with all of the major cities of Albania, including Durrës, Shkodër and Vlorë. In 2013, the [[Tirana Railway Station]] was closed and moved to Kashar by the city government in order to create space for the New Boulevard ({{langx|sq|Bulevardi i Ri}}) project.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Gazeta Shqip]] |title=Lamtumira e trenit në kryeqytet, stacioni tashmë zhvendoset në Vorë |url=https://www.gazeta-shqip.com/2013/09/01/lamtumira-e-trenit-ne-kryeqytet-stacioni-tashme-zhvendoset-ne-vore/ |access-date=14 June 2020 |language=sq |date=1 September 2013 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614155956/https://www.gazeta-shqip.com/2013/09/01/lamtumira-e-trenit-ne-kryeqytet-stacioni-tashme-zhvendoset-ne-vore/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The new Tirana Station will be constructed in [[Laprakë]], which is projected to be a multifunctional terminal for rail, tram and bus transportation.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Italferr |title=New Public Transport Terminal of Tirana |url=http://www.italferr.it/content/italferr/en/Expertise/attivita/design-e-architettura/stazioni/nuovo-terminal-del-trasporto-pubblico-di-tirana.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208131650/http://www.italferr.it/content/italferr/en/Expertise/attivita/design-e-architettura/stazioni/nuovo-terminal-del-trasporto-pubblico-di-tirana.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 December 2019 |access-date=14 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Koha Ditore|Koha]] |title=Tirana me stacion modern multimodal |url=https://www.koha.net/arberi/90808/tirana-me-stacion-modern-multimodal/ |access-date=14 June 2020 |language=sq |date=2 May 2018 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614140007/https://www.koha.net/arberi/90808/tirana-me-stacion-modern-multimodal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> City officials have also talked about a light rail extension all the way to the location of the former rail station.<ref name="Linja e re hekurudhore">{{Cite web |url=https://ata.gov.al/2023/04/27/veliaj-linja-e-re-hekurudhore-tirane-rinas-durres-perfundon-ne-vitin-2024/ |title=Veliaj: Linja e re hekurudhore Tiranë-Rinas-Durrës përfundon në vitin 2024 |language=sq |website=Albanian Telegraph Agency |access-date=2023-09-16 |author=Arlinda Gjonaj |archive-date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512232827/https://ata.gov.al/2023/04/27/veliaj-linja-e-re-hekurudhore-tirane-rinas-durres-perfundon-ne-vitin-2024/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The new rail line from Tirana through Nënë Tereza International Airport to Durrës has started construction.<ref name="Linja e re hekurudhore" />

In 2012, the Tirana municipality published a report according to which a project on the construction of two tram lines was under evaluation. The tram lines would have a total length of {{convert|16.7|km|abbr=off}}. The plan was never implemented. Under the plan, the two tram lines would have intersected in Skanderbeg Square. The public transport in Tirana is, for now, focused only in the city centre, so that the people living in the suburbs have fewer or no public transport connections.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}

==== Bus ====

Tirana's bus network is its primary and only system of public transport. The system has 16 lines serving the urban core, with another 14 suburban lines serving its outer regions. The urban network is made up of 8 radial lines, 5 diagonal lines, and 3 circular or semi-circular lines.<ref name="Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan">{{Cite web |url=https://tirana.al/en/uploads/2020/12/20201210161510_sump_tirana-volume-i_status_analysis_200724.pdf |title=Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the City of TIRANA |website=Bashkia Tiranë |access-date=2023-09-16 |ref=none |archive-date=29 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029130144/https://tirana.al/en/uploads/2020/12/20201210161510_sump_tirana-volume-i_status_analysis_200724.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Busses often get stuck in traffic. There were only {{convert|7|km|abbr=off}} of dedicated bus lines in 2020.<ref name="Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan" />

There were 451 bus stops on the entire urban network in 2020, extending to over {{convert|170|km|abbr=off}}. Services operate every day, regardless of holidays and weekends, from 06:00 to 24:00. The entire network had an average [[headway]] of 9 minutes on a daily basis in 2018 and in the first half of 2019.<ref name="Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan" />

Nearly 257,000 residents lived within a {{cvt|150|m}} walking area from a bus stop when surveyed in Tirana’s strategic transport study in 2019. That was approximately 35% of the population living inside the Municipal unit of Tirana.<ref name="Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan" />

A single-ride ticket costs 40 Lek, and no hourly or daily options are available. Disabled people and veterans may ride for free. An electronic ticketing system is under implementation.<ref name="Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan" />
[[File:Tirana_Bikes.jpg|thumb|An [[Ecovolis]] station near [[Mother Teresa Square (Tirana)|Mother Teresa Square]]]]

==== Cycling ====

During the administration of mayor Erion Veliaj, the government of Tirana has significantly increased the creation and expansion of a [[cycling infrastructure]] in the city in order to reduce [[traffic congestion]] as well as to improve the [[sustainable transport]]ation.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Administrata.al |title=Pas rikonfirmimit për mandatin e dytë, Veliaj ftohet nga BERZH për vijimin e investimeve në Tiranë |url=https://administrata.al/Pages/News/Local%20Institution/Pas-rikonfirmimit-p%C3%ABr-mandatin-e-dyt%C3%AB,-Veliaj-ftohet-nga-BERZH-p%C3%ABr-vijimin-e-investimeve-n%C3%AB-Tiran%C3%AB.aspx |access-date=14 June 2020 |language=sq |archive-date=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614151350/https://administrata.al/Pages/News/Local%20Institution/Pas-rikonfirmimit-p%C3%ABr-mandatin-e-dyt%C3%AB,-Veliaj-ftohet-nga-BERZH-p%C3%ABr-vijimin-e-investimeve-n%C3%AB-Tiran%C3%AB.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Burgen |first1=Stephen |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=Build it and they will come: Tirana's plan for a 'kaleidoscope metropolis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/oct/29/tirana-2030-albania-capital-plan-erion-veliaj |access-date=14 June 2020 |location=Tirana |date=29 October 2018 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120113513/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/oct/29/tirana-2030-albania-capital-plan-erion-veliaj |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[TRT Türk|TRT]] |title=Tirana është kthyer në qytetin me më shumë korsi biçikletash në Shqipëri |url=https://www.trt.net.tr/shqip/jeta-dhe-shendeti/2018/07/14/tirana-eshte-kthyer-ne-qytetin-me-me-shume-korsi-bicikletash-ne-shqiperi-1012234 |access-date=14 June 2020 |language=sq |date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614151348/https://www.trt.net.tr/shqip/jeta-dhe-shendeti/2018/07/14/tirana-eshte-kthyer-ne-qytetin-me-me-shume-korsi-bicikletash-ne-shqiperi-1012234 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ecovolis]] was launched in 2011 offering rental services for [[bicycle]]s at different centrally located stations for a small fee.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Ecovolis]] |url=http://www.ecovolis.com/ |title=Ecovolis |access-date=21 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106175934/http://ecovolis.com/ |archive-date=6 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Christiaens |first1=Jan |publisher=Eltis |title=Public bike service opens in Tirana (Albania) |url=https://www.eltis.org/de/node/37397 |access-date=14 June 2020 |date=1 August 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614151353/https://www.eltis.org/de/node/37397 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The international [[bicycle sharing system]], [[Mobike]], launched its operations on 8 June 2018 by deploying 4000 bicycles in the city.<ref name="Mobike">{{cite web |last1=Global |first1=Mobike |publisher=[[Mobike]] |title=Mobike Launches in Tirana, Albania |url=https://mobike.com/global/blog/post/albania_launch |access-date=14 June 2020 |date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=22 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922181300/https://mobike.com/global/blog/post/albania_launch |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Radio Televizioni Shqiptar]] (RTSH) |title=Mobike ngushton hartën e përdorimit në Tiranë |url=https://www.rtsh.al/lajme/mobike-ngushton-harten-e-perdorimit-ne-tirane/ |access-date=14 June 2020 |language=sq |date=17 January 2019 |archive-date=17 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117194856/https://www.rtsh.al/lajme/mobike-ngushton-harten-e-perdorimit-ne-tirane/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Both services were discontinued.

