Shkodra, a 2500-Year-Old City with an Ancient Cultural Tradition

The city of Shkodra is known as a city with a rich and ancient cultural heritage. In the diversity of the constituent elements of its culture, what gives a unique style is the artisan culture of the people of Shkodra developed in the direction of processing various metals such: wood, metal, and leather, which were typically worked on by men. Women, on the other hand worked mainly in embroidery of clothes, creating garments, sheets, pillows, tablecloths, and weaving fabrics, as well as crafting carpets.

The artisanal products of the city of Shkodra are categorized according to its geo-ethnographic regions: the areas of Dukagjin, Malësia e Madhe, Shllak, Postrribë, Zadrimë, Anamal, Krajë, and the regions of Pukë and Mirditë.

The materials used for crafting are mainly of local origin, although imported materials have also been utilized.

The crafts are classified based on their function into the following categories:

  • Textiles, such as complete garments or individual clothing elements, home furnishings like carpets, curtains, and tablecloths. Wool, natural silk, cotton, or linen are widely used in their production.
  • Wooden furniture with carvings, such as shelves, tables, chairs, and decorative elements for homes, featuring geometric, floral, and animal motifs.
  • Stone objects, including exterior elements of urban homes like wellheads, troughs, large storage containers, architectural components, and other carved items with intriguing designs and original shapes.
  • Tools for various craftsmen, such as those for blacksmiths, jewelers, leatherworkers, coppersmiths, woodcarvers, and gunsmiths.
  • Traditional musical instruments, including the lahuta, çifteli, flutes, zumare, and saze.

Artisans in Shkodra

Nebije Çotaj is one of the oldest artisans in Shkodra, having inherited her craft from her ancestors. Her work is highly requested all over Albania and beyond. In her workshop, you can find handwoven carpets, bags, rugs, and bedspreads, some of which she has crafted herself and through generations.