Try finding an Arab revolution in Albania
Late afternoon, outside the headquarters of Tirana’s central electoral commission. A rather burly group of Albanian socialist party militants await the announcement of the results of the local elections of 8 May. A sizeable police cordon ranged in front of them protects the building where, for the umpteenth time, ballot papers are being counted and recounted. Things seem to have reached an impasse
corruption, civil society, arab spring, politics, tirana, youth, economical crisis, society
Can contemporary art change 'new capitalist' Tirana?
Far from having a ‘pan-Balkan’ culture and being under the influence of a consumerist society, the Albanian capital is exploring new ways of expressing itself. Whilst politicians are tripping on the urns and ignoring blank canvases (literally), local artists are boosting a non-existent contemporary scene
corruption, cities, cinema, tirana, culture, art, travel, best of cafebabel.com
Albanophobia: land for Harry Potter villains?
Pop culture won’t cease to derive from stereotypes and prejudice. One Serbian journalist, who tentatively packed her bags for Tirana, finds out whether this is a revealing sign of ever-present albanophobia or anti-albanianism
Tirana's mobile, open, creative new generation has arrived
With its vintage decor, tartan wallpaper and lounge music, Radio could be any trendy bar in Paris, London or Berlin. But this is Tirana, a city of 700, 000 people and the capital of Albania, a country synonymous with poverty in the minds of most westerners. Yet this lack of interest in the land of eagles has not held young Albanians back from opening up to the outside world