Safe cycling paths are still relatively rare, despite improvements in recent years. Paths are often blocked by parked cars or construction. Other obstructions which decrease ride quality, such as drain holes, are also prevalent. There were only around {{convert|30|km|abbr=off}} of cycling routes in 2020.<ref name="Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan" />

=== Education ===
[[File:AkademiaArteve.jpg|thumb|The [[University of Arts (Albania)|University of Arts]] at [[Mother Teresa Square (Tirana)|Mother Teresa Square]]]]
Tirana has the highest concentration of institutions of [[tertiary education]] in Albania, consisting of numerous [[Academy|academies]], [[college]]s and [[universities]]. Most prominent among these is the University of Tirana with campuses around the city and more than 28,000 students from all backgrounds.<ref name="Education">{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Strategjia e Zhvillimit të Qendrueshëm të Bashkisë Tiranë 2018–2022 |url=https://www.tirana.al/uploads/2019/3/20190304142936_szhqbt-2018-2022-30-e-miratuar-per-web-finale.pdf |access-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613230128/https://tirana.al/uploads/2019/3/20190304142936_szhqbt-2018-2022-30-e-miratuar-per-web-finale.pdf |archive-date=13 June 2020 |pages=75–77 |language=sq}}</ref> The [[Polytechnic University of Tirana]] is another distinguished institution and also the most renowned engineering and technical university in the country. The four other public institutions in Tirana are the [[University of Arts (Albania)|University of Arts]], [[Agricultural University of Tirana|University of Agriculture]], [[University of Medicine, Tirana|University of Medicine]] and [[Sports University of Tirana|University of Sports]].<ref name="Education"/>

The educational system of Tirana has expanded substantially over the past years with the renovations of existing school facilities and the construction of new schools.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Programi Buxhetor Afatmesëm 2018–2020 |url=https://www.tirana.al/uploads/documents/page/45/20180528121020_23-programi-buxhetor-afatmesem-2018-2020.pdf |access-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926125931/https://www.tirana.al/uploads/documents/page/45/20180528121020_23-programi-buxhetor-afatmesem-2018-2020.pdf |archive-date=26 September 2020 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Përurohet shkolla 9-vjeçare "1 Maji" |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/perurohet-shkolla-9-vjecare-1-maji |access-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926130331/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/perurohet-shkolla-9-vjecare-1-maji |archive-date=26 September 2020 |language=sq}}</ref> For [[Primary education|primary]] and [[Secondary education|secondary]] education, a variety of schools are available, tagged with the public, private and international labels. Some of the international schools are the [[Tirana International School]], [[Albanian International School]], British School, Montessori School, Memorial School and World Academy. The public primary and secondary Servete Maçi School won an award at the 2020 [[International Architecture Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Harrouk |first=Christele |publisher=[[ArchDaily]] |title=2020 International Architecture Awards Winners Announced |url=https://www.archdaily.com/947499/2020-international-architecture-awards-winners-announced |access-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926134112/https://www.archdaily.com/947499/2020-international-architecture-awards-winners-announced |archive-date=26 September 2020 |date=11 September 2020}}</ref>

=== Health ===

There are numerous public and private [[hospital]]s as well as smaller public and private [[health care facilities]] in the territory of Tirana. The [[University Medical Centre of Tirana "Mother Teresa"|Mother Teresa University Hospital]] is one of the largest medical tertiary institutions of the country. Other medical institutions include the [[University Hospital "Shefqet Ndroqi"|Shefqet Ndroqi University Hospital]], Koço Gliozheni Hospital, Mbretëresha Gjeraldinë Hospital and the [[Tirana Military Hospital|Military Hospital]].

== Demography ==
{{Historical populations
| align = right
| 1703|4,000
| 1820|12,000
| 1923|10,845
| 1937|35,000
|1950|51,383|1960|136,295|1969|152,700|1979|189,000| source = <ref name="world" >{{cite web |publisher=[[World Gazetteer]] |title=Albania: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population |url=http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&geo=-16&srt=1pnn&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&pt=c&va=&srt=p1nn |access-date=12 June 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205081249/http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&geo=-16&srt=1pnn&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&pt=c&va=&srt=p1nn |archive-date=5 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Të dhëna të përgjithshme për Qytetin e Tiranës |url=http://www.tirana.gov.al/common/images/Statisktikat_06_shqip.pdf |access-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911063633/http://www.tirana.gov.al/common/images/Statisktikat_06_shqip.pdf |archive-date=11 September 2008 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=Popullsia e Shqipërisë |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/322938/pop_1_janar_2016.pdf |access-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412123357/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/322938/pop_1_janar_2016.pdf |archive-date=12 April 2016 |language=sq |date=19 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=Popullsia e Shqipërisë |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/372083/popullsia_1_janar_2017___.pdf |access-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505204850/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/372083/popullsia_1_janar_2017___.pdf |archive-date=5 May 2017 |language=sq |date=13 February 2017}}</ref><ref>Citation regarding the Albanian [[census]]es of 1989 and 2001:
* {{cite web |last1=Gjonça |first1=Arjan |last2=Elezi |first2=Pranvera |last3=Sado |first3=Lantona |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=Pabarazitë në Tiranën e madhe |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/1482/6-_pabarazit__n__tiran_n_e_madhe___analiz__e_dinamik_s_s__ndryshimeve_sociale_dhe_ekonomike_t__bashkis__s__re___ruzhdie_bici.pdf |access-date=12 June 2020 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612212531/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/1482/6-_pabarazit__n__tiran_n_e_madhe___analiz__e_dinamik_s_s__ndryshimeve_sociale_dhe_ekonomike_t__bashkis__s__re___ruzhdie_bici.pdf |archive-date=12 June 2020 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cities of Albania|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/albania-cities.htm}}</ref><ref name="UnitPop" />|1989|238,057|2001|341,453|2011|418,495|2023|389,323}}

