“Reforming the Archaeological System in Albania”

On February, 28th 2006, in the library of the ICAA, took place the third meeting of the Group for Archaeological Debate. The topic of this meeting, well attended by people from ICAA, IoA and IoM was “Reforming the Archaeological System in Albania.” It was attended by more than thirty people from ICAA, IoA, and IoM.

A presentation of the main issues involved in the reform of the archaeological system as well as comparisons with the way it works in several Mediterranean countries was done by Prof. Richard Hodges.

Lorenc Bejko presented and illustrated a platform for the organization of the archaeological system in the country based on four principal components: research (IoA), public archaeology (Archaeological Service), education (Department of Archaeology at the University of Tirana), cultural heritage and private sector (Archaeological Units, Societies).

The presentations were followed by lively and active discussions on many issues which need to be further elaborated and debated. This was considered the first of many similar discussions on the important topic of reform of he scientific research in the country.

The participation of Prof. Richard Hodges brought new contribution about this issue. Prof. Hodges spoke about the effort that Albanian archaeology has to put to meet the EU standards, and to adopt and regulate the achievements of our neighbour countries. An important suggestion involved the management of our Culture Heritage and the development of the archaeological tourism in Albania.
Lorenc Bejko made an intervention, presenting his ideas through an elaborate scheme which brought a lively discussion and debate.
This discussion was a step forward for our community. For the first time the debate for the Reforming System was not focused only on the number of archaeologists who will work in the Department of Albanology or Institute of Archaeology. This debate suggested the creation of the Department of Archaeology in the University of Tirana, and a non-governmental organisation for archaeology. Thus the dependence that have to have the museums and the archaeological parks in Albania, etc.

The next meeting will be on March, 9th 2006.

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