Albanian National Archives facts for kids
The Albanian National Archives (also known as A.Q.SH) is the main place where important old papers and records from Albania are kept. It's like a giant memory bank for the country! Its main building is in Tirana, the capital city. But there are also smaller archive offices in other parts of the country. The archives hold many valuable documents about Albania's history.
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What is the Albanian National Archives?
The Albanian National Archives is the official place for keeping historical documents for the Republic of Albania. It collects and protects important papers, photos, and other records that tell the story of Albania.
How the Archives Began
The Albanian National Archives was first opened in 1949. For a long time, it was managed by the Party of Labour of Albania. This party followed a system called Communism, where the government controlled many things.
Getting Help to Modernize
By 2001, the way the country was run changed. The archives needed a lot of help because some of its collections were damaged. Also, it didn't have computers, which made it hard for people to find the documents they needed.
The Swiss Federal Archives stepped in to help. They worked with the Albanian National Archives to fix the damaged papers and bring in new technology. By 2004, the collections were repaired, and computers were in place. This made it much easier for people to search for and find historical information.
Important Historical Treasures
The archives are home to many very important historical documents. Some of these include:
- The Codex Beratinus
- The Codex Beratinus II
- A special version of the New Testament called the Elbasan Gospel Manuscript
These documents are priceless and help us understand Albania's past.
Sharing History with the World
In 2011, the Albanian National Archives started working with the World Digital Library. This partnership means that many of the archives' photographs and books are put online. This way, people from all over the world can see and learn from Albania's history.