The [[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Institute of Statistics]] (INSTAT) estimated the population of the municipality of Tirana at 598,176 in the 2023 census.{{sfn|2023 Albanian census|2024|p=67}} With a population density of 502 people per square kilometre, Tirana is the most densely populated municipality in the country.<ref name="PV"/> The encompassing [[metropolitan area]], consisting of the regions of Durrës and Tirana, has a combined population of approximately 1 million amounting to nearly one third of the country's total population.<ref name=census15>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/population.aspx |title=Population – INSTAT |access-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316054551/http://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/population.aspx |archive-date=16 March 2013}}</ref>

Historically, Tirana has experienced a steady population increase in the past years, especially after the fall of communism in the late twentieth century as well as the beginning of the twenty-first century. The remarkable growth was, and still is, largely fueled by migrants from all over the country often in search of [[employment]] and improved living conditions. Between 1820 and 1955, the population of Tirana tenfolded while during the period from 1989 to 2011, the city's population grew annually by approximately 2.7%. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city had a rate of growth less than 1% annually until the 1970s, then down to less than 8% per year until the middle 20th century figures.<ref>''See table'': "Population growth of Tirana in selected periods"</ref>
{{bar box
|width = 219px
|float = right
|titlebar = #EDEAE0
|title = Religion in Tirana County, 2023 {{small|<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=Religion in the Municipality of Tirana 2011 |url=http://www.instatgis.gov.al/ |access-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122001814/http://www.instatgis.gov.al/#!/l/prefectures/population/prefpop1 |archive-date=22 January 2019}}</ref>}}
|bars =
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|MediumSeaGreen|48.67}}
{{bar percent|[[Bektashism]]|LimeGreen|4.94}}
{{bar percent|[[Catholicism]]|DarkOrchid|4.66}}
{{bar percent|[[Orthodoxy]]|MediumOrchid|5.01}}
{{bar percent|Evangelical/other Christians|SkyBlue|0.75}}
{{bar percent|[[Atheism|Atheists]]|LightGray|3.65}}
{{bar percent|Believers without religion/denomination|DarkGray|15.54}}
{{bar percent|Not stated / other|Gray|16.70}}
}}

According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census profile for [[Tirana County]], the population is predominantly of [[Albanians|Albanian]] ethnicity (91.0%), followed by small minorities of [[Greeks in Albania|Greeks]] (0.26%), [[Aromanians|Aromanians (Vlachs)]] (0.10%), [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonians]] (0.06%), [[Montenegrins]] (0.03%), [[Roma in Albania|Roma]] (0.22%), [[Egyptians (Balkan ethnic group)|Egyptians]] (0.13%), [[Bosniaks]], [[Serbs in Albania|Serbs]], [[Bulgarians in Albania|Bulgarians]] and [[Italians in Albania|Italians]] (each below 0.05%). About 8% of residents did not declare or provided no ethnic affiliation. The majority of inhabitants reported [[Albanian language|Albanian]] as their mother tongue (94.7%), with smaller proportions declaring [[Greek language|Greek]] (0.4%), [[Aromanian language|Aromanian]] (0.2%), or other and multiple languages (1.1%).<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=Census 2023 – Tiranë (Population and Housing Census profile) |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/14323/cens-2023-tirana.pdf |access-date=26 October 2025 |language=sq}}</ref>

The [[Life expectancy|life expectancy at birth]] in Tirana is 82.8 years, 84.5 years for women and 81 years for men,<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2025 |title=Albania {{!}} Regional Statistical Yearbook 2023 |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/12878/regional-statistical-yearbook-2023.pdf#page=48 |access-date=4 August 2025 |website=[[instat.gov.al]]}}</ref> exceeding that of wealthier capital cities in [[Western Europe]] such as [[Vienna]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2024 |title=Vienna In Figures 2024 |url=https://www.wien.gv.at/statistik/pdf/viennainfigures-2024.pdf#page=3 |access-date=4 August 2025 |website=[[wien.gv.at]]}}</ref> and [[Berlin]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Germany {{!}} Life expectancy by sex and Länder |url=https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Society-Environment/Population/Deaths-Life-Expectancy/Tables/liste-life-expectancy.html |access-date=4 August 2025 |website=[[destatis.de]]}}</ref>

=== Religion in Tirana ===

In Albania, a [[secular state]] with no [[state religion]], the freedom of [[freedom of belief|belief]], [[Freedom of conscience|conscience]] and [[Freedom of religion|religion]] is explicitly guaranteed in the [[constitution of Albania]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE) |title=Constitution of the Republic of Albania |url=https://www.osce.org/albania/41888?download=true |access-date=20 July 2020 |page=2 |archive-date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004191634/http://www.osce.org/albania/41888?download=true |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |title=Albania 2016 International Religious Freedom Report |url=https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/269026.pdf |access-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815171107/https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/269026.pdf |archive-date=15 August 2017 |pages=1–7}}</ref> Tirana is religiously diverse and has many places of worship catering to its religious population whom are adherents of [[Islam]], [[Christianity]] and [[Judaism]] but also of [[Atheism]] and [[Agnosticism]]. They all maintain their Albanian headquarters spread across the territory of Tirana. Nevertheless, the [[Bektashi Order]] leadership established their world centre also in the city.

