Gjerg and Tom debating fiercely at a political meeting in Thethi valley, northern Albania.
The socialist party won the elections a couple of weeks later and Gjerg Harusha (to the left) had to step down from his local power position.
Tag Archives: Thethi valley
Clean breathing in Theth.
The hard to reach Theth valley in northern Albania. June 2013
Working the land in Thethi valley
An estimated 60% of Albanian economy depends on agriculture. This is Europe June 10, 2013.
Picture shot at Thethi National Park in northern Albania
(More of this.. category “Albania” or https://hakanronnblad.com/2013/06/14/thethi-valley-a-forgotten-world/)
On the road to Thethi
Elaborating about his guesthouse building project, on the road to Thethi National Park. Albania June 8.
Tom versus Gjergj
Last week me and my Albanian friend visited the isolated Thethi valley in the mountains of northern Albania
https://hakanronnblad.com/2013/06/14/thethi-valley-a-forgotten-world/
The owner of the guesthouse “Ded” insisted that I should attend the election campaign meeting that was taking place in our temporary home next day.
Ded was apparently very proud to be hosting the meeting with such distinguished guests. the preparations went on all night long with the unpacking of large amounts of beer and raki. Three sheeps were slaughtered to serve as main food ingredient for the guests.
Several hundreds of the locals were invited to listen to the socialist deputy from Shkoder, Tom Doshi. The deputy himself had paid all the expenses and he can afford it!
Someone whispered in my ear that he suddenly and surprisingly somehow had gained a substantial fortune. The money invested in casinos, construction company’s, TV channels etc has made him one of Albania’s richest men.
The politician and his company arrived in a Range Rover welcomed somewhat like a semi-god.
As being the only foreigner Ded introduced me to the deputy who mumbled something about respect and invited me to sit by his side at the VIP table in the main building.
This gave me a unique possibility to live some Albanian political game closeup and to experience the hot political discussion that took place when the local leader of the democratic party (the party of actual president Sali Berisha)) Gjergj Harusha turned to Tom Doshi and started to argue.
Deputy Tom Doshi is the man in white shirt and Gjergj Harusha wears a brownish coat.
A search on google “Tom Doshi” resulted in many hits, this is one: http://www.mjaft.org/news_en.php?faqe=news&newsid=1360
Thethi valley, a forgotten world
Isolated from the rest of the country during six months each year, due to the snow, the locals of Thethi valley have to do some serious planning for their survival. There is no shop and no electricity available, so do not forget to buy your own toothpaste before you cross the mighty mountains surrounding Thethi.
Time seem to have frozen in this part of northern Albania. The land is cultivated by hand or behind the horse.
Some decades ago a large part of the male population died by the 500-year-old “kanun” family feud tradition implemented by Lek Dukagjin. The last blood revenge according to a village woman, happened five years ago!
Luckily these dark age customs lately seem to have been reduced considerably and as a guest it is hard to find a place where you will be treated in a better way.
Håkan Rönnblad 