A private museum of the Albanian rare flags is the proposal of Shpetim Sala collector, who has been devoted for a long time to the collection of varied relics. The museum is expected to have 50 flags dating from 1905 to 1944, preserved by the families Toptani and Sala. Besides the flags, at the museum will be exhibited different objects such as engraved ark with eagle, embroidery with eagle and other objects dating from the eighteenth century. Sala highlights that a part of their, represent the journey through the centuries of the Albanian national flag. Even the museum location is not yet fixed, the collector says “we are looking for an appropriate environment, which reflects the values of the museum as the first museum of the flag in Albania.
Below is the full interview:
-How many flags will you have in museum?
The museum will have about 50 flags.
-What are these flags, in which historical events have been used?
The flags dates from 1905 to 1944. They are used in various commemorative events, among them we can mention the flag of 1905 that was used in the uprisings of northern Albania, the flag of “Albanian Language” club, Shkoder 1910, and the flag created in 1908 by the Society “Besa Besë”, that was brought from America to Korca. This flag was part of the insurgent movements of Korca.
-What is their story? Where are this flags stored and by whom?
Some of them are stored in families as Sala, Toptani, etc.
-Where do you plan to open the museum?
For the moment we have not yet chosen the place. We are looking for a suitable location that reflects the values of the museum, as the first private museum of the flag in Albania.
-What is their monetary value according to your opinion?
Regarding this question, I’m sorry because I cannot give you precise information because their registration at QKIPK, haven’t been completed yet. However I can say, as it is known, the value of this collection is huge and irreplaceable.
-Which is the oldest flag, which year does it belongs?
The oldest one is the flag of rebellion in the North area of Shkodra that dates 1905.
-In general, when do these flags date? Which are the earliest?
The flags date from 1905 until 1944. Except the flags, the museum will focus on the variety of important historical materials that support the flag journey through the centuries. It will be included such other objects, as engraved ark with eagle, embroidery with eagle and other objects dating to XVIII centurie.
-Is there any flag that represent a kind of historical discovery, or that give additional information to the history?
A large part of them represent the journey through the centuries to the flag of the Albanian nation.
-In what physical condition are the flags? Is this an urgent need for restoration?
The Flags are generally in a good physical condition, but however the need for conservation and restoration is present.
-Do you have registered and certified your collection? So, do you have stated in QKIPK?
Currently, we are in the certification process. We have not yet completed the registration in QKIPK.
(Fatmir Nikolli, Albanian newspaper July 28th, 2016)