In the 2011 census, 55.7% of the population of the municipality of Tirana was counted as [[Muslim]], 3.4% as [[Bektashis]] and 11.8% as Christian including 5.4% as Roman Catholic and 6.4% as [[Eastern Orthodox]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=Instat Gis |url=http://www.instatgis.gov.al/#!/l/prefectures/population/prefpop1 |access-date=24 July 2018 |archive-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122001814/http://www.instatgis.gov.al/#!/l/prefectures/population/prefpop1 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The remaining 29.1% of the population reported having no religion or did not provide an adequate answer. The 2023 census did not publish municipality level religious statistics for Tirana. County level results for [[Tirana County]], where the municipality accounts for the clear majority of residents (598,176 out of 758,513, 78.86%), reported the following composition: 48.67% [[Islam]] (Sunni or non denominational), 4.94% [[Bektashism|Bektashi]], 5.01% [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox]], 4.66% [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], 0.75% Evangelical or other Christians, 3.65% [[Atheism|atheists]], 15.54% believers without a religion/denomination, and 16.70% not stated or other.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) |title=Population and Housing Census 2023, Religious affiliation by prefecture |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/11948/census-2023-en.pdf |access-date=26 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104132907/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/11948/census-2023-en.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2023}}</ref>

The [[Christianity in Albania|Roman Catholic Church]] is represented in Tirana by the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tiranë-Durrës|Archdiocese of Tiranë and Durrës]], with the [[St Paul's Cathedral (Tirana)|St Paul's Cathedral]] as the seat of the prelacy. The [[Albanian Orthodox Church|Albanian Orthodox]] community is served by the [[Archbishop of Albania|Archbishop of Tirana]] in the [[Resurrection Cathedral, Tirana|Resurrection Cathedral]].<gallery mode="packed" caption="Religious buildings in Tirana">
File:Ethem Bey Mosque, Tirana, Albania.jpg|[[Et'hem Bey Mosque]]
File:Tirana church 2016.jpg|[[Sacred Heart Church (Tirana)|Sacred Heart Church]]
File:St Paul Tirana.jpg|[[St. Paul's Cathedral, Tirana|St. Paul's Cathedral]]
File:Albanisch-Orthodoxe Auferstehungskathedrale in Tirana Katedralja Orthodhokse Ngjallja e Krishtit Foto 2014 Wolfgang Pehlemann DSC005851.jpg|[[Resurrection Cathedral, Tirana|Resurrection Cathedral]]
File:Qendra Botërore Bektashiane.jpg|[[World Headquarters of the Bektashi|Bektashi World Center]]
File:Great-Mosque-of-Tirana-2018.jpg|[[Namazgah Mosque]]
</gallery>

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Tirana}}

{{Panorama| image = File:Mosaic_on_the_front_of_the_National_Historic_Museum_building_in_Tirana,_Albania,_20070720_img_1472.jpg | height = 250px | caption={{Center|1=Panorama of ''The Albanians History'' mosaic above the entrance of the [[National Museum of History (Albania)|National Museum of History]]}}|alt = ''The Albanians'' mosaic}}

Tirana offers a blend of traditional and modern lifestyle with a variety of arts, food, entertainment, music and night life. Its population celebrates a wide range of religious and other festivals including [[Christmas]], [[Islamic holidays|Eid]], [[Hanukkah]] and [[Nowruz]]. Another festival is [[Summer Festival, Albania|Dita e Verës]] taking place every year on 14 March, during which the Albanians celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

Among the local institutions are the [[National Library of Albania|National Library]], that keeps more than a million books, periodicals, maps, atlases, microfilms and other library materials. The city has five well-preserved traditional houses (museum-houses), 56 cultural [[monuments]], eight public [[library|libraries]].<ref>{{in lang|sq}} [http://www.tirana.gov.al/common/images/Viti%202007.pdf Statistikat 2007] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611154259/http://www.tirana.gov.al/common/images/Viti%202007.pdf |date=11 June 2011 }} PDF Municipality of Tirana. Retrieved 20 July 2008</ref>

There are many domestic and foreign cultural institutions in Tirana, amongst them the [[British Council]], [[Canadian Institute of Technology]] as well as the German [[Goethe-Institut]] and [[Friedrich Ebert Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[British Council]] |title=Rreth nesh |url=https://www.britishcouncil.al/about |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006144828/https://www.britishcouncil.al/about |archive-date=6 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Canadian Institute of Technology]] |title=Rreth nesh |url=https://cit.edu.al/sq/rreth-nesh/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006145338/https://cit.edu.al/sq/rreth-nesh/ |archive-date=6 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Goethe-Institut]] |title=Rreth nesh |url=https://www.goethe.al/?go=rrethnesh&cl=sq |access-date=6 October 2020 |language=sq |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722024243/http://goethe.al/?go=rrethnesh&cl=sq |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Friedrich Ebert Foundation]] |title=Për në–FES Tiranë |url=https://www.fes-tirana.org/about-us/fes-tirana/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006144552/https://www.fes-tirana.org/al/per-ne/fes-tirane/ |archive-date=6 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref> Other cultural institutions include the Chinese [[Confucius Institute]], Greek [[Hellenic Foundation for Culture]], Italian [[Istituto Italiano di Cultura]] and the French [[Alliance Française]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Confucius Institute]] |title=Rreth nesh |url=https://ciut.edu.al/rreth-nesh/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006150043/https://ciut.edu.al/rreth-nesh/ |archive-date=6 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Anna Lindh Foundation |title=Tiranas Centre of Hellenic Foundation of Culture |url=https://www.annalindhfoundation.org/members/tiranas-centre-hellenic-foundation-culture |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006150407/https://www.annalindhfoundation.org/members/tiranas-centre-hellenic-foundation-culture |archive-date=6 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Istituto Italiano di Cultura]] |title=Rreth nesh |url=https://iictirana.esteri.it/iic_tirana/sq/istituto/chi_siamo/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006150702/https://iictirana.esteri.it/iic_tirana/sq/istituto/chi_siamo/ |archive-date=6 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Alliance Française]] |title=Historiku |url=https://aftirana.org/kreu/magazine-like/historiku/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006151132/https://aftirana.org/kreu/magazine-like/historiku/ |archive-date=6 October 2020}}</ref>

=== Architecture ===
[[File:Tirana, Toptani House 2015 01.jpg|thumb|right|The Toptani house from the 18th century]]

Tirana is home to a mixture of architectural styles reflecting the influential periods in its history. Its current appearance was considerably shaped by two totalitarian regimes, once by the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini during the [[Second World War]] and the regime of Enver Hoxha in the [[Aftermath of World War II|aftermath]]. The [[Presidential Palace, Tirana|Palace of Brigades]], the ministries buildings, the government building and the municipality hall are designed by Florestano Di Fausto and Armando Brasini, both well-known architects of the Mussolini period in Italy. The Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard was built in 1930 and given the name [[Zog I of Albania|King Zog I]] Boulevard.
[[File:Tirana_panorama_2016.jpg|thumb|left|[[Florestano Di Fausto]] and [[Armando Brasini]] designed the city plan for Tirana in [[Neo-Renaissance architecture|Neo-Renaissance]] style with articulate angular solutions and giant order fascias.]]

