Metodologjia

This project has aimed to bring a rich and understandable overview of the Albanian intangible cultural heritage. By relying on legends and folk tales, a strong connection between the past and the present has been enabled. Although legends are always a product of the popular imagination, they are filled with powerful messages and convey healthy and sustainable values that are closely related to the life and feelings of Albanian society. Each story has been treated not simply as a myth, but as an asset that has a direct impact on society and that has a deep meaning within it. For these reasons, an approach has been used that connects the stories to a certain historical and social context, taking into account that each legend was born in different conditions, through influences from certain periods.

Thus, each story has been treated by relying on the literature and scientific studies that have been done on these historical events and periods, enabling a deep and clear contextualization of the stories treated. It was equally important that legends and folktales were included in this material, not as simple stories, but as reflections of a society that has found in them ways to express its identity, language, customs and traditions, hopes and beliefs. Legends are also a means of preserving and passing on powerful messages between generations, which help build identity and preserve cultural heritage. To ensure the most accurate and consistent picture possible, we have based our explanations on historical sources and other evidence that provide a deeper understanding of the period that gave rise to each story.

It is important to emphasize that these legends are not only reflections of history, but also ways of expressing the beliefs, morals and feelings of the people of the time. Therefore, these stories, although they contain imaginary elements, are closely related to events and situations that have occurred and that have had a great impact on Illyrian and later Albanian society and culture. This approach has enabled legends and stories to unfold a rich and well-understood history in the context of their time. The preparation of these stories has aimed not only to provide an overview of the Albanian cultural heritage, but also to encourage a deep reflection on the values they convey. The messages they carry are strong and enduring, having a direct impact on shaping the mentality and traditions that underpin Albanian society, and remain valuable and important for new generations.

For each selected story, we have followed a clear and consolidated structure, which includes several key elements that ensure a complete, in-depth and credible treatment. This process is designed to ensure that each story is written respecting several steps and principles, to provide a clear and credible overview. Preparing an in-depth review of the story: Before writing each story, detailed research on the historical period of the event was carried out, including studies and reliable sources.

This has helped to create a strong and grounded context for each event. Selection of relevant sources and documents: Each story has been based on written sources, oral heritage evidence and scientific literature to ensure that the events are treated in an accurate and documented manner. Finally, it is worth emphasizing that the "Heritage is our Brand" project makes a clear contribution to the preservation and promotion of the Albanian intangible cultural heritage by linking it to the rich identity of the Albanian nation. Through the rebirth of legends and folk tales, this material is an opportunity to reflect the richness of cultural heritage and to strengthen the ties between Albanian generations and lands. Legends, although influenced by the popular imagination, carry strong messages and convey important values for the preservation of Albanian traditions, morality and identity. The methodology we have followed has been carefully constructed to ensure that these stories have a deep and accurate meaning by linking them to historical periods and documented events.

Albanian cultural heritage is not a treasure trove of the past, but an asset that continues to influence and guide Albanian society today. It enables younger generations to engage with their past, keeping alive the memory and values that have shaped the Albanian nation and that will continue to guide the future. Read the full study
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