Resilience and Transformation: A Photojournalist's Journey through Albania

From the tragedy of Gerdec to vibrant elections and serene beaches, Albania's resilience and transformation unfold through the lens of Vudi Xhymshiti.

Albania, a country nestled in Southeast Europe, boasts a rich history that spans ancient times to the present day. The modern era of Albania is marked by its tumultuous journey from a communist regime under Enver Hoxha, which lasted over four decades, to its transition into a democratic society in the 1990s. This period of transformation has been both challenging and transformative for the nation.

A chain of massive explosions at an ammunition depot over the weekend killed 26 people and left over 300 injured near the capital of Tirana, Albania. Some 1,000 soldiers and 500 policemen searched for victims throughout the disaster zone, with unexploded shells and munitions from the communist-era military depot still littering the dangerous site. As the country declared a day of national mourning, three people were arrested for negligence. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

My journey as a photojournalist in Albania began with a tragic event that shook the country to its core. The explosion at a depot of ammunition in Gerdec claimed the lives of nearly 300 civilians, leaving an indelible mark on the nation. The devastation underscored the urgent need for stringent safety measures and oversight, highlighting the vulnerabilities within Albania's infrastructure.

Bardha Suta, a 38-year-old woman, was injured in the massive blast tragedy of 15 March 2008, in Gerdec, near Vore Township, 16 km from Tirana. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

In the wake of this tragedy, my focus extended to capturing the resilience of the people affected by the explosion. Returning to Gerdec over the years, I have documented the slow but determined efforts of survivors as they rebuild their lives and communities amidst lingering scars.

2009 was a significant year for Albania as it held its parliamentary elections on 28 June. The elections were a critical test for the country’s democratic processes, and the outcome necessitated a coalition government between the Democratic Party and the Socialist Movement for Integration. The election process, observed closely by the European Union, was a step towards Albania’s aspirations for European integration, a journey marked by hopes and hurdles alike.

Two children riding a bicycle wave the Albanian national flag and the Democratic Party flag in support of the pre-election campaign of Jozefina Topalli, Democratic Party candidate for member of parliament, on Monday, 22 June 2009. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

The vibrant political landscape of Albania was vividly captured through my lens. One striking image from this period shows Edi Rama, the leader of the Socialist Party, addressing his supporters during an electoral campaign rally on 21 June 2009. His charismatic presence and the palpable energy of the crowd encapsulate the fervor of Albanian politics. Another poignant moment was captured on election day, as the then-Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party cast his ballot, symbolising a nation's democratic aspirations.

Albania's Socialist Party leader, Edi Rama, addresses his supporters during an electoral campaign rally ahead of the upcoming general election in Tirana, Albania, on Sunday, 21 June 2009. Albanians will vote in the legislative elections on 28 June. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

My exploration of Albania has also taken me to its scenic locales, such as the bustling beach of Durrës. On a sunny day in July 2009, I photographed a fruit trader selling his goods along the shore, juxtaposing the serene leisure of vacationers with the enduring traditions of local commerce. Similarly, the sight of a policeman conducting routine traffic control amidst the summer throng paints a picture of everyday life and order in the coastal city.

A fruit trader brought his fruits loaded on a donkey to sell them along the beach of Durrës as Albanian vacationers enjoy a sunny day on Saturday, 4 July 2009. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

The year 2008 was marked by the aftermath of the Gerdec explosion, with soldiers and policemen scouring the disaster zone amidst unexploded shells and munitions. The nation mourned collectively, grappling with the consequences of negligence that led to such a catastrophe. Images from this period reveal the heartbreaking stories of survivors, like Aishe Selami, a six-year-old child whose life was irrevocably altered by the explosion.

Children appear distressed and in emotional pain as they stand outside their property holding flowers after a chain of massive explosions at an ammunition depot killed 26 people and left over 300 injured near the capital of Tirana, Albania, on Sunday, 16 March 2008. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Fast forward to recent years, Albania continues to grapple with political unrest and societal challenges. The year 2023 saw mass protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, amidst allegations of corruption involving a former FBI agent. Thousands gathered in Tirana, expressing their discontent and calling for accountability in a country still navigating its democratic path.

A fire blaze shell hits the government building after multiple explosive flare devices were thrown at police lines outside the Albanian Prime Minister's Office following a speech by opposition leader Sali Berisha in Mother Teresa Square, Tirana, Albania, on Saturday, 11 February 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Among the serene moments captured in my journey is Rana e Hedhun Beach, a stunning locale where expansive sand dunes meet the sea, epitomising the natural beauty of northern Albania. In 2024, the visit of British Foreign Secretary and Former Prime Minister Lord David Cameron to Tirana marked another chapter in Albania’s international relations, with images reflecting the diplomatic engagement and warm reception by the Albanian populace.

People are walking along the captivating "Rana e Hedhun" Beach where vast sand dunes meet the shoreline seamlessly in Shengjin, Albania, on Saturday, August 19, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Through the lens of my camera, I have witnessed Albania’s trials and triumphs, from the devastating blasts of Gerdec to the political fervour of its elections and the serene beauty of its landscapes. This journey, deeply intertwined with the lives and stories of the Albanian people, continues to be a testament to the resilience and spirit of a nation in constant evolution.

Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.