In the 20th century, the part from Skanderbeg Square up to the train station was named Stalin Boulevard. The Royal Palace or Palace of Brigades previously served as the official residence of King Zog I. It has been used by different Albanian governments for various purposes. Because of the outbreak of World War II, and the 1939 [[Italian invasion of Albania]], Zog I fled Albania and never had a chance to see the Palace fully constructed. The Italians finished it and used it as the Army Headquarters. The Palace took its nickname Palace of Brigades because it was taken from the Italians by a people's army brigade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atrium-see.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=154:municipality-of-tirana-partner-in-a-transnational-project-on-totalitarian-architecture |title=Municipality of Tirana, partner in a transnational project on totalitarian architecture |website=atrium-see.eu |access-date=25 October 2016 |archive-date=25 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025235841/http://www.atrium-see.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=154:municipality-of-tirana-partner-in-a-transnational-project-on-totalitarian-architecture |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the 21st century, Tirana turned into a proper modernist city, with large blocks of flats, modern new buildings, new shopping centres and many green spaces. In June 2016, the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj and the Italian architect [[Stefano Boeri]] announced the start of the works for the redaction of the Master Plan ''Tirana 2030''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burgen |first=Stephen |date=2018-10-29 |title='Build it and they will come': Tirana's plan for a 'kaleidoscope metropolis' |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/oct/29/tirana-2030-albania-capital-plan-erion-veliaj |access-date=2023-06-12 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120113513/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/oct/29/tirana-2030-albania-capital-plan-erion-veliaj |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:The Grand Park of Tirana 2016.jpg|thumb|right|The entrance of the [[Grand Park of Tirana]]]]

Tirana is a densely-built area and still offers several public parks throughout its districts, graced with green gardens. The Grand Park is the most important green space in Tirana. It is one of the most visited areas by local citizens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor of Tirana inaugurates second workout area at Artificial Lake Park |url=https://www.ata.gov.al/en/mayor-of-tirana-inaugurates-second-workout-area-at-artificial-lake-park/ |date=23 February 2017 |access-date=25 March 2017 |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517204926/https://www.ata.gov.al/en/mayor-of-tirana-inaugurates-second-workout-area-at-artificial-lake-park/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The park includes many children's playgrounds, sport facilities and landmarks such as the [[Saint Procopius Church of Tirana|Saint Procopius Church]], the [[Presidential Palace of Tirana|Presidential Palace]], the [[Botanical Gardens of Tirana|Botanical Gardens]], the [[Tirana Zoo]], the Amphitheatre, the Monument of the Frashëri Brothers and many others.

The [[Rinia Park]] was built during the Communist era. It bordered by Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard to the east, Gjergi Fishta Boulevard and [[Bajram Curri Boulevard]] to the south, Rruga Ibrahim Rugova to the west and Rruga Myslym Shyri to the north. The [[Taivani]] Centre is the main landmark in the park and houses cafés, restaurants, fountains, and a bowling lane in the basement. The Summer Festival takes place every year in the park, to celebrate the end of winter and the rebirth of nature and a rejuvenation of spirit amongst the Albanians.

As of 2020, it was announced that the Municipality of Tirana will build more green spaces and will plant more trees.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://top-channel.tv/english/second-paid-parking-space-inaugurated-in-tirana/ |title=Second paid parking space inaugurated in Tirana |website=top-channel.tv |access-date=10 May 2020 |archive-date=1 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201110427/http://top-channel.tv/english/second-paid-parking-space-inaugurated-in-tirana/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Archaea Tower, Tirana, Albania.jpg|thumb|right|The Alban Tower, designed by Archea Associati (Italy), completed in 2021]]

=== Museums ===
{{Further|Category:Museums in Tirana|l1=Museums in Tirana}}
[[File:Tirana, Albania – National Museum of History 2019 15.jpg|thumb|left|The [[National Museum of History (Albania)|National Museum of History]] at the [[Skanderbeg Square]]]]

Tirana is the home to a number of museums dedicated to a wide array of arts. The [[National Museum of History (Albania)|National Museum of History]] is located at the Skanderbeg Square and the most representative museum of Tirana.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=National Historical Museum |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/national-historical-museum |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718143127/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/national-historical-museum |archive-date=18 July 2020}}</ref> The mosaic above the entrance is the most dominant feature of the museum displaying the story of how the [[Albanian people]] have fought against invasion and occupation throughout history.

Founded in 1948, the [[National Museum of Archaeology, Albania|National Museum of Archaeology]] at the Mother Teresa Square displays a wide collection of research and discoveries belonging to the archaeological locations around Albania.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=National Archaeological Museum |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/national-archaeological-museum-8052 |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718143128/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/national-archaeological-museum-8052 |url-status=live }}</ref> It exhibits span from prehistory through antiquity and the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, offering an overview of the country's historical diversity.

[[File:Reja,_Tirane_Albania.jpg|thumb|right|The ''Cloud Pavilion'' outside the [[National Art Gallery of Albania|National Art Gallery]] installed by Japanese artist [[Sou Fujimoto]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tiranasmart.city/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/L19-%E2%80%9CThe-Cloud%E2%80%9D-Art-Pavilion-at-National-Gallery-Gardens-.pdf |title="The Cloud" - Art Pavilion at National Gallery Gardens |access-date=18 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817225455/http://tiranasmart.city/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/L19-%E2%80%9CThe-Cloud%E2%80%9D-Art-Pavilion-at-National-Gallery-Gardens-.pdf |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>]]

The [[National Art Gallery of Albania|National Art Gallery]] is considered the most important gallery in Albania housing one of the greatest collections of paintings in the region.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=National Gallery of Arts |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/galleries/national-gallery-of-arts-8056 |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718161502/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/galleries/national-gallery-of-arts-8056 |archive-date=18 July 2020}}</ref> Located at the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, it holds approximately 4.500 works of art including the most important collection of [[Albanian art]] of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The [[Bunkers in Albania|Bunk'art Museum]] consists of two underground bunkers built under the orders and direction of Hoxha during the communist era. Located at the Fadil Deliu Street and Abdi Toptani Street respectively, the bunkers have been transformed into a history museum and contemporary art gallery with exhibits from the Second World War and [[Cold War]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Bunk'Art 1 |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/bunk-art-1 |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718155355/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/bunk-art-1 |archive-date=18 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Bunk'Art 2 |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/bunk-art-2 |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718155614/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/bunk-art-2 |archive-date=18 July 2020}}</ref>

The [[Museum of Secret Surveillance]] was founded in 2017 and is housed within a twentieth century mansion, the building known as the ''House of Leaves'', near the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=The Museum of Secret Surveillance |url=https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/the-museum-of-secret-surveillance:--house-of-leaves |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718145226/https://www.tirana.al/en/points-of-interest/museums/the-museum-of-secret-surveillance:--house-of-leaves |archive-date=18 July 2020}}</ref> It commemorates and honours the victims who fell to the communist terrorism and violence during the communist period in Albania. Other museums include the [[Natural Sciences Museum of Albania|Natural Sciences Museum]], which has branches in zoology, botany and geology, the former Enver Hoxha Museum and the Bunk'art Museum.

