Erseka - Founded in the 18th century, (Greek: Kolonia, Κολωνια) Erseka is a relatively new town that acts as the capital of Kolonja region of Albania. Standing right next to the Gramozi mountains, it resembles a well-organized small alpine town, topping over 1050 meters. The highest town in Albania, Erseka plays a critical role in all regional activities, including areas relating to economy, culture, and education.
Erseka's people, like all Kolonjars, are proud of their patriotism, freedom-loving and strong educational traditions. They are hard-working and cultured people. Among the first Albanians to emigrate in the middle of the 19th centure, they have a long history of preserving their traditions and values especially in the areas of education, while embracing the positives from the changing world around around them.
Erseka
Contents
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1 Community
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2 Archeology
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3 History
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4 Culture, Music and Arts
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5 Sports
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6 Economy, Agriculture
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7 International Organizations
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8 References
|  [edit] Community
Erseka can be described as an exceptional small town community in post-communist Albania. In the last 15 years, Erseka has led the way in community development and building infrastructure that has improved the lives of its local citizens. Its school system, health facilities, and local government are among the best in Albania.
A well organized quiet town, Erseka is ideal for raising a family. Its high school is known for its high standard of education, sending about 70% of its graduating class to universities who are well prepared to undertake college work. Local citizens have access to a recently renovated library that has a collection of more than 50,000 books. Its local hospital also provides a state of the art healthcare center to citizens. Home to about 12 doctors and 100 nurses, it can accommodate about 100 in-patients.
[edit] Archeology
Based on archeological findings, early residential vestiges in this range confirm the area's long history during the Neolithic period (6000-3000 BC), as established by the discovery of cultural material in the dwelling of NINA's STONE in the village of Kamnik. Inhabitation during the Copper Period (3000 - 2100 BC) was established by the discovery of a copper grave and imported dish from Dimini i Thesalise in the village of Kamnik. The Bronze Age was established by cultural material discovered in the dwelling of NINA's STONE and BIG ROCK in the village of Luaras. Of particular interest is a piece discovered in Tumulare Tombs of Prodan, Rehova, Psarr, Shtike, and Borova. Inhabitation during the Iron Age (1000- 0 BC) was confirmed by the discovery of open fortifications in the village of Prodan, Pradelle, and Borove as well as circle fortifications in Illyrian Forts in Hollmin of Qinamn, Gradec (Bejkove), Cuka of Borova, and the fort of Gradecit (Vrepcke), Bejkova, Boshanj, and Qesarak. Currently, none of these archeological sites is open to visitors. However, the local history and ethnographic museum has archeological and ethnographic samples from local digs that include some of the idems listed above.
[edit] History
The Kolonja range was originally inhabited by the Epirotes and the most northerly Greek[1] tribe of Dassaretae. The attractive vantage ground of this range brought many foreign invaders. However, the region's population managed to resist these many invasions, beginning with revolts during the Roman and Ottoman Empires, and lasting until Albania's Independence Day in November 1912. Kolonja has played a special role in the country's history. This region brought many distinguished idelogists, creative publicists, talented and zealous teachers for Albanian education, as well as many brave combatants and patriots. All hold honorary places in the pantheon of our national memory. These heroes include Fan Noli, Jani Vreto, Shahin Kolonja, Petro Nini Luarasi, Papa Kristo Negovani, Gjerasim, Gjergj, Parashqevi and Sevasti Qiriazi, Themistokli Germenji and Spiro Bellkameni, Sali and Gani Butka, Mersin and Zalo Prodani along with many others. These men were dedicated with both flesh and hear to the Albanian national cause of their time.
[edit] Culture, Music and Arts
Residents enjoy some social and cultural activities. The "Fan Stilian Noli" center presents several artistic and cultural activities throughout the year. Its main theater of 400 seats shows performances by various groups from Korçë, Tirana and local artists. The ethnographic museum also houses a good collection of traditional costumes, textiles and other crafts, for with the town is renowned.
Kolonja, like most of other regions in Albania, has its own music, dance, and traditional dresses. The Kolonjars have embraced their traditions in the fields of oral, instrumental, choreographic, vocal folklore, and traditional crafts by teaching the new generations these skills. Kolonja is represented by one folk group which is most well known for the popular song titled "Neither Small Nor Big". It is distinguished for virtousity in the interpretation of Kolonjar song, dance and melody.
In the center of the town is an obelisk dedicated to Odise Paskal, the Kolonjar Martyr of the Renaissance. Paskal, a sculptor, was recognized as a "Master Sculptor for Albania" and inaugurated on 28 November 1938.
All the types of art created in Erseka are still completed in the old tradition, by hand. The new generations of Erseka have embraced these traditions and continue to follow in this manner, working to create new traditions in the areas of music and art that help to define the region and its people.
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