The “Workshop on Hasan Rıza Pasha, the Hero of Shkodra and Turkey-Albania Relations from the Past to the Present” was organized on March 4, 2024, in collaboration with the Turkish Historical Society, the Directorate of the State Archives of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, the Yunus Emre Institute Tirana Coordination Office and Kastamonu University.
The event commenced with opening speeches delivered by H. E. Ambassador Prof. Dr. Derya Örs, President of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History; Prof. Dr. Uğur Ünal, President of the Directorate of the State Archives; Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, President of the Turkish Historical Society; and Ömer Osman Demirbaş, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute Tirana. The event was hosted by Luigj Gurakuqi University.
In his speech, the President of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History, H. E. Ambassador Prof. Dr. Derya Örs referenced the statements made by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Albanian King Ahmed Zogu regarding the bilateral relations between Turkey and Albania, emphasizing that these relations are founded on principles of friendship and brotherhood. He noted that Hasan Rıza Pasha, who exhibited exemplary service throughout his duties, valiantly defended the city of Shkodra against Montenegrin forces during the First Balkan War and he is engraved in the memories as the commander of an important resistance in Turkish history.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Uğur Ünal, President of the Directorate of the State Archives, emphasized the existence of numerous documents within the archives of both countries that illuminate their centuries-long unity. He also expressed his satisfaction in organizing an exhibition dedicated to Hasan Rıza Pasha, who played a pivotal role in the defense of Shkodra.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, President of the Turkish Historical Society, outlined the historical course of relations between Turkey and Albania, noting significant advancements in diplomatic relations during Atatürk’s era. He recalled that these relations, which were interrupted by Italy’s occupation of Albania, revived since the 1960s. Özgen asserted that Turks and Albanians share a common destiny. Stating that it is possible to encounter an Albanian in any neighborhood in Turkey today, Özgen expressed that Turks and Albanians are related.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Rector of Kastamonu University, stated that cultural relations between Turks and Albanians continue deeply today, as they have throughout history.
Ömer Osman Demirbaş, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute Tirana, expressed his hope that the workshop would contribute to the strengthening of friendships between the two nations.
Chaired by Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakçı, the workshop commemorated Hasan Rıza Pasha through presentations by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Çınar, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Balcı, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Özcan, Prof. Dr. Ercan Çelebi, Dr. Ardian Muhaj, and Dr. Bendis Kraja. The discussions focused on Turkey-Albania relations, and the event also included the opening of the “Hero of Shkodra Hasan Rıza Pasha Exhibition.