The [[Bektashi Museum]] was opened at the [[World Headquarters of the Bektashi]] on 7 September 2015. The museum contains exhibits relating to Bektashi history and leadership.<ref>[https://kryegjyshataboterorebektashiane.org/en/the-bektashi-library/ The Bektashi Library] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213116/https://kryegjyshataboterorebektashiane.org/en/the-bektashi-library/ |date=20 September 2021 }}. Kryegjyshata Botërore Bektashiane. Accessed 19 September 2021.</ref>

===Cuisine===

As in other parts of Albania, agricultural traditions are of great significance to the Albanians in Tirana, substantially appreciated for the production of food such as cheese, olives and wine. In 2016, Albania surpassed Spain by becoming the country with the most coffee houses per capita in the world with 654 coffee houses per 100,000 inhabitants.<ref>{{cite web |title=Albania ranked first in the World for the number of Bars and Restaurants per inhabitant |url=https://www.ocnal.com/2018/02/albania-ranked-first-in-world-for.html |website=Oculus News |date=19 February 2018 |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128150844/https://www.ocnal.com/2018/02/albania-ranked-first-in-world-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This is due to coffee houses closing down in Spain due to the economic crisis, and the fact that as many cafes open as they close in Albania. In addition, the fact that it was one of the easiest ways to make a living after the fall of communism in Albania, together with the country's Ottoman legacy further reinforce its strong dominance in Albania.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

The Tirana region is known for the Fergesa traditional dish made with either peppers or liver,<ref>{{cite web |title=Albanian Fergese - Fergesë e Tiranës me piperka |url=https://www.myalbanianfood.com/recipe/albanian-fergese-e-tiranes-me-piperka/ |website=My Albanian Food |access-date=8 December 2018 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124612/https://www.myalbanianfood.com/recipe/albanian-fergese-e-tiranes-me-piperka/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and is found at a number of traditional restaurants in the city and agri-tourism sites on the outskirts of Tirana.

===Sports===
Being the capital, Tirana is the centre of sport in Albania, where activity is organised across amateur and professional levels. It is home to many major sporting facilities. Starting from 2007, the Tirana Municipality has built up to 80 sport gardens in most of Tirana's neighborhoods. One of the latest projects is the reconstruction of the existing [[Tirana Olympic Park|Olympic Park]], that will provide infrastructure for most intramural sports.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Me sportistët elitar, prezantohet Parku Olimpik i Tiranës |url=http://www.arsimi.gov.al/al/newsroom/lajme/me-sportistet-elitar-prezantohet-parku-olimpik-i-tiranes |website=arsimi.gov.al |access-date=2015-08-31 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923173918/http://www.arsimi.gov.al/al/newsroom/lajme/me-sportistet-elitar-prezantohet-parku-olimpik-i-tiranes |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Tirana hosted in the past three major events, the [[2006 European Promotion Cup for Men]], [[2011 World Mountain Running Championships]] and the [[2013 European Weightlifting Championships]].
[[File:Muzeu_Arkeologjike_Tirane.jpg|thumb|left|[[National Arena Stadium|Air Albania Stadium]] in the city centre under construction]]

There are two major stadiums, the former [[Qemal Stafa Stadium]] and the [[Selman Stërmasi stadium]]. The former was demolished in 2016 to make way for the new national stadium.<ref>{{cite web |author=Shembet "Qemal Stafa" |url=http://www.panorama.com.al/shemben-4-tribuna-lamtumire-stadiumi-qemal-stafa-foto/ |title=Shemben 4 tribuna, lamtumirë stadiumi "Qemal Stafa" (FOTO) |date=25 June 2016 |work=Panorama |language=sq |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=25 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625135018/http://www.panorama.com.al/shemben-4-tribuna-lamtumire-stadiumi-qemal-stafa-foto/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The new stadium called the ''[[National Arena Stadium|Air Albania Stadium]]'' was constructed on the same site of the former Qemal Stafa Stadium and opened in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-12 |title=The stadium with a new name, the AFL comes out with the important announcement. |url=https://www.cna.al/english/sport/stadiumi-me-emer-te-ri-fshf-del-me-njoftimin-e-rendesishem-i414776 |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=CNA}}</ref> It will have an underground parking, Marriott Tirana Hotel, shops and bars and will be used for entertainment events. Tirana's sports infrastructure is developing fast because of the investments from the municipality and the [[Ministry of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports (Albania)|government]].

[[Football in Albania|Football]] is the most widely followed sport in Tirana as well as in the country, having numerous club teams including the [[KF Tirana]], [[Partizani Tirana]], and [[Dinamo Tirana]]. It is popular at every level of society, from children to wealthy professionals. In football, as of April 2012, the Tirana-based teams have won a combined [[List of Albanian football champions|57 championships]] out of 72 championships organised by the [[FSHF]], i.e. 79% of them. Another popular sport in Albania is basketball, represented in particular by the teams [[KB Tirana]], [[BC Partizani Tirana|BC Partizani]], [[BC Dinamo Tirana|BC Dinamo]], [[Ardhmëria Basket|Ardhmëria]] and also the women's [[PBC Tirana (women)|PBC Tirana]].

Recently two [[Rugby union in Albania|rugby teams]] were created: [[Tirana Rugby Club]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportekspres.com/tirana-regbi-klub-kthen-sportin-e-munguar-ne-kryeqytet/ |title=Tirana Regbi Klub kthen sportin e munguar në kryeqytet |website=sportekspres.com |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-date=10 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310004338/http://sportekspres.com/tirana-regbi-klub-kthen-sportin-e-munguar-ne-kryeqytet/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> founded in 2013 and Ilirët Rugby Club<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.osce.org/albania/239266 |title=OSCE Presence in Albania launches sports-based youth development programme - OSCE |website=[[osce.org]] |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-date=8 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208042247/http://www.osce.org/albania/239266 |url-status=live }}</ref> founded in 2016.

===Media===
[[File:Villa_of_the_former_Radio_Tirana_(03).jpg|thumb|right|The former grounds of the headquarters of [[Radio Tirana]]. Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) was initially founded as Radio Tirana in 1938.]]

As the capital, Tirana is the most significant location for the Albanian media industry whose content is distributed throughout Albania, Kosovo and other Albanian-speaking territories. Tirana is the home to most of the national and international [[television station]]s, including the national broadcaster, [[Radio Televizioni Shqiptar]] (RTSH), along with all its television and radio networks. The three largest Albanian commercial broadcasters, such as [[TV Klan|Televizioni Klan]], [[Top Channel]] and [[Vizion Plus]], also maintains their headquarters in the city. The European broadcaster, [[Euronews]], operates a franchise in the city as well as the American broadcaster [[CNN International|CNN]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Euronews|Euronews Albania]] |first1=Michael |last1=Euronews |title=Michael Peters welcomes Euronews Albania to the Euronews family |url=https://euronews.al/en/albania/2019/11/23/michael-peters-welcomes-euronews-albania-to-the-euronews-family |access-date=14 June 2020 |date=23 November 2019 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001114851/https://euronews.al/en/albania/2019/11/23/michael-peters-welcomes-euronews-albania-to-the-euronews-family |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Telegrafi |title=Televizioni A2, partneri ekskluziv i CNN në Shqipëri, nis rekrutimin e stafit |url=https://telegrafi.com/televizioni-a2-partneri-ekskluziv-cnn-ne-shqiperi-nis-rekrutimin-e-stafit/ |access-date=14 June 2020 |language=sq |date=25 April 2018 |archive-date=10 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310093548/https://telegrafi.com/televizioni-a2-partneri-ekskluziv-cnn-ne-shqiperi-nis-rekrutimin-e-stafit/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Tirana is also a principal location for the largest Albanian newspapers, magazines and publications. The newspapers with the largest circulations in Albania are published in Tirana, including [[Gazeta Shqip]], [[Gazeta Tema]], [[Koha Jonë]] and Panorama. [[Gazeta Shqiptare]], one of the oldest Albanian-language newspapers in Albania, operates and has its headquarters in the city.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Stegherr |first1=Marc |last2=Liesem |first2=Kerstin |title=Die Medien in Osteuropa: Mediensysteme im Transformationsprozess |date=3 August 2010 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |isbn=9783531924878 |pages=159–166 |access-date=14 June 2020 |language=de |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OukiBAAAQBAJ&q=gazeta+shqiptare&pg=PA163 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121064343/https://books.google.com/books?id=OukiBAAAQBAJ&q=gazeta+shqiptare&pg=PA163#v=snippet&q=gazeta%20shqiptare&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Tirana also has a well-established [[English language|English-language]] newspaper, notably the daily of [[Tirana Times]].
{{Clear}}

==Notable people==
{{Main|List of people from Tirana}}

===Key of Tirana===
The ''Key of Tirana'' ({{langx|sq|Çelësi i Qytetit}}) is a symbolic recognition given by the Mayor of Tirana to an esteemed personality. It was given to:
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Atifete Jahjaga]], Kosovo-Albanian politician and activist<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[President of Kosovo|Presidential Office of Kosovo]] |title=Presidentja Atifete Jahjaga u takua me kryetarin e Bashkisë së Tiranës, Erion Veliaj |url=https://www.president-ksgov.net/sq/lajme/presidentja-atifete-jahjaga-u-takua-me-kryetarin-e-bashkise-se-tiranes-erion-veliaj |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010155655/https://www.president-ksgov.net/sq/lajme/presidentja-atifete-jahjaga-u-takua-me-kryetarin-e-bashkise-se-tiranes-erion-veliaj |archive-date=10 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Bebe Rexha]], Albanian-American singer and songwriter<ref name="Bebe Rexha and Fatboy Slim">{{cite web |publisher=[[Klan Kosova]] |title=Veliaj i dorëzon "Çelësin e Qytetit" këngëtares Bebe Rexha |date=10 September 2016 |url=https://klankosova.tv/veliaj-i-dorezon-celesin-e-qytetit-kengetares-bebe-rexha/ |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007170609/https://klankosova.tv/veliaj-i-dorezon-celesin-e-qytetit-kengetares-bebe-rexha/ |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Dritan Abazović]], Montenegrin-Albanian politician<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Kryebashkiaku Veliaj i jep "Çelësin e qytetit" Zv.Kryeministrit të Malit të Zi, Dritan Abazoviç |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/kryebashkiaku-veliaj-i-jep-celesin-e-qytetit-zvkryeministrit-te-malit-te-zi-dritan-abazovic |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006213944/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/kryebashkiaku-veliaj-i-jep-celesin-e-qytetit-zvkryeministrit-te-malit-te-zi-dritan-abazovic |archive-date=6 October 2021 |language=sq |date=6 October 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Dua Lipa]], English-Albanian singer and songwriter<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Çelësi i Qytetit për këngëtaren Dua Lipa |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-dua-lipa |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007165951/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-dua-lipa |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Eleni Foureira]], Greek-Albanian singer<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" për këngëtaren me origjinë shqiptare, Eleni Foureira |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-me-origjine-shqiptare-eleni-foureira |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007165254/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-me-origjine-shqiptare-eleni-foureira |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Emeli Sandé]], Scottish singer and songwriter<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[ABC News (Albanian TV channel)|ABC News]] |title=Kryebashkiaku Veliaj i jep "çelësin e qytetit" këngëtares së njohur Emeli Sande |url=https://abcnews.al/kryebashkiaku-veliaj-i-jep-celesin-e-qytetit-kengetares-se-njohur-emeli-sande/ |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010155422/https://abcnews.al/kryebashkiaku-veliaj-i-jep-celesin-e-qytetit-kengetares-se-njohur-emeli-sande/ |archive-date=10 October 2020 |language=sq |date=30 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Ermal Meta]], Italian-Albanian singer and songwriter<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Top Channel]] |title=Fituesi i "Sanremo"-s merr "Çelësin e Qytetit" |url=https://top-channel.tv/2018/06/01/fituesi-i-sanremo-s-merr-celesin-e-qytetit/ |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007172122/https://top-channel.tv/2018/06/01/fituesi-i-sanremo-s-merr-celesin-e-qytetit/ |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq |date=1 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*Giorgio Toschi, Italian commander<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" për Komandantin e Përgjithshëm të Guardia di Finanza, Giorgio Toschi |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-komandantin-e-pergjithshem-te-guardia-di-finanza-giorgio-toschi |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007164827/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-komandantin-e-pergjithshem-te-guardia-di-finanza-giorgio-toschi |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Giusy Ferreri]], Italian singer and songwriter<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" për këngëtaren italiane Giusy Ferreri |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-italiane-giusy-ferreri |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007165739/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-italiane-giusy-ferreri |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Fatboy Slim]], English musician<ref name="Bebe Rexha and Fatboy Slim"/>
*[[István Tarlós]], Hungarian politician<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" për kryebashkiakun e Budapestit, István Tarlós |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kryebashkiakun-e-budapestit-istvan-tarlos |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007165121/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kryebashkiakun-e-budapestit-istvan-tarlos |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović]], Former Croatian president<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" për Presidenten e Kroacisë, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-presidenten-e-kroacise-kolinda-grabar-kitarovic |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007165417/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-per-presidenten-e-kroacise-kolinda-grabar-kitarovic |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Nexhmije Pagarusha]], Kosovo-Albanian icon and singer<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[ABC News (Albanian TV channel)|ABC News]] |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" për këngëtaren Nexhmije Pagarusha |url=https://abcnews.al/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-nexhmije-pagarusha/ |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007172732/https://abcnews.al/celesi-i-qytetit-per-kengetaren-nexhmije-pagarusha/ |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq |date=7 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Noel Malcolm]], English journalist and historian<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" Sir Noel Robert Malcolm |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-sir-noel-robert-malcolm |access-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq |archive-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007170124/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/celesi-i-qytetit-sir-noel-robert-malcolm |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Riccardo Cocciante]], Italian singer and songwriter<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Tiranë |title=Kryetari i Bashkisë së Tiranës i dhuroi Çelësin e Qytetit këngëtarit italian Riccardo Cocciante |url=https://www.tirana.al/artikull/kryetari-i-bashkise-se-tiranes-i-dhuroi-celesin-e-qytetit-kengetarit-italian-riccardo-cocciante |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007165625/https://www.tirana.al/artikull/kryetari-i-bashkise-se-tiranes-i-dhuroi-celesin-e-qytetit-kengetarit-italian-riccardo-cocciante |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Rita Ora]], British-Albanian singer and songwriter<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Klan Kosova]] |title=Erion Veliaj i dhuron "Çelësin e Qytetit" Rita Orës |date=4 June 2018 |url=https://klankosova.tv/erion-veliaj-i-dhuron-celesin-e-qytetit-rita-ores/ |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007171013/https://klankosova.tv/erion-veliaj-i-dhuron-celesin-e-qytetit-rita-ores/ |archive-date=7 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
*[[Robin Krasniqi]], German-Albanian boxer<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Top Channel]] |title=Çelësi i qytetit për Robin Krasniqin/ Boksieri shqiptar u shpall pak ditë më parë kampion bote |url=https://top-channel.tv/2020/10/19/celesi-i-qytetit-per-robin-krasniqin-boksieri-shqiptar-u-shpall-pak-dite-me-pare-kampion-bote/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026140838/https://top-channel.tv/2020/10/19/celesi-i-qytetit-per-robin-krasniqin-boksieri-shqiptar-u-shpall-pak-dite-me-pare-kampion-bote/ |archive-date=26 October 2020 |language=sq |date=19 October 2020}}</ref>
*[[Stevo Pendarovski]], Macedonian politician<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Top Channel]] |title="Çelësi i Qytetit" për Pendarovskin, Bashkia e Tiranës nderon Presidentin e Maqedonisë së Veriut |url=https://top-channel.tv/2019/10/27/celesi-i-qytetit-per-pendarovskin-bashkia-e-tiranes-nderon-presidentin-e-maqedonise-se-veriut/ |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010155037/https://top-channel.tv/2019/10/27/celesi-i-qytetit-per-pendarovskin-bashkia-e-tiranes-nderon-presidentin-e-maqedonise-se-veriut/ |archive-date=10 October 2020 |language=sq |date=27 October 2019}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

== See also ==
*[[Timeline of Tirana]]
*[[Symbols of Tirana]] 
*[[Landmarks in Tirana|Landmarks of Tirana]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{Refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}
*{{cite web |publisher=Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) |title=Population and Housing Census 2011 |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3058/main_results__population_and_housing_census_2011.pdf |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826201945/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/3058/main_results__population_and_housing_census_2011.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2020 |language=en |date=2012 |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|2011 Albanian census|2012}}}}
*{{cite web |publisher=Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) |title=Censusi i popullsisë dhe banesave–Population and Housing Census 2011 (Tirana County) |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/media/195838/11__tirane.pdf |access-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823071731/http://www.instat.gov.al/media/195838/11__tirane.pdf |archive-date=23 August 2017 |location=Tirana |language=sq |url-status=dead |ref={{harvid|2011 Albanian census (Tirana County)|2012}}}}
*{{cite web |publisher=Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) |title=Albania Population and Housing Census 2023 |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/13626/cens-2023-census-botim.pdf |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814174433/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/13626/cens-2023-census-botim.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2024 |language=sq |date=2024 |url-status=live |ref={{harvid|2023 Albanian census|2024}}}}
{{Refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}
* {{cite news |last=Burgen |first=Stephen |work=[[The Guardian]] |title='Build it and they will come': Tirana's plan for a 'kaleidoscope metropolis' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/oct/29/tirana-2030-albania-capital-plan-erion-veliaj |access-date=20 November 2020 |date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120113513/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/oct/29/tirana-2030-albania-capital-plan-erion-veliaj |archive-date=20 November 2020}}
* {{cite news |last=Akkam |first=Alia |publisher=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]] |title=The Capital of Albania Has Transformed Into a Lively, Affordable Destination |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/where-to-go-in-tirana-albania |access-date=20 November 2020 |date=13 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120112034/https://www.vogue.com/article/where-to-go-in-tirana-albania |archive-date=20 November 2020}}
* {{cite news |last=Hillsdon |first=Mark |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |title=The European capital you'd never thought to visit (but really should) |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/albania/articles/tirana-albania-what-to-see-and-do-on-a-weekend-break/ |access-date=20 November 2020 |date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120112327/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/albania/articles/tirana-albania-what-to-see-and-do-on-a-weekend-break/ |archive-date=20 November 2020}}
* {{cite news |last=Crevar |first=Alex |work=[[The New York Times]] |title=Tirana, Breaking Free From Communist Past, Is a City Transformed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/travel/tirana-restaurants-bars.html |access-date=20 November 2020 |date=28 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120112644/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/travel/tirana-restaurants-bars.html |archive-date=20 November 2020}}
* {{cite news |last=McRae |first=Hamish |work=[[The Independent]] |title=Albania: Charmed by Tirana |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/albania-charmed-by-tirana-928159.html |access-date=20 November 2020 |date=13 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704161151/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/albania-charmed-by-tirana-928159.html |archive-date=4 July 2020}}
* {{cite journal |last=Capolino |first=Patrizia |title=Tirana: A Capital City Transformed by the Italians |year=2011 |journal=Planning Perspectives |volume=26 |issue=4 |pages=591–615 |doi=10.1080/02665433.2011.601610 |bibcode=2011PlPer..26..591C |s2cid=143255786}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Tirana|collapsible=collapsed}}
* [https://tirana.al/ Official website] {{in lang|sq}}
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Tirana|short=x}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101201132238/http://tirana.gov.al/?cid=1,10 The rebirth of the city] December 2010 archive {{in lang|sq}}
 
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[[Category:Capitals in Europe]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1614]]
